Compassion
David Baerwald & The New Folk Underground Lyrics
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in these barbarous days
of bitterness spite and venom
of brilliant designs
of innocent minds
with nobody there
to defend them
the terrible sights
the cathode lights
are so blinding
but there's something new
all the best people do
it's free and it's fun
and exciting
shalala compassion
yeah just compassion
shalala
tolerance lives
it's a gift you can give
to try to create understanding
I know that it's hard
when you're hurt
and you're scarred
and life is so weird
and demanding
I say live and let live
forget and forgive
that may be why I
am still standing
but there's a new style
it's so simple and wild
so stylish and free
and abandoned
shalala compassion
yeah just compassion
shalala
why is it me
that you want to hurt?
I'd never raise a hand to you
I know that I'm
just a simple jerk
but I am the jerk
that loves you
shalala compassion
yeah just compassion
shalala
why is it me
that you want to hurt?
I'd never raise a hand to you
I know that I'm
just a simple jerk
but I am the jerk
that loves you
tolerance lives
it's a gift you can give
to try to create understanding
I know that it's hard
when you're hurt and scarred
and life is so weird
and demanding
I say live and let live
forget and forgive
that's probably why I
am still standing
rage is the rage
in this barbarous age
of bitterness spite and venom
© 1999 Zen of Iniquity Publishing
David Baerwald's song Compassion depicts the struggles and dilemmas experienced by people in contemporary society. The lyrics are a reflection of the world and how individuals must navigate through the anger and hatred that dominates public discourse. The first few lines of the song describe the rage that exists in our world today, where bitterness, spite and venom have become commonplace. The song is a cry for a more empathetic society where people can come together in compassion and tolerance.
Baerwald suggests that the world needs more love, forgiveness and acceptance. The discourse around social issues has become so toxic that innocent individuals are caught in the crossfire of political and cultural divides. However, there is something new that people can do to break this cycle of negativity, which is compassion. Compassion is a powerful tool for change, it helps individuals heal, find solace and it's exciting to do this. In the chorus, Baerwald invites listeners to join him in singing "shalala compassion," a simple plea for people to embrace empathy and love over hate.
The song ends with the singer questioning why people want to hurt one another when there is so much to gain from treating each other with kindness. He theorises that forgiveness and forgetting is what is needed to make the world a better place. The song's central message is that the world needs more compassion and tolerance to break down the walls that divide people.
Line by Line Meaning
Rage is the rage
Anger is the prevailing emotion in today's society
in these barbarous days
In this time of violence and brutality
of bitterness spite and venom
Characterized by resentment, malice, and poisonous attitudes
of brilliant designs
Innovative concepts and ideas
of innocent minds
Pure and uncorrupted thoughts and intentions
with nobody there
Without anyone to support or protect them
to defend them
To stand up for their beliefs and rights
the terrible sights
The horrifying images and experiences
and the star studded nights
The beautiful and peaceful evenings
the cathode lights
The light emitted from electronic screens
are so blinding
Overwhelming and distracting
but there's something new
However, there is a positive change happening
all the best people do
The most respected and admirable individuals practice it
it's free and it's fun
It doesn't cost anything and it's enjoyable
and exciting
And it provides a sense of adventure and thrill
shalala compassion
This positive change is called compassion
yeah just compassion
It's simply showing kindness and understanding
tolerance lives
The virtue of tolerance still exists
it's a gift you can give
It's something you can offer to others
to try to create understanding
In an effort to foster mutual comprehension
I know that it's hard
I understand that it's difficult
when you're hurt
Especially when you've been emotionally or physically harmed
and you're scarred
And you carry the marks of the trauma
and life is so weird
And things can be unpredictable and strange
and demanding
And requires a lot from us
I say live and let live
My philosophy is to allow others to live as they choose
forget and forgive
To move on from past grievances and show forgiveness
that may be why I
This perspective could be the reason
am still standing
Why I'm resilient and able to persevere
but there's a new style
However, there is an alternative approach
it's so simple and wild
It's uncomplicated but daring
so stylish and free
Fashionable and liberating
and abandoned
And rejected the traditional conventions
why is it me that you want to hurt?
Why am I the target of your aggression?
I'd never raise a hand to you
I would never physically harm you back
I know that I'm just a simple jerk
I understand that I may not be perfect
but I am the jerk that loves you
But I am the flawed person who cares for you deeply
tolerance lives
The virtue of tolerance still exists
it's a gift you can give
It's something you can offer to others
I know that it's hard
I understand that it's difficult
when you're hurt and scarred
Especially when you've been emotionally or physically harmed
and life is so weird
And things can be unpredictable and strange
and demanding
And requires a lot from us
I say live and let live
My philosophy is to allow others to live as they choose
forget and forgive
To move on from past grievances and show forgiveness
that's probably why I
This perspective could be the reason
am still standing
Why I'm resilient and able to persevere
rage is the rage
Anger is the prevailing emotion in today's society
in this barbarous age
In this time of violence and brutality
of bitterness spite and venom
Characterized by resentment, malice, and poisonous attitudes
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID FRANCIS BAERWALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind