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"For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic" is the first track off of Paramore's second album Riot!

                                                                                                                                                                                    

Background[]

"The first song on the record (“For a Pessimist I’m Pretty Optimistic”), I think we reworked that song four or five times before we even recorded it. It was just one of those songs where it didn’t know what it wanted to be, but it became the first song on the record." – David Bendeth

For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic is about putting faith in someone else and seeing that person not succeed and how one feels betrayed when another person you trusted hurt or disappointed you.



The name of the song (For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic) came to be when Hayley Williams was feeling pressured to name the song.

"i was pissed that day in the studio but really stoked and confident about the record. we had no time left to name songs. hence this title and let the flames begin. we always wait too long" - Hayley Williams

Audio[]

An official audio for "For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic" was uploaded to the official Paramore youtube channel on January 17, 2015

Paramore_-_For_A_Pessimist,_I'm_Pretty_Optimistic_(Official_Audio)

Paramore - For A Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic (Official Audio)

Lyrics[]

Just talk yourself up
And tear yourself down
You've hit your one wall
Now find a way around
Well what's the problem?
You've got a lot of nerve

So what did you think I would say?
No you can't run away, no you can't run away
So what did you think I would say?
No you can't run away, no you can't run away
You wouldn't

I never wanted to say this
You never wanted to stay
I put my faith in you, so much faith
And then you just threw it away
You threw it away

I'm not so naive
My sorry eyes can see
The way you fight shy
Of almost everything
Well, if you give up
You'll get what you deserve

So what did you think I would say?
No you can't run away, no you can't run away
So what did you think I would say?
No you can't run away, no you can't run away
You wouldn't

I never wanted to say this
You never wanted to stay
I put my faith in you, so much faith
And then you just threw it away
You threw it away

You were finished long before
We had even seen the start
Why don't you stand up, be a man about it
Fight with your bare hands about it now

I never wanted to say this
You never wanted to stay, well did you
I put my faith in you, so much faith
And then you just threw it away

I never wanted to say this
You never wanted to stay
And I put my faith in you, so much faith
And then you just threw it away

Personnel[]

Streaming[]


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Riot!

Leftarrow - "For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic" "That's What You Get" That's What You Get

Paramore Chronology

This Circle "This Circle" "For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic" "That's What You Get" That's What You Get

Live in the UK 2008

Leftarrow - "For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic" "Born for This" Born for This

The Final Riot!

Pressure "Pressure" "For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic" "We Are Broken" We Are Broken

Riot! (Special/Limited Edition MVI)

Pressure "Pressure (Live)" "(Live)For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic" "Born for This (Live)" Born for This
Riot! (Album)
Riot!

Paramore

Songs For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty OptimisticThat's What You GetHallelujahMisery BusinessWhen It RainsLet the Flames BeginMiracleCrushcrushcrushWe Are BrokenFencesBorn for This
Bonus Tracks When It Rains (Demo Version)Misery Business (Acoustic)TemporaryDecoyMy HeroStop This Song (Lovesick Melody)Rewind
Members Hayley WilliamsJosh FarroJeremy DavisZac Farro
Live In The UK 2008
Live in the UK 2008

Paramore

Songs For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty OptimisticBorn for ThisEmergencyNever Let This GoFencesLet the Flames BeginWhen It RainsCrushcrushcrushPressureHere We Go AgainThat's What You GetMy HeartDecoyMisery Business
Members Hayley WilliamsJosh FarroTaylor YorkJeremy DavisZac Farro
The Final Riot!
The Final Riot!

Paramore

Songs Born for ThisThat's What You GetHere We Go AgainFencesCrushcrushcrushLet the Flames BeginWhen It RainsMy HeartDecoyPressureFor a Pessimist, I'm Pretty OptimisticWe Are BrokenEmergencyHallelujahMisery Business
Members Hayley WilliamsJosh FarroTaylor YorkJeremy DavisZac Farro
ParamoreLogo2022-offwht

Studio Albums
All We Know is FallingRiot!Brand New Eyes
ParamoreAfter LaughterThis Is Why
EP's
The Summer Tic EPThe Only Exception EPSingles Club
The Holiday SessionsAin't It Fun RemixesThe B-Sides
Live Albums
Live in the UK 2008The Final Riot!MTV Unplugged
2010 Summer Tour EPAlive In Europe
Solo
Hayley Williams: Petals for ArmorPetals for Armor IPetals for Armor IIPetals for Armor IIIPetals for Armor: Self-SerenadesFLOWERS for VASES / descansos
Zac Farro: HalfNoise EPVolcano CroweSudden FeelingThe Velvet Face EPFlowerss EPNatural DisguiseZafari EPMotif
Josh Farro: Walkways
Others
Song ListList of Paramore's SongsFueled By Ramen (Label)
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