Nth Degree

Lyrics :: Cruel to be Kind (5:45)

James teh and Michael Sheppard

Verse 1

I know that to feel the warmth, one must know cold.
I know that for there to be youth, one must grow old.
But why must it be so hard, insensate, cruel?
Living like worthless pawns in some sadist's game?

I know that to see the light, one must know dark.
To feel the relief of calm, one remembers chaos.

Chorus 1

(Why?) I'm struggling to understand the movements of the universal hand as it draws;
For while I know there's beauty and peace around, and happiness still to be found,
In times when pain overwhelms, it's no easier to take.
Help me quench this ache,
I need to know, to understand: why does it have to be so coldly cruel?

Verse 2

They say that sometimes one must be cruel to be kind.
It seems that to feel deep love, one needs to pine.
But why must these lessons try to tear us apart?
And how can it be that love can break the heart?

For one to know happiness, one must know tears.
In order to accept, one needs to rage inside.

Chorus 2

Why? I'm struggling to understand the movements of the universal hand as it draws;
For while I know there's beauty and peace around, and unity still to be found,
In times when pain abounds, it's no easier to take.
So please: help me to quench this ache,
I need to know, to understand: why does it have to be so damned unfair?

Bridge

I understand this has to be,
But when misery is all I see,
It seems to me that you don't care;
Just tell me why!

[Repeat first chorus with "When pain abounds"]