Lovers and Poets is an American pop-rock duo based in Los Angeles, Californ… Read Full Bio ↴Lovers and Poets is an American pop-rock duo based in Los Angeles, California. Originally featuring Bryan Talbot and Shannon Hurley, the duo now has Hurley's husband Ben Eisen on bass duty to replace Talbot (citing serious creative differences as the reason for the parting).

The duo's first single Life Is Strange was released on Sept. 23rd, 2009 on Amiestreet. The self-titled full album appeared on July 11th, 2010 on Amiestreet.

www.loversandpoetsmusic.com

Cruel to Be Kind
Lovers and Poets Lyrics

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Be kind to each other

The night’s coming on,

When friend and when brother

By chance may be gone;

Then ‘midst our dejection’

How sweet to have earned 

The true recollection

Of kindness returned.

When day has departed,

And memory keeps

Her watch broken hearted,

When all the loved sleep,

Be kind to each other,

The night’s coming on,

When friend and brother

By chance may be gone,

Let falsehood assail not,

Nor envy disprove,

Let trifles prevail not

Against those you love.

Nor change with tomorrow,

Should fortune take wing -

The deeper the sorrow,

The closer the cling.

When day has departed,

And memory keeps

Her watch broken hearted,

When all the loved sleep,

Be kind to each other,

The night’s coming on,

When friend turned brother

By chance may be gone.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Lovers and Poets' song "Cruel to Be Kind" emphasize the importance of kindness and compassion towards one another, especially in moments of darkness and uncertainty. The opening lines set the tone by urging individuals to be kind to each other, recognizing that the night, metaphorically representing difficult times, is approaching. The lyrics remind us that life is unpredictable, and friends and loved ones may be suddenly gone from our lives.

The second stanza reflects on the pain of memories and sleepless nights, emphasizing the need for kindness during these moments of heartbreak. It serves as a reminder that even in times of personal sorrow, extending kindness to others can bring solace and a sense of fulfillment. The lyrics suggest that true happiness and fulfillment come from the genuine recollection of kindnesses exchanged.

The third stanza cautions against falsehood, envy, and trivial matters that can harm our relationships with those we love. It advises against changing feelings or abandoning loved ones when faced with adversity or fleeting fortune. Instead, it recommends drawing closer together and finding solace in each other during times of sorrow.

Overall, the lyrics of "Cruel to Be Kind" encourage listeners to cultivate kindness as a fundamental principle in their relationships. They highlight the importance of extending compassion during challenging moments, as the true value of relationships lies in the shared experiences of support and kindness.

Line by Line Meaning

Be kind to each other
Treat one another with compassion and understanding

The night’s coming on
Difficult times are approaching

When friend and when brother
Even close relationships may be lost unexpectedly

By chance may be gone
They may leave without any control or intention

Then ‘midst our dejection’
Amidst our sadness and sorrow

How sweet to have earned
How fulfilling it is to receive

The true recollection
The genuine memory

Of kindness returned
Of kindness reciprocated

When day has departed
When the daylight is gone

And memory keeps
When our memories remain

Her watch broken hearted
Their watch, filled with sadness and pain