Lyrics
The Tenderloin is never listed in a tourist's travel guide
The Tenderloin is a neglected area not mentioned in tourist guides.
Strangers pass through quickly casting looks from side to side
Strangers move through quickly, glancing around cautiously.
They told us not to break up fights or linger on the streets
Instructions to avoid getting involved in fights or lingering on the streets.
To pray with our eyes open to the God who never sleeps
Encouragement to stay vigilant and aware, praying to an ever-watchful God.
And as we walked down Leavenworth we heard the gunshots near
Gunshots are heard while walking down Leavenworth Street.
No one blinked an eye except the first-time volunteer
Little reaction from locals, except for a first-time volunteer.
Thirty years and counting I extend a legacy
Reflection on 30 years of involvement, questioning the persistent poverty.
You'd think that after all this time there'd be less poverty
Surprise that poverty remains despite long-term efforts.
And silently I wonder, if this aid ceased to exist
Wondering about the lasting impact if aid were to stop.
Would the impact be remembered or dissolve into the mist
Questioning whether the impact would be remembered or fade away.
Yeah I can't help but wonder, is this work as permanent
Doubt about the permanence of the charitable work.
As the steam that bubbles off this cup of fresh hot chocolate
Comparing the permanence of the work to the fleeting steam from hot chocolate.
As Teslas cruise past sidewalk tents our jug is all dried up
Observing social contrasts, the jug of aid is empty while Teslas pass by.
Disparity makes me despair it's just a drop inside the cup
Feeling despair at the small impact made in addressing societal disparities.
With this ragtag team my heart doubts any difference can be made
Doubting the potential for meaningful change with a diverse but disorganized team.
The line between the cynic and the realist seems to fade
Blur between cynicism and realism, questioning the effectiveness of efforts.
And maybe I'm just here to free my conscience and fulfill
Suggesting personal motives and duty rather than genuine goodwill.
This duty motivated by compulsion, not goodwill
Acknowledging blessings and grace but still serving with a smile.
I know that I am blessed and that I'm showered in his grace
Reflecting on the potential impact if aid were to cease.
So I still serve these people with a smile on my face
Questioning the lasting impact and remembrance of the aid.
But silently I wonder, if this aid ceased to exist
Doubting the permanence of the charitable work.
Would the impact be remembered or dissolve into the mist
Comparing the permanence of the work to the fleeting steam from hot chocolate.
Yeah I can't help but wonder, is this work as permanent
Reiteration of doubt regarding the lasting impact of the work.
As the steam that bubbles off this cup of fresh hot chocolate
Reiterating the comparison between the work and the fleeting steam.
As the steam that bubbles off this cup of fresh hot chocolate
Repeating the metaphor of steam from hot chocolate, emphasizing transience.
But then I met you, and everything felt right
The introduction of a positive turning point with the speaker meeting someone.
Then I met you, as you opened up my eyes
The positive impact of meeting someone, opening the speaker's eyes.
Then I met you, as I poured out this hearty drink
Connecting the positive experience to pouring a hearty drink.
Then I met you, as you poured out your heart to me
Reciprocal sharing of emotions and vulnerability in pouring hearts out.
Yeah then I met you, and my doubts were cast aside
The transformative effect of meeting someone, dispelling doubts.
Then I met you, as you uncontrollably cried
The emotional impact of meeting someone, evoking uncontrollable crying.
Then I met you, as I poured out this hearty drink
Connection of positive experience to pouring a hearty drink again.
Then I met you, as you poured out your heart to me
Continuation of emotional exchange, pouring hearts out.
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