Everything that Elliott Smith's music succeeded at is in this song: Skillful, extended instrumental sections; long, continually morphing verse passages; impactful, emotional use of special instrumentation (piano, strings); fascinating vocal melody craft and layering.

The lyrics are maybe some of the most revealing and consequential of his career. Read this: http://www.slate.com/…/elliott_smith_waltz_2_x_is_the_best_…

It's an air-tight composition, a perfection, an achievement.