How can we know love
When we were never shown it?
Little Richie was the runt of the litter
Given a thick hide by father and brothers
Identified more with his sisters and mother
Always felt a bit different from the others
A loving marriage from the outside
But, oh, how ferociously he'd hit her
Richie stood by the bleach-white bedside
Ma held his face in her hands while he cried
"Hush, now, precious lamb, everything will be alright
I know how it looks, but I swear he's a good man
Oh baby, God has a much bigger plan
I have my family, I have my health
And I'm quite content with that"
How can you say this time that it will be alright?
How can you still look in his eyes and see the love of your life?
He works all things for good
In the end, it's love that wins
In the end, it is love
In the end, it is love, oh
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Love was his inclination
Belief, his dearest passion
A beautiful escape from resentment
Fear of the next crushing blow
How can we know love
When we were never shown it?
(How can we know love) he'd wait on his lonesome
For that blue hair in her station wagon (when we were never shown it?)
Attending those Baptist services alone
In the house of the Lord, he found purpose and a home
Richie stood on a chair, peeked over the pulpit
Reminded himself and the beloved
Not lacking in youthful wit
"This is what's promised"
He works all things for good
In the end, it's love that wins
How are we to know how to love
When every attempt is met with the back of a hand?
It would only be love to mend the damned
Who never grew to know compassion
Just another unfortunate, beaten senseless by his old man
How can you say this time that it will be alright?
How can you still look in his eyes and see the love of your life?
He works all things for good
In the end, it's love that wins
(How can we know love) an heirloom
Passed down before its day (when we were never shown it?)
Legacy came (how can we know love)
Violently to rip innocence away (when we were never shown it?)