[INTRO — spoken over soft stride piano, distant trumpet] Pain came like rain I ran for shade pain came back and knew my name [VERSE 1 — slow swing, close vocal] I held my hurt like a loaded gun kept my finger near what hurt someone Locked the door hid the flame still it burned just the same [PRE-CHORUS — brushed drums enter, upright bass walks softly] I held pain too tight till it cut my hands now I hold it light and I understand [CHORUS — smoky speakeasy lift, muted trumpet replies] Pain don’t erase the good in me pain gave eyes to the dark in me Mercy in me made mercy move pain spoke low and I listened through [VERSE 2 — clarinet shadowing vocal] Smoke climbed high walls grew thin hurt don’t leave till you let it in What I called my enemy came begging to be held so I sat down beside it and listened while it healed [PRE-CHORUS — warmer harmony] I held pain too tight till it cut my hands now I hold it light and I understand [CHORUS — fuller jazz ensemble] Pain don’t erase the good in me pain gave eyes to the dark in me Mercy in me made mercy move pain spoke low and I listened through [BRIDGE — half-time, piano and bass only] Same fire same heat can burn my house or feed me Same wound same grief curse the ache or hear it speak [FINAL CHORUS — luminous speakeasy swell, harmonized vocals] Pain don’t erase the good in me pain gave eyes to the dark in me Mercy in me made mercy move pain spoke low and I listened through Pain don’t erase the good in me pain taught my hands how to hold gently Mercy turned inward then learned to breathe I became kinder by letting pain leave [OUTRO — soft piano, brushed cymbal, spoken directly to listener] Oh-oh gentle teacher Oh-oh bitter flame I am kinder not the same [spoken, no singing] I wonder what the world could be if I stopped guessing what you needed and treated you the way you asked to be treated.
