For Your Sake (Anthony's Song - Paradoxical Commandments)

from Samples by Heather Aubrey Lloyd

/

about

Another one Heather didn't want to write, a loyal fan, Anthony, submitted the topic and asked for a song about the "Paradoxical Commandments," written by Kent M. Keith in 1968. They are things like: People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway ... If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway ... Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway..."

Heather wanted to believe a lot of these things, but was going through a hard time. So she focused on the word "Anyway," and imagined herself trying to convince a child of that which she did not entirely believe herself. Or telling Anthony she would try to believe these things for the sake of the song he asked for. The result is a beautiful lullaby about giving your all for someone else, even if you can't quite find it yet in yourself.

Footnotes:

The Paradoxical Commandments:
www.paradoxicalcommandments.com

lyrics

For your sake
I will offer up my best intentions again
believe in things that I've left dormant
Dust the cobwebs off my hope
and find a way to reawaken
what about me was once innocent

For your sake
I will find a way to be grateful again
believe that things will work out in the end
trust that someone might be watching
that I might accomplish something
though for me it's harder than you know

I've met darkness I could not defeat
I've been brought down to my knees
and the truth is I have lost belief
that anyone is good
anyone is listening
anything is worth it
anything worth doing
but I will fight against it anyway
for your sake.

For your sake
I will work a little harder again
throw all of myself back in
get out of my bed every morning
not because of the alarm
because I've got to do something.

For your sake
appreciate what I have going for me
sing your heart when mine is dark and I can't see
know I have to offer
though it's getting harder
though for me it's harder than you know

I've met darkness I could not defeat
I've been brought down to my knees
and the truth is I have lost belief
that anyone is good
anyone is listening
anything is worth it
anything worth doing
but I will fight against it anyway
for your sake.

credits

from Samples, released August 1, 2010

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Heather Aubrey Lloyd image

Heather Aubrey Lloyd Baltimore, Maryland

Recovering reporter turned songwriter, Heather Aubrey Lloyd also co-fronts Baltimore’s ilyAIMY. Her 2017 solo release, “A Message in the Mess,” spotlights Lloyd’s emotive alto and a polished departure from her band’s alt-folk grit. Awards from the likes of No Depression Magazine, Telluride Troubadour, National Women’s Music Fest, etc. soon followed. Lloyd will release new music in late 2020. ... more

contact / help

Contact Heather Aubrey Lloyd

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Heather Aubrey Lloyd, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now