Collateral Kindness

[Intro: Broken drum pulse]
I meant well
I meant well

[Verse 1]
I can point to all the kindness
I have tried to put in motion
I can measure my intentions
By the depth of my devotion

But the people who were hurting
Didn't experience my meaning
And the damage doesn't vanish
When I offer an explanation

[Pre-Chorus: Silence between phrases]
I didn't want to hurt you
That doesn't mean I didn't

[Chorus: Heavy syncopated melody]
Collateral kindness
What a terrible contradiction
When the person who believes in love
Becomes the source of friction
I can care with all my being
I can still be in the wrong
And the truth deserves an answer
Not another pretty song

[Verse 2]
Every instinct has a history
Every choice can leave a mark
I am more than my mistakes
But they're still a part of me

[Bridge: Distorted voices]
(I was trying)
(I was wanting)
(I was careless)
(I am sorry)

[Final Chorus: Vulnerable, restrained]
Collateral kindness
I can't soften the description
If I want to be forgiving
I must face what needs forgiveness

[Outro: Solo baritone]
I meant well
Now I must do well