"Parting Gift" Is One Of The Two Lead Singles From Fiona Apple's Third Studio Album Extraordinary Machine 2005 . It Was Released Alongside "O' Sailor" On August 16 2005. MTV News Described The Song As "a Characteristically Bitter Breakup Song" And Its Protagonist Chastises A Former Beau Calling Him A "silly Stupid Pastime" Whilst Lamenting Their Failed Relationship "It Ended Bad But I Loved What We Started".