[Verse 1] You keep a list beside the sink Of every decent thing you do You cross one off, then stop to think Was that for them, or for you? [Pre-Chorus] You give away the coat you need Then count the hours till you’re warm A careful heart can plant a seed And still keep score beneath the storm [Chorus] If being good means being empty Tell me what the good is for If happiness makes me less worthy Why am I still keeping score? I want to help without disappearing I want to laugh and still be kind Let both hands hold what they are carrying Let joy and mercy share the time [Verse 2] You call your hunger selfishness You call your rest a borrowed wage But even hands that tend the mess Must leave the room and turn a page [Pre-Chorus] The neighbor’s porch light clicks at ten Her paper bag splits in the rain You lift the cans, she laughs, and then You both walk home a little changed [Chorus] If being good means being empty Tell me what the good is for If happiness makes me less worthy Why am I still keeping score? I want to help without disappearing I want to laugh and still be kind Let both hands hold what they are carrying Let joy and mercy share the time [Bridge] No halo for the sleepless No prize for needless pain A life can bend toward others And still belong to you again [Final Chorus] If being good means being empty Let that old measure hit the floor I can be glad and still be steady I don’t have to starve for more I want to help without disappearing I want to laugh and still be kind Let both hands hold what they are carrying Let joy and mercy share the time [Outro] You set the list beside the sink And leave one line undone You take a breath, you let yourself Be someone loved, not just someone useful
