Lyrics

O, I used to admire most a melody
And what it could do with love and words.
And I used to admire most the poet who, with her pen
Untangle this world into verse.
O, I used to admire most what I thought was profound –
I’d plagiarize the prophets and the saints.
Ah, but now, now that I am older,
O, it’s mercy that I admire most.
O, it’s mercy that I admire most.

O, I waited out my low youth on a fallow spectacle
In lines snaking round Coliseums.
And I moshed in the drench under fame’s soft fist clenched -
And I paid all the scalpers just to see ‘em.
Ah, but now, now that I am older,
O, it’s mercy that I admire most.
O, it’s mercy that I admire most.

And I admire the pure of heart that will one thing.
And I admire the steady in their routine.
And I admire decision and the mind that endures it.
And those who speak though they be shamed.
And I admire all the reckless voices for the voiceless.
And the man standing in the path of tanks.
Ah, but now, now that I am older
O, it’s mercy that I admire most.
O, it’s mercy that I admire most
Mercy.