Life has given me plenty of chances to understand this from both sides. I’ve needed room to learn and grow, and I’ve had to learn to give that room to somebody else. Sometimes I still have to remind myself.
That’s where this song comes from. We can hold people accountable and still give them a chance to do better. And when I’m singing “don’t be a dick,” I’m talking to myself too.
Lyrics
You don't have to like where somebody's been
You don't have to call what they did alright
You can shake your head at the things they said
And still let 'em try to make it right
You don't owe 'em trust just 'cause they swear
They ain't the same as yesterday
But if they turned around and headed back
Don't stand there blockin' the way
Don't be a dick
It ain't that complicated
Give somebody room to grow
Before you swear they'll never know
You can watch their feet
See if their walk backs up their lips
Grace don't mean you're gullible
It mostly means don't be a dick
Don't keep callin' a man stupid
While he's tryin' to learn and grow
Then clutch your pearls when he's had enough
And tells you where to go
You can be disappointed
In the choices that he made
Without draggin' out his yesterday
Every time he turns a page
Don't be a dick
It ain't that complicated
Give somebody room to grow
Before you swear they'll never know
You can watch their feet
See if their walk backs up their lips
Grace don't mean you're gullible
It mostly means don't be a dick
You don't have to erase the past
You sure don't have to agree
Time'll tell you if the change is real
Just give it time enough to see
Accountability ain't vengeance
And forgiveness ain't forget
You can leave the door cracked open
Grace never rides on revenge
So don't be a dick
Hell, we've all turned a corner
And none of us would get too far
If yesterday went on forever
Let 'em show you who they are
Before you tell 'em who they've been
Grace don't mean you're gullible
And grace never rides in on revenge
It's never too late
To do the right thing
That goes for the dick
And the asshole singin' this song
Yeah asshole
I'm talkin' to myself too
Grace don't mean you're gullible
It just means
Don't be a dick