From the recording Our Turn Now
Co-write with Tom Kimmel, who sings harmonies. An upbeat acoustic rocker about “wise speech,” it reminds us to ask 3 questions before speaking: "Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?” Words and music by Len Seligman & Tom Kimmel © 2020 Emerging Light Music (BMI) / Morrissette Music (ASCAP).
Lyrics
1. Driving down a country road
The weather was so fine
I read words of wisdom
On a small-town church’s sign. It said,
“Be careful of the words you use
Keep them short and sweet
You never know from day to day
Which ones you’ll have to eat”
So I ask myself:
Is it true, is it helpful, is it kind?
Don’t want to leave a mess behind
Maybe I’ll press pause
Before I exercise my jaws
Just three simple questions
Save me every time
When I ask myself, “Is it true?
Is it helpful? Is it kind?”
2. May I speak with integrity
And keep my conscience clean
Steer clear of harmful gossip
And say only what I mean
Karma’s like a rubber band
You can only stretch so far
You get back what you give
No matter who you are
Chorus
I’d like to leave an open door
Talk a lot less and listen more
Whatever I’m about to say,
Is it better than silence?
Chorus