If only we can understand
That love holds the power that prevails
Over the grimness of hate
That sorrow ends in the face of compassion
That wisdom in not comparing, in not competing
If only we can understand
If only we can understand
That when a man resents his neighbor
He stains his own heart, and robs himself of peace
He hurts himself and does not help another
If only we can understand
If only we can understand
The pain that mindless words inflict
Our tongues will forge the instruments of peace alone
Our mouths will pour forth only sweetness and health
If only we can understand
If only we can understand
That by ill-will and hatred, evil increases
And to wrong a wrong rights nothings
Then we will retract when we seek revenge
And rather walk the path of forgiveness
If only we can understand
If only we can understand
That by good, every evil ceases
Then every man, woman and child
Will cleanse their hearts
Will dwell in pure meditations and walk in noble actions
If only we can understand
That we all may always fall into the arms of love
Then we will always stretch out nothing but the same
If only we can understand.