Molly Parden is a folk pop singer-songwriter born and bred in Atlanta, GA. … Read Full Bio ↴Molly Parden is a folk pop singer-songwriter born and bred in Atlanta, GA. Known largely for singing backing vocals for acclaimed songwriters passing through town (Peter Bradley Adams, Tyler Lyle, Ryan Horne, Matthew Perryman Jones, Tim Walker, David Ramirez, and Arthur Alligood), Molly also does some songwriting of her own. She independently (and with the help of 90-something Kickstarter backers) released her first full-length 9 song LP Time Is Medicine on April 20, 2011. It was produced by Joel Seibel in Atlanta in spring of 2011, just 2 years behind a 4-song EP Le Premier, her first compilation of professional recordings produced by Trey Roth in Griffin, GA, which was released on September 20, 2010.

Free tracks can be downloaded at her official website, www.mollyparden.com.

Lord Have Mercy
Molly Parden Lyrics

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I wish I was in a different place
I wish I didn't always need all this personal space
I wish I cared like, I said I would
I wish I wanted to be good
'cause if I want something bad enough,
I'll work and think and try
'til I feel that I've done enough
And I'll be satisfied, for the time being

I wish I wanted to be good
Right now, I want to be noticed
And I want to be seen
I wish someone would come to me
And tell me what life means
I want, what I want
And it's not necessarily good
It's not the world that makes us worry, deep inside
It's you and me
Are we living in the truth or a lie?
Do we offer peace and forgiveness?
Do we want to be good?
If I just listened to the words I read aloud
They'd teach me gently and show me how
The Father can use me
and together we are good
We are good
Right now, I want to be noticed
And I want to be seen
I wish someone would come to me
And tell me what life means
I want, what I want
And it's not necessarily good
You're not alone in your sinful shame
Look at me, I am dirty
We are all the same
Lord have mercy, I just want to be good
Oh, Lord have mercy, I just want to be good
You know, I try to be patient
And I want to do things right
Time is not my forte
But, I've got all my life
To try and try

And one of these days
I am going to be good.

Overall Meaning

In "Lord Have Mercy", Molly Parden expresses her longing to be a better person. She admits to wanting things that aren't necessarily good, to not always caring as much as she should, and to struggling with patience and time management. Throughout, she also reflects on how societal pressures and inner turmoil often lead people away from the truth, causing them to focus on superficial desires and feel shame for their shortcomings. However, Parden ultimately finds hope in the possibility of redemption through the guidance and forgiveness of a higher power.

The lyrics are relatable for anyone who's ever felt insecure or unsatisfied with themselves, questioning whether they're living authentically or fulfilling their potential. Parden's vocals are gentle and emotive, drawing the listener into her introspective musings. The song carries a message of self-compassion and a call to look beyond surface-level wants and societal expectations to find true fulfillment.

Line by Line Meaning

I wish I was in a different place
I wish I could escape my current situation

I wish I didn't always need all this personal space
I wish I didn't feel a constant need for alone time

I wish I cared like, I said I would
I wish I were able to care about things as much as I claim to

I wish I wanted to be good
I wish I had a desire to be a better person

'cause if I want something bad enough, I'll work and think and try 'til I feel that I've done enough And I'll be satisfied, for the time being
When I have a strong desire, I will work hard until I feel satisfied with the result for the time being

Right now, I want to be noticed And I want to be seen I wish someone would come to me And tell me what life means I want, what I want And it's not necessarily good
At this moment, I desire attention and validation, but I am aware that what I want may not be beneficial for me

It's not the world that makes us worry, deep inside It's you and me Are we living in the truth or a lie? Do we offer peace and forgiveness? Do we want to be good?
It's not external factors that cause us inner turmoil, it's our own selves. We must question the honesty of our lives and our ability to forgive and bring peace, and our desire to be good

If I just listened to the words I read aloud They'd teach me gently and show me how The Father can use me and together we are good We are good
If I simply pay attention to the words I hear, they can help me become a better person and allow me to do good with the help of God

You're not alone in your sinful shame Look at me, I am dirty We are all the same Lord have mercy, I just want to be good Oh, Lord have mercy, I just want to be good
We are all equally flawed which makes me seek redemption. Oh, Lord, please have mercy and help me become a better person.

You know, I try to be patient And I want to do things right Time is not my forte But, I've got all my life To try and try And one of these days I am going to be good.
Although I may struggle with patience and getting things right, I understand that I have my entire life to continue trying to improve and become a better version of myself.

Contributed by Elena C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS