11-20-18
This song is a father’s ode to their newborn. The yearning of a conflicted human being forced to face their own discrepancies in order to rise and meet their new monuments responsibility. For me, I hear a person’s foray into new depths of compassion. Feeling what it likes to not only know that your interests are coming second, but to desire that fact.
Lines like, “I’ll give you everything I have | I’ll teach you everything I know | I promise I’ll do better,” are translated as oaths to take the lessons they have learn and decide to actually put the knowledge to use, not for one’s self-interests, but purely with another’s interest at heart. This sentiment reminds me of relationships in general, at least the one’s we wish to nurture.
Entering a new relationship, most hold some set of expectations based on the conditions the relationship begin in, and past relationships that have been experienced. This gives an opportunity to decide how much we’re willing to put ourselves into the bond.
Entering any relationship with compassion helps direct how we can continue being the best representations of ourselves. It allows us to remove expectations that we may want to place on another, and it allows us to shelve our egos and listen with an open heart and mind.
Inspired by the works of Russian-French Expressionist Marc Chagall as I listened to this song, I kept imaging a person trapped in a darkened state. Their feelings heavy, making them sedentary to the world they’ve surrounded themselves by. When they’ve been nearly consumed, a lover floats in—with a single compassionate embrace they are able to begin bringing light back into their world.
This concept is what tends to jump out at me first when thinking about compassion. Having the ability to share the same space with another and let your strength and light wash over them as they are ready for it.
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
May these words be the first to find your ears
The world is brighter than the sun now that you’re here
Though your eyes will need some time to adjust
To the overwhelming light surrounding us[Chorus]
I’ll give you everything I have
I’ll teach you everything I know
I promise I’ll do better
I will always hold you close
But I will learn to let you go
I promise I’ll do better
I will soften every edge
I’ll hold the world to its best
And I’ll do better
With every heartbeat I have left
I will defend your every breath
And I’ll do better[Bridge]
Cause you are loved
You are loved more than you know
I hereby pledge all of my days
To prove it so
Though your heart is far too young to realize
The unimaginable light you hold inside[Chorus]
I’ll give you everything I have
I’ll teach you everything I know
I promise I’ll do better
I will always hold you close
But I will learn to let you go
I promise I’ll do better
I will rearrange the stars
Pull ’em down to where you are
I promise I’ll do better
With every heartbeat I have left
I’ll defend your every breath
I promise I’ll do better
I will soften ever edge
Hold the world to its best
I promise I’ll do better
With every heartbeat I have left
I’ll defend your every breath
I’ll do better