The Bruises

The only rule I've ever found
Is people are gonna let you down
So hold 'em close and pick 'em well
And decide which fights are worth it
Maybe I expect too much
But I'm not the only one who does
It's a chore just trying to live up
To fights that don't feel worth it

You can promise to be kind
To never bump the bruises
To always be polite
Make sure no one really loses
You swear you'll always try
Do your best to do what's right
And reset it all each night
But only if the fight is worth it

Listen close and listen well
Good men have their tales to tell
But it's not the truth if it all went well
And everything was perfect
The rest of us we keep the peace
And let it burn through our memories
It's an exercise in disbelief
But don't ever think you deserve it

They will promise to be kind
To never bump the bruises
To always be polite
And not blow any fuses
They swear they'll really try
Do their best to do what's right
But they'll forget it every time
They start to think it isn't worth it

I will un-cure my skin
I'll let everything in
I'll plot a course I can defend
And I'll be better on the other side
Take me at my word
I've been doing all the work
I've been kicking off the dirt
And I'll be better on the other side
Meet me when you can
You take your time I understand
I got a heart, I got a hand
And I will see you on the other side
I'll see you on the other side
I'll see you on the other side

And I promise to be kind
To never bump the bruises
To always be polite
And never pick before she choses
I will swear I'll always try
Do my best to do what's right
And reset it all each night
I'll make sure every fight is worth it