Sides
Justin Vernon Lyrics

So I heard it from a friend
I received some information from a friend

That there was this guy that I should talk to
My friend suggested that I speak with someone

So you let me in
You allowed me into your space

Opened doors underneath a crucifix statue
You led me to a religious space with a crucifix statue

So I explained to you
I shared my problems with you

I was having troubles getting through
I was struggling with something

And I was thinking of my end
I was contemplating suicide

It was just the sky I kept looking to
I was hoping for a divine intervention

You said "I'm on your side"
You offered your support

I thanked you and I cried
I expressed gratitude and became emotional

I almost died
I was close to committing suicide

I was making strides
I was making progress

I was showing up every Sunday
I was attending church regularly

But I was still confused
I was still struggling

About the pain that had invaded me
I was in emotional pain

And I'm still wondering
I still have questions

If my souls worth it's money back
I question the value of my soul

You assured me
You gave me reassurance

That the congregation would hear me
You promised that I would be heard by the group

They said "we're on your side,
The group offered their support

There's an unconditional kingdom
There is a place of acceptance

That stands up high
It is elevated spiritually

And let's all believers in
It accepts all believers

Through the forgiveness of sins"
Through the act of forgiving sins

So I explained to you what was the cause of my suffering
I shared the story of my trauma

See it was a while ago
It happened in the past

There was an alleyway
It occurred in an alley

And there was a group of them
There were multiple attackers

When they hurt me
When they caused me physical harm

They whispered that the gays had to pay
They made homophobic remarks

When they beat me
When they physically assaulted me

All of my worth was taken away
I felt worthless after the attack

See I needed you
I needed your help

And you know one of the lords the way through
As a religious leader, you were expected to offer guidance

And I was unfolded
I was vulnerable and open

I believed there was something he could do
I had faith in a higher power's ability to help me

But you just hung your head
You became deflated

And told me it was the door I needed to be going to
You suggested that I find my own solution

"Son there's just principles
You stated that there are certain values to follow

I cannot be the one who helps you"
You cannot provide the specific help I need

You said
You spoke

"I'm not your side
You withdrew your support

You're probably paying for your sin
You suggested that I was being punished for my actions

I don't understand your kind
You showed intolerance toward my identity

It isn't mine"
My identity does not align with yours

Father your cold hearts a smoking gun
Your lack of compassion is hurtful

Your cross aint no where I want to hang my hope from
I cannot rely on your version of religion

There's still something I half believe
I still have residual faith

And that's why I'm leaving this world behind me
I am contemplating suicide again

See my sexuality don't have nothing to do with my integrity
My identity should not be a reflection of my morals

When I get into that land
When I die

I'll lead with the one who wears the crown
I will prioritize my faith in a higher power over other ideals

He will say "I'm on your side
I will feel accepted and supported

The side that's kind
The side that embodies kindness and acceptance

Judge not what's right
Do not judge what is acceptable

In time you'll find
You will come to realize

You left"
You left this world