"Sides" lyrics - JUSTIN VERNON

So I heard it from a friend that there was this guy that I should talk to
So you let me in, opened doors underneath a crucifix statue
So I explained to you, I was having troubles getting through
And I was thinking of my end, it was just the sky I kept looking to

You said, "I'm on your side"
I thanked you and I cried
I almost died

I was making strides, I was showing up every Sunday
But I was still confused about the pain that had invaded me
And I'm still wondering if my soul's worth it to anybody
You assured me that the congregation would hear me

They said, "we're on your side,
There's an unconditional kingdom that stands up high
He lets all believers in through the forgiveness of sin"

So I explained to you what was the 'cause of my suffering
See it was a while ago, there was an alleyway and there was a group of men
When they hurt me they whispered that the gays had to pay
When they beat me all of my worth was taken away
See I needed you and your knowing of the lord's own way through
And I was unfolded, I believed there was something he could do
But you just hung your head and told me it was the door I needed to be going to
"Son there's just principles, I cannot be the one who helps you"

You said, "I'm not your side
You're probably paying for your sins
I don't understand your kind, it isn't mine"

Father, your cold heart's a smoking gun
Your cross ain't no where I want to hang my hope from
There's still something I half believe, that's why I'm leaving this world behind me
See my sexuality don't have nothing to do with my integrity
When I get into that land, I'll lead with the one who wears the crown

He will say, "I'm on your side
The side that's kind
Judge not what's right
In time you'll find you're left"