An Act of Kindness
Bastille Lyrics


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An act of kindness
Is what you show to me
Not more than I can take
Not more than I can take
Kindness is what you show to me
It holds me 'till I ache
Overflow and start to break
Oh I, got a feeling this will shake me down
Oh I, kind of hoping this will turn me round

And now it follows me every day
And now it follows me every day, every day, every day
And now it follows me every day
And now it follows me every day, every day, every day

An act of kindness
Is what you show to me
It caught me by surprise in this town of glass and eyes
Kindness, so many people pass me by
But you warm me to my core and you left me wanting more

Oh I, got a feeling this will shake me down
Oh I, kind of hoping it will turn me round
Oh I, got a feeling that however slow
Oh I, kind of hoping this will reach my soul

And now it follows me every day
And now it follows me every day, every day, every day
And now it follows me every day
And now it follows me every day, every day, every day

Oh my back's up against the wall
I feel guilty, I feel guilty
Want nothing in return
I feel guilty, I feel guilty
Oh my back's up against the wall
I feel guilty, I feel guilty
Want nothing in return
I feel guilty, I feel guilty

And now it follows me every day
And now it follows me every day, every day, every day
And now it follows me every day
And now it follows me every day, every day, every day

Back's up against the wall
I feel guilty, I feel guilty




And you want nothing in return
I feel guilty, I feel guilty

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bastille's song "An Act of Kindness" speak to the transformative power of kindness and its impact on the singer's life. The song portrays kindness as something that is both unexpected and precious, capable of providing comfort and healing. The repetition of the phrase "is what you show to me" emphasizes the personal nature of the kindness portrayed in the song, suggesting that it has a profound effect on the singer.


The lyrics also suggest a sense of vulnerability on the part of the singer. They express a feeling of being overwhelmed and on the verge of breaking, but also a hope that this act of kindness will bring about a positive change. This reflects the idea that sometimes small acts of kindness can have a powerful influence on a person's emotional well-being, offering solace and the potential for personal growth.


The chorus repeats the idea that this act of kindness follows the singer every day, highlighting its enduring impact. The lyrics suggest that this act of kindness stands out in a world that can often be cold and indifferent. It is portrayed as a source of warmth and a reminder that there is goodness and compassion in the world. The song ultimately conveys a sense of gratitude for the kindness shown and the desire to reciprocate and hold onto that feeling.


Overall, "An Act of Kindness" is a song that explores the profound impact that a simple act of kindness can have on an individual. It highlights the power of human connection and compassion in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving.


Line by Line Meaning

An act of kindness
A compassionate gesture


Is what you show to me
It's how you treat me


Not more than I can take
Not exceeding my capacity


Not more than I can take
Not exceeding my capacity


Kindness is what you show to me
Compassion is your display towards me


It holds me 'till I ache
It embraces me until I feel pain


Overflow and start to break
Overflow and begin to shatter


Oh I, got a feeling this will shake me down
Oh, I have a sensation that this will deeply affect me


Oh I, kind of hoping this will turn me round
Oh, I am somewhat anticipating that this will change my direction


And now it follows me every day
And now it accompanies me daily


And now it follows me every day, every day, every day
And now it accompanies me incessantly


It caught me by surprise in this town of glass and eyes
It unexpectedly shocked me in this town full of transparency and scrutiny


Kindness, so many people pass me by
Compassion, numerous individuals ignore me


But you warm me to my core and you left me wanting more
But you comfort me deeply, and you made me crave for more


Oh I, got a feeling this will shake me down
Oh, I have a sensation that this will deeply affect me


Oh I, kind of hoping it will turn me round
Oh, I am somewhat anticipating that this will change my direction


Oh I, got a feeling that however slow
Oh, I have a sensation that regardless of the slowness


Oh I, kind of hoping this will reach my soul
Oh, I am somewhat anticipating that this will touch my soul


Oh my back's up against the wall
Oh, I feel cornered


I feel guilty, I feel guilty
I experience guilt, I experience guilt


Want nothing in return
Desire no reciprocation


I feel guilty, I feel guilty
I experience guilt, I experience guilt


Oh my back's up against the wall
Oh, I feel cornered


I feel guilty, I feel guilty
I experience guilt, I experience guilt


Want nothing in return
Desire no reciprocation


I feel guilty, I feel guilty
I experience guilt, I experience guilt


And now it follows me every day
And now it accompanies me daily


And now it follows me every day, every day, every day
And now it accompanies me incessantly


And you want nothing in return
And you desire no reciprocation


I feel guilty, I feel guilty
I experience guilt, I experience guilt




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK CREW, DANIEL SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Sam


on Fake it

Has anyone translated the news captions in the music video?

Jeannie Smith


on Pompeii

I like it.

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