Compassion
Andrew Witt Lyrics
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Their silence speaks that life's not fair
They feel the weight of all their hunger
And I feel the weight of their despair
And thats a burden hard to bear
Well, I can't change the world
But I can live with open hands
But I can give all that I can
And I can pray and I can love
And when all is said and done
I can't change the world
But I can change the world for one
Hope can drown in so much need
And that's a poor excuse to turn away
Cos I have seen a grateful smile
Shining on a childs face
And that's why I have faith
Well, I can't change the world
But I can live with open hands
And I can't change the world
But I can give all that I can
And I can pray and I can love
And when all is said and done
I can't change the world
But I can change the world for one
Half a world away
Or just across the street
May my eyes be open to
Anyone in need
Well, I can't change the world
No, I can't change the world
No... No...
But I can pray and I can love
And when all is said and done
I can't change the world
But I can change the world for one
For one...
The song "Compassion" by Andrew Witt is a reflection on the harsh realities of life and the human condition. Witt paints a picture of a scene where people are struggling with hunger and despair, and while he cannot change the world, he can choose to live with open hands and give what he can. He acknowledges that hope can be lost in the overwhelming need and poverty in the world, but he holds onto faith from the moments of gratitude and the smiles on children's faces. Witt ultimately presents a message of compassion, that individuals may not be able to change the entire world, but they can make a significant impact on one person's life.
The first verse of the song describes a scene with "empty eyes," speaking to the hopelessness and despair that individuals feel when they face the harsh realities of life. Witt describes their silence as speaking to the injustice in the world, and the weight that hunger and despair carry. Despite these heavy burdens, Witt chooses to carry the weight of their despair by showing compassion and giving what he can. He is operating on the belief that he can make a small yet significant impact, one person at a time. The second verse presents a counterargument that hope can be lost when faced with the overwhelming need in the world. Witt acknowledges that poverty and need are present, but he also chooses to look at the good moments he witnessed in his life. A child's grateful smile serves as a reminder that even small moments of goodness can make a difference in a person's life. The chorus reinforces his commitment to live with open hands, give what he can, and pray and love those around him.
Overall, "Compassion" is a powerful message that expresses the importance of recognizing the harsh realities of the world and the power of compassion to make a difference in one person's life. It may not be possible to change the world entirely, but individuals can choose to have faith in the good moments, and make an impact on someone's life.
Line by Line Meaning
I see a scene of empty eyes
I observe a group of individuals with expressions of hopelessness and despair.
Their silence speaks that life's not fair
Their lack of words indicates that they believe that life is unjust.
They feel the weight of all their hunger
They experience the burden of their hunger and its effects on their wellbeing.
And I feel the weight of their despair
Their sadness and hopelessness have an emotional impact on me.
And thats a burden hard to bear
It is difficult to handle the weight of their despair and hopelessness.
Well, I can't change the world
I understand that I am unable to make global changes.
But I can live with open hands
I choose to live generously and with a willingness to give what I can.
And I can give all that I can
I will offer all that I am capable of giving.
And I can pray and I can love
I can turn to prayer and practice compassion towards those around me.
And when all is said and done
After considering my options and capabilities,
I can't change the world
I still understand that I cannot make global changes.
But I can change the world for one
I can still positively impact and change the life of one individual.
Hope can drown in so much need
A great amount of need can lead to a sense of hopelessness.
And that's a poor excuse to turn away
This hopelessness is not a justification to ignore or avoid helping others.
Cos I have seen a grateful smile
I have witnessed an appreciative smile.
Shining on a childs face
It was on the face of a child.
And that's why I have faith
This experience gives me hope and trust in the possibility of making a positive impact.
Half a world away
A great distance separates me from those in need.
Or just across the street
Or they may be in close proximity.
May my eyes be open to
I hope to remain alert to the presence of others in need.
Anyone in need
All individuals humbled by poverty, hunger or despair deserve attention and compassion.
No, I can't change the world
Again, I comprehend that my global impact is limited.
But I can pray and I can love
However, I can still offer compassion, love and prayer where possible.
And when all is said and done
In the end,
I can't change the world
I cannot make large scale change.
But I can change the world for one
Still, I have the power to make an impact in one person's life.
Contributed by Eliana C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.