Self Esteem

Who it's for

The Offspring's hit is about a guy who keeps letting a woman mistreat him because, deep down, he doesn't think he deserves better.

Feelings it meets

• Self-Worth
• Codependency
• Boundaries
• Toxic Relationship

What it is

"Self Esteem" is the eighth track and second single from The Offspring's 1994 album Smash, written by Dexter Holland. It describes a man who keeps letting his girlfriend mistreat him and gets pulled back into the relationship even when he is ready to leave, because of his low self-esteem. Holland has described it as a semi-true story drawn from his own and his friends' experiences.

Where to find it

All major streaming services.

Before you start

Heads up: Mild language and infidelity.

Age: Suggested 13+

The stars are not afraid to appear like fireflies.Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, no. 48