"I watched myself put my paw in the bear trap on that one because there was this clause about leaving members"

In this quote, Elliott Smith is reviewing a past experience where he made a mistake. He utilizes the metaphor of putting his paw in a bear trap to explain the repercussions of his actions. The bear trap represents the trap he fell under, and the pain and problem he faced as a result. He also mentions a stipulation about leaving members, which suggests that this error may have triggered damage or hurt to another person. Smith is acknowledging his own duty and regret for his actions, and possibly likewise acknowledging the significance of considering others in his choices.