[Verse 1] I want the kid at the bus stop To feel there’s room beside the door I want the stranger with the groceries To hear a kind word, nothing more I want us asking how things work Before we decide what they should mean And every heart, however guarded To find a place where it can breathe [Pre-Chorus] I know the world won’t turn on wishing I know good words can disappear But every better thing we build Begins with what we hold dear [Chorus] I want everyone loved I want everyone curious I want us gentle when it’s hard And brave enough to stay open It’s an impossible picture Still I keep it in my hands If we don’t reach for what is better How will better ever stand? [Verse 2] A neighbor leaves a book outside A friend asks why instead of who’s to blame A tired mother gets a little help No one needs to know her name Small acts don’t make a perfect world They make one corner less alone And maybe kindness travels farther Than the borders we have drawn [Pre-Chorus] I know the dream is oversized I know the ground is cracked and steep But ideals give our feet a heading When the promise is hard to keep [Chorus] I want everyone loved I want everyone curious I want us gentle when it’s hard And brave enough to stay open It’s an impossible picture Still I keep it in my hands If we don’t reach for what is better How will better ever stand? [Bridge] Not perfect—just a little nearer Not finished—just a kinder choice One more question, one less verdict One more person heard as a voice Let the dream be larger than us Let the work begin right here [Final Chorus] I want everyone loved I want everyone curious I want us gentle when it’s hard And brave enough to stay open It’s an impossible picture But it gives us somewhere to stand If we don’t reach for what is better We can’t bring it into our hands [Outro] A little nearer A little kinder A little nearer than we were
