Once upon softer times I met a man Who'd made some records I admired Though he wrote like a sinner As far as I could understand From the front pew of my choir But now I watched As he walked the walk Like a goddamned saint And one of the walls I'd built Around what I thought I felt came tumbling down And a trickle of light shone in From somewhere I hadn't been Since I'd been told to quit poking around As if God himself were saying "Go on, it'll be okay You've got a goddamned saint with you now" Thus upon softer times We bared our souls In the good old-fashioned hope Of changing one another I recited parables And he listened with an openness I heard As clear as any words He could've preached or prayed Do not fear this world And it will bring you strength To lay down your sword and shield And the other three walls I'd built Around what I thought I felt came tumbling down And a torrent of light shone in He said, "Are you coming, friend?" I said what the hell and went poking around Like a goddamned saint Who lives to seek And seeks to test what they believe But then times got harder I find my choir has ceased to think And my thoughts have ceased to sing 'Cause I won't even have a drink With anyone who disagrees Like I've forgotten That the well I'm drawing from Springs from disagreements With people who believe That we can only change someone as much As we're willing to be changed