Across the world she tapes explosives to her chest Steps into a shopping mall A life devoid of all of mercy's tenderness Really isn't any life at all Tender mercies, tender mercies, come before despair Shine down all your tender mercies It's every mother's prayer Down below the factory along the riverside Children swimming in a poison pool Playful afternoon of unintended suicide Gone before they ever knew Tender mercies, tender mercies, come before despair Shine down all your tender mercies It's every mother's prayer Across the world she holds her loved ones to her chest Lays them down and listens at the door Everybody safe and warm among the truly blessed How can we even dare to ask for more Tender mercies, tender mercies, come before despair Shine down all your tender mercies It's every mother's prayer