Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a direct, almost mantra-like plea: "Treat it kind, treat it kind." This repetition immediately establishes a sense of urgency and importance around an unnamed "it." The narrator then pivots to a profound statement of interconnectedness: "There is a piece of me in you / There is a piece of you in me." This shared essence is described as intangible, something felt but not seen, hinting at a deep, perhaps spiritual, bond. The central tension revolves around the nature of this connection. The narrator questions its origin, asking "Is it made of something new? / Is it made of something old?" This uncertainty underscores the mystery of the bond, suggesting it transcends simple explanations. The phrase "Something holding on / For something that we hold" implies a mutual dependence, a shared vulnerability that requires careful handling. The most striking aspect of the writing is how it grounds an abstract concept in a visceral, personal experience. The narrator articulates a sudden, inexplicable feeling triggered by a loved one's memory: "Your face comes drifting to my mind." This moment of recognition, this "great unknown," is directly linked to the opening refrain, suggesting that this shared feeling, this connection, is what must be treated with care. The lyrics suggest this bond, though unseen, is powerful enough to shape internal "tones in our hearts."