The Mercy That’s Missing

1 week ago by @jeffjweir

Liner Notes

On Feb 1, I read an opinion piece in the Washington Post by 85-year-old Colbert King, who won a Pulitzer Prize “for his against-the-grain columns that speak to people in power with ferocity and wisdom.” It was moving, touching, and maddening. I wrote down one of his lines, then another, then another. Then I wrote this song based on his lines. He is my co-author. Thank you Colbert. You are an inspiration to so many. If I want to release this song, I will definitely ask your permission as a collaborator, and feel privileged if you grant permission.

Lyrics

Bodies in the Potomac
Families shattered
Unexpectedly
Politics has no place at that scene
But he decided differently

Acknowledging no explanation
But baselessly casting blame
The lack of empathy was achingly evident
He couldn’t wait to play his game

The mercy that’s missing
What helps to see us through
Convictions matter
Behavior, too
The mercy that’s missing
A sense of right and wrong
Compassion in the toughest of times
Makes us strong

She gave a sermon bout grace
Called for compassion for those in fear
He called her nasty and bad
You owe the king an apology

The mercy that’s missing
What helps to see us through
Convictions matter
Behavior, too
The mercy that’s missing
A sense of right and wrong
Compassion in the toughest of times
Makes us strong

Cheap behavior and lack of class
That’s a childish way to cover your weakness
Leading is a privilege
But your goddam ego is leading us to darkness

The mercy that’s missing
What helps to see us through
Convictions matter
Behavior, too
The mercy that’s missing
A sense of right and wrong
Compassion in the toughest of times
Makes us strong

The mercy that’s missing
What helps to see us through
Convictions matter
And Behavior, too
The mercy that’s missing
A sense of right and wrong
Compassion in the toughest of times
Makes us strong
Makes us strong

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