"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

1. "Kind & Generous" (LP version) – 4:05

2. "Frozen Charlotte" (LP version) – 5:25

3. "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

Year-end charts

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