[Verse 1] When conflict comes, I look in first I replay every word that hurt What they said, what I did, where it went I search my soul for what it meant Long after most folks would move on I’m still asking what I did wrong I look for the cracks in me Thinkin maybe that’s the way to breathe [Pre-Chorus] I hold the fear, I hold the fire I hold their truth and my desire I want to fix it, make it right So I keep checking late through the night [Chorus] Mercy I owe myself Mercy I owe myself I can be fair and still need help In relentless self reflection I give the benefit of the doubt to everybody else But I don’t give me the mercy I owe myself I try to own my part Without owning all of it But deep inside my heart I don’t give me the mercy I owe myself. [Verse 2] I can feel the wound and the why See their stress behind their eyes Their story running under skin While mine stays quiet, folded in I give them grace I don’t return Then wonder why I still feel burned I wait for proof before I grieve Like my own pain has to first believe [Pre-Chorus] I hold the bruise, I hold the blame Then ask my hurt to speak by name I’m trying hard to be that fair But fairness starts with how I care [Chorus] Mercy I owe myself Mercy I owe myself I can be fair and still need help In relentless self reflection I give the benefit of the doubt to everybody else But I don’t give me the mercy I owe myself I try to own my part Without owning all of it But deep inside my heart I don’t give me the mercy I owe myself. [Bridge] Maybe the truth is not a trial Maybe I don’t need to wait this while Maybe I can say, “I’m hurt, too” And still not turn hard as I move [Final Chorus] Mercy I owe myself Mercy I owe myself I can be fair and still need help In relentless self reflection I give the benefit of the doubt to everybody else But I don’t give me the mercy I owe myself I try to own my part Without owning all of it But deep inside my heart I don’t give me the mercy I owe myself. Mercy I owe myself Mercy I owe myself
