Compassion
Timothy B. Schmit Lyrics
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It's amazing how it's all worked out
I am living like a king
It's a wonder that I'm here at all
Now I don't need a thing
I'm existing somewhat in a shell
And I constantly remind myself
How quickly things could change
Oh, out of my head
I know it's true
Sometimes I forget
And I'm so confused
If I see the world as it really is
And it makes me want to run
All I really need is a simple dose of compassion
If I were you I'd take a break
And step down from your throne
You must get dizzy way up there
Sitting all alone
But who am I to criticize?
[ Timothy B. Schmit Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
I've so much work to do
It's not your fault if I'm unkind
And acting like a fool
Oh, out of my head
I know it's true
Sometimes I forget
And I'm so confused
If I see the world as it really is
And it makes me want to run
All I really need is a simple dose of compassion
I could be your lover, be your friend
I could be your enemy
I could say cruel things about your life
But that won't help me see
That there's a smoother road, a softer bed
There's a cleaner breath of air
And it's time well spent to do our best
To find this love affair
If I see the world as it really is
And it makes me want to run
All I really need is a simple dose of compassion
In "Compassion," Timothy B. Schmit sings about his appreciation for his life and how quickly things can change. He acknowledges the anger and turmoil in the world around him, but reminds himself of the importance of compassion. The first verse reflects on how fortunate he feels to be living comfortably, despite realizing that his circumstances could easily be reversed. He admits to feeling somewhat disconnected from the world around him, and tries to stay grounded by acknowledging the potential for things to take a turn for the worse. The chorus emphasizes the power of compassion, recognizing it as a much-needed force to combat the negativity that can creep into one's life.
In the second verse, Schmit shifts focus to a hypothetical you, admonishing them to step down from their figurative throne and recognize the disconnect that can exist between people. He acknowledges that he too can be unkind or act foolishly, and that it's important to treat other people with kindness and compassion. The final verse offers a solution, urging listeners to focus on the love and positivity that exist in the world instead of dwelling on the negative. Once again, Schmit emphasizes the importance of practicing compassion in order to do so.
Overall, "Compassion" is a self-reflective and introspective song that encourages listeners to focus on the positive things in life and treat others with kindness and empathy. It speaks to the importance of recognizing one's own privilege and using it to help others, while acknowledging the potential for darkness and negativity to exist in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
It's amazing how it's all worked out
I am in awe of how well things have turned out for me
I am living like a king
I am living a luxurious life
It's a wonder that I'm here at all
I am grateful for my existence
Now I don't need a thing
I have everything I need
I'm existing somewhat in a shell
I am emotionally disconnected from the world
In a time so full of rage
The world is currently filled with anger and hostility
And I constantly remind myself
I make a conscious effort to remember
How quickly things could change
I am aware that situations can change rapidly
If I see the world as it really is
If I recognize reality for what it truly is
And it makes me want to run
And the truth makes me want to escape
All I really need is a simple dose of compassion
All I need is to be shown empathy and understanding
I could be your lover, be your friend
I could have a positive relationship with you
I could be your enemy
I could have a negative relationship with you
I could say cruel things about your life
I could be mean and hurtful towards you
But that won't help me see
That behavior won't benefit me in any way
That there's a smoother road, a softer bed
That there is an easier, more comfortable way of living
There's a cleaner breath of air
There is a fresh, pure way of experiencing life
And it's time well spent to do our best
It is worthwhile to try our hardest
To find this love affair
To discover love and happiness
If I were you I'd take a break
If I were in your shoes, I would rest
And step down from your throne
And relinquish your position of authority
You must get dizzy way up there
Being in a position of power can be disorienting
Sitting all alone
Being isolated from others
But who am I to criticize?
I have no right to judge or condemn
I've so much work to do
I have many responsibilities to attend to
It's not your fault if I'm unkind
It is my own responsibility to be kind, not yours
And acting like a fool
And behaving foolishly
Sometimes I forget
Occasionally, I lose sight of things
And I'm so confused
And I become perplexed
Oh, out of my head
Oh, I need to clear my thoughts
I know it's true
I am aware that this is accurate
Contributed by Dominic M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.