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lyrics

Now I lay me down to spend
my night in shame, my heart to bend.
And if I die before it breaks,
I beg for you this heart to take.
But don’t mistake my weakness
for kindness.

When you inherit that dreadful thing,
then it’s yours to use for anything.
Pinch it, prod it, give it a good shake,
but just don’t open it, for heaven’s sake,
lest you mistake my weakness
for kindness.

You’re the prettiest girl I’ve seen
since that last one I treated mean.
Oh, the excuses I’d make,
how she’s eat them up like cake.
How she’d mistake my weakness
for kindness.

In my defense, I tried to warn you:
caution tape and safety orange.
But you gave me such a look
and tried to read me like a book.
Thus you mistook my weakness
for kindness.

When you knocked late, wild-eyed and scared,
I was surprised, but I was still prepared.
I threw my arms around your head,
gave you the warm spot in the bed.
And you misread my weakness
as kindness.

We can bicker and we can bet
on whether you think this stain has set.
But it’s been on me for so long,
and it’ll stay even when you’ve gone.
So maybe we’re both wrong about my weakness
and your kindness.

credits

from How To End The War, released August 26, 2011
Brian Belknap - lap steel guitar

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Amina Shareef Ali Oakland, California

Based in Oakland, California, Amina Shareef Ali performs songs of love and struggle, of pain and wonder, of loss and redemption. Lyrics by turns poignant and sardonic are set against a backdrop of American music both traditional and modern, from folk to punk to country to jazz to rock and roll. ... more

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