"Kind & Generous" is a song by American singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant, released as the first single from her second studio album, Ophelia (1998). It became a radio hit in the United States, peaking at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart as well as number one on the Billboard Triple-A chart. It also entered the top 20 in Canada, peaking at number 19 on the RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart.
Music video The music video made for this song features Natalie Merchant as part of a traveling circus and taking on many guises. The circus performers were actual performers from the local area and the little girl was the daughter of the proprietor-showperson.
Track listing European HDCD single and Australian CD single "Kind & Generous" (LP version) – 4:05 "Frozen Charlotte" (LP version) – 5:25 "Wonder" (LP version) – 4:26
Credits and personnel Credits are lifted from the Ophelia liner notes.
Studios Recorded at Talking Dwarf Studios (Little Valley, New York) Mixed at Oceanway Recording Studios (Los Angeles) Mastered at Gateway Mastering Studios (Portland, Maine, US)
Personnel
Natalie Merchant – writing, vocals Lokua Kanza – acoustic guitar Craig Ross – electric guitar Graham Maby – bass George Laks – Hammond, Wurlitzer Peter Yanowitz – drums Joakim Lartey – percussion Jim Scott – mixing Mike Scotella – mixing assistance Todd Vos – engineering Bob Ludwig – mastering
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1998)Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1998)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)63Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)50US Hot 100 Airplay (Billboard)48US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)11US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)55US Triple-A (Billboard)3
Use in media The Orchestra of the Bronx performed an orchestral version of the song in a 2020 commercial for Montefiore Health System that paid tribute to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
References
[ Ophelia] at Allmusic