He was an openly gay man in his 50s. I was a mostly-closeted trans gal in my 20s. I was open to him. He was supportive.

He claimed he’d had a hard life, and had many stories to tell. Most of them reeked of bullshit to me. I’m not sure how much was true.

He’d become infatuated with me, and wanted to talk up my “brilliant mind.” I always felt like he was trying to coerce me into a relationship with him.

He would often send me letters to this effect.

This song isn’t about what happened between us, but it was certainly inspired by it.

I don’t know what’s become of him. We did briefly cross paths in a YouTube comment thread, of all the odd places, and I invited him to reconnect, but nothing happened from that.

I hope he’s doing well and that he’s found the love that he needs.

Lyrics: Paper Cuts

I got your letter Addressed to me Don’t know why you sent it It’s such a mystery

You said you’re broken Trying to hide Asked me how I’m doing, said you’re Burning up inside

You tell a story A lover in the past You say you think this time will be different That we will last

I don’t need this kind of attention And I don’t want your affection I don’t want you to always tell me How you think this is meant to be

Another letter You talk of dreams Seeing us together And everything’s serene

Another story How everything was wrong Until the day you met me, how I’m Wonderful and strong

I think you should know It’s hard on me The love you think you have is just a Cause of misery

I don’t need this kind of attention And I don’t want your affection I don’t want you to always tell me How you think this is meant to be

Another letter The paper splattered red By the time I read this you think That you might be dead

You said you loved me Why did I lead you on I’m pretty sure I didn’t want your Melancholy song

I call your lover She says you’re doing fine She told me that you said to tell me, “Please stay on the line”

I don’t need this kind of attention And I don’t want your affection I don’t want you to ever tell me How you think this is meant to be

You say you’re sorry For acting such a fool But can we still be friends if it would Not be cold and cruel

I say I’m sorry I never wanted you The image that you had of me was Anything but true

You say you’re sorry We share a quiet shame I’m sorry if you wanted me I just don’t feel the same

Lyrics: You Believed It Yourself

I look in your window and nobody’s there last night you told me you’d be doing your hair

I really do think if we’re going somewhere We should be honest About the feelings we share

but you tell another story or you tell another lie it is doing nothing for me i don’t know why you even try

I’m so very sorry I hope you are fine I worry about you Getting sick all the time

So I have to wonder Just give me a clue How you were out with friends While sick with the flu

and you tell another story and you tell another lie it is doing nothing for me i don’t know why you even try

I don’t want to hear it How your mother just died This isn’t the first time That you have outright lied

I know what you’re saying Isn’t honestly true Or did you believe the person I paid to tell you?

but you tell another story or you tell another lie it is doing nothing for me i don’t know why you even try

and you tell another story and you tell another lie i know you really abhor me i don’t know why you even try