Let Love Live

[Intro: four rising acoustic notes, warm piano] [Verse 1: Bubba Patrick, mature male] My feet were on the front porch, My mind was miles away; I was winning old arguments With folks who couldn't stay. Then the quiet caught me listening To the racket I had made; Lord, I don't need the last word, I need mercy for today. [Chorus: Bubba and Darlene, distinct male and female] Let love live where the anger used to sit, Let the light come through a little bit. I can tell the truth with open hands, I can leave revenge where it stands. Slow me down, Lord, teach this heart to give; Make a little room and let love live. [Verse 2: Darlene, unmistakably female] Love is patient in the kitchen, Love is kind beside the door; Doesn't keep a little ledger Of what someone owes it more. I can care without controlling, I can listen without fear; I can let another finish Before I make my answer clear. [Chorus: duet] Let love live where the anger used to sit, Let the light come through a little bit. I can tell the truth with open hands, I can leave revenge where it stands. Slow me down, Lord, teach this heart to give; Make a little room and let love live. [Instrumental: tenor sax answered by octave harmonica] [Bridge: Darlene leads, Bubba harmony] Some wounds need a little tending, Some roads need a clear goodbye; Love can set a needed boundary, Love can sit beside a cry. I don't have to earn Your welcome, I don't have to hide my scars; Let the grace that You have given Show up in these hands of ours. [Final chorus: duet, full gospel band] Let love live where the anger used to sit, Let the light come through a little bit. I can tell the truth with open hands, I can leave revenge where it stands. Slow me down, Lord, teach this heart to give; Make a little room and let love live. [Outro: softly, duet] One kind word. One open hand. Lord, let love live. [Return opening motif; piano and acoustic resolve naturally]