Lyrically, Messe alternates between poetic imagery, often nostalgic, and more straightforward storytelling. With "Lazy Eye" he makes of the physical condition a metaphor for persistent memory: "I can still see the hem of your dress and the comb as it's parting your hair, and the person I held is still there in my lazy eye..." In "All That I'm Good For," he parallels a strung-along lover and a stray dog: "You know I play with all those strays prowling outside your door. It's the scraps of love you throw my way that have got me on all fours. It's only fair your knew, all that I'm good for is you." Some songs, and some lines, are more striking than others, and a few lyrics are simply vehicles for melody. Yet, when combined with selective instrumentation the end result is a surprisingly memorable album, given that it doesn't demand your attention.