Story Behind The Song

John Kalodner

Lyrics

Says she knows like her own skin
The metallic taste of lunacy
And the razor wire of though that courses
Down below what the others see
For to live we've learned to love our flesh
Like a currency to be possessed
To be tilled like seed on fallow ground
To be traded for the noblest cause

Oh Mercy
I know you tried to live
Oh mercy I saw you try

Old and burdened under pretense
Stooping 'neath the crushing weight
Of the many lifetime lessons
Left tomorrow cluttered and left to late
In the forward motion moving swiftly
Counting fenceposts dark with rain
The speed at which I'm travelling
Consumes with fire what of the dream remains

Oh Mercy
I know you tried to live
Oh mercy I saw you try

Wasted breathing saints and sinners
Clamor for your ear
Certain that their syllables are gold
When you listen close the words they speak
Pour salt upon your fear
They live only to watch you die before you're old

Feeble protest meets each caustic wire brand
Seared upon your thought
Like a dagger tracking on he scent of life
Belief is everything and more
Resistance mutters makes a stand
Returns retreats to watching safely
From a distance love is overcome
By fatigue, despair and hatred

Oh Mercy
I know you tried to live
Oh mercy I saw you try