Nice, A Dirty Word

(Intro)
(Down-tuned, chugging guitar. Slow, heavy drum hits that feel like a heartbeat.)
(Verse 1)
I’m looking at the faces on the train
Everyone is braced for the rain
A little nod, a "how you doing today"
And they act like I’ve got something to say
Like there’s a blade hidden in my hand
Like a simple word is hard to understand.
(Chorus)
When did "nice" become a dirty word?
The loudest thing that nobody heard
It’s not a trick, it’s not a play
We’re just throwing the best of us away
Yeah, we’re all just waiting for the sting
Like kindness is a dead, forgotten thing.
(Verse 2)
You let someone in out on the street
They don't even look, they just look at their feet
No "thank you," no wave, no sign of a soul
Just everyone playing their cynical role
We’ve got our guards up so damn high
We don't even bother to try.
(Verse 3)
We’re keeping score on a broken board
Treating every smile like a thing we can't afford
If it isn't bitter, then it isn't real
That’s the empty bargain we’re trying to seal
We’ve scrubbed the color 'til it’s only gray
And pushed the decent people out of the way.
(Chorus)
When did "nice" become a dirty word?
The loudest thing that nobody heard
It’s not a trick, it’s not a play
We’re just throwing the best of us away
Yeah, we’re all just waiting for the sting
Like kindness is a dead, forgotten thing.
(Breakdown)
Where’s the grace?
Lost in the crowd...
Where’s the face?
Lost in the crowd...
TEAR IT DOWN!
WE’RE ALL ALONE!
COLD AS THE DIRT!
HARD AS THE STONE!
(Chorus)
When did "nice" become a dirty word?
The loudest thing that nobody heard
It’s not a trick, it’s not a play
We’re just throwing the best of us away
Yeah, we’re all just waiting for the sting
Like kindness is a dead, forgotten thing.
(Outro)
Is it gone?
Did we kill it off? Mmm 
I’m just trying to be nice.
Just nice

Post grunge, acoustic guitar, slow tempo, disappointed in humanity