Hey Mrs. Bellos.
Hope you and your husband are well.
Ricki I could go two ways on the production question. I can hear a calipso/Island feel to this. You know kind of a sunny feel to the music. Which could work in my mind as this is redemptive message.
I could also hear a heavier electric guitar driven arrangement as well. With that hook at the end of the chorus finishing with a minor cord creating more of a foreboding feeling.

I have listened several times and if I am to answer your first question of what my gut reaction to the song is:
I'm thinking that a fuller arrangement could enhance the emotion of the lyric. It could also help create separation of the parts.

Kurt did a fine job, he has a voice of which I am jealous. And this was a very nice song to listen to. As it got better with each listen.

Tom