You want me calm, You want me clean, You want me quiet in-between. But every word Gets under my skin— I bite my tongue, Then start again. I got a list of things to say, You keep moving them away. Talk in circles, call it wise, I see the trick behind your eyes. You say, “Wait,” I say, “Why?” You say, “Later,” I say, “Tonight.” I don’t need permission, I don’t need a sign. If you’re gonna push me, Get ready for mine. Back it up, back it up, Let me breathe, let me breathe. Back it up, back it up, You don’t get to own me. Back it up, back it up, I can feel the pressure rise. Back it up, back it up, I’m done being nice. No, no, don’t give me that. I know where you’re going with that. Step left, step right, Everybody wants control tonight. I said stop, You said “why?” I said look me in the eye. One more push, one more game— You won’t hear me say your name. Everybody’s got advice, Everybody’s got a price. Everybody wants a piece, Everybody wants release. You can dress it up as love, Put a ribbon on the shove. But I know what I can take, And I know what I won’t fake. I don’t need permission, I don’t need a sign. If you’re gonna push me, Get ready for mine. Back it up, back it up, Let me breathe, let me breathe. Back it up, back it up, You don’t get to own me. Back it up, back it up, I can feel the pressure rise. Back it up, back it up, I’m done being nice. Look— I’m not angry, I’m awake. Big difference. You keep pulling on the wire, Then complain about the spark. That’s your problem, Not my heart. Take a breath. Take a step. Give me room. That’s respect. Now the room feels bigger, Now the air comes back. Funny how the world gets better When you quit keeping me trapped. I don’t need to win, I don’t need the last word. I just needed you to listen Before I disappeared. Maybe we were talking too loud. Maybe we were fighting the crowd. Maybe I don’t have to run Just because the night has begun. Back it up, back it up, Let me breathe, let me breathe. Back it up, back it up, Now you’re hearing me. Back it up, back it up, Feel the pressure disappear. Back it up, back it up— Yeah, we’re good from here. No hard feelings. Just more space. You keep yours. I’ll keep my place. That’s better. Yeah. Much better.
