A Quiet Little Riot [Verse 1] I got so good at saying, “Either way” They stopped asking what colors I liked A smile could keep everything in place But somehow, I was left outside I pulled out chairs before anyone asked Held somebody’s bags upon my lap “You understand, don’t you? You always do” I wanted to be understood, too [Pre-Chorus] Every time I swallowed them Those little words stayed in my throat Today, I didn’t wash them down I brought them to my lips instead [Chorus] No One little word, and the room went quiet My voice was shaking But my answer never wavered With the same gentle face For the first time, I shake my head The smile I always gave to you I want to give myself one, too A quiet little riot With this voice, I stand up for myself [Verse 2] “I never thought you were that kind of person” I almost said, “I’m sorry,” right away My mouth fell open out of habit I closed it, took a breath, and let it stay My face in the window on the way home Looked a little tired, a little new Today, I’d made somebody angry I took myself home without blame, too [Pre-Chorus] This hand had spent so long Reaching out for everyone else I wrapped it round my other hand And warmed the cold I hadn’t felt [Chorus] No One little word I couldn’t say till now My voice was shaking But my answer never wavered With the same gentle face For the first time, I shake my head The smile I always gave to you I want to give myself one, too A quiet little riot With this voice, I stand up for myself [Bridge] Tomorrow, I’ll be scared again Lie awake and wonder, “Was I too harsh?” But if I’d nodded back there I would have left myself behind again Instead of “I’m sorry” I said, “Here’s what I want” Softly, to the mirror This time, I kept my head up to the end [Final Chorus] No And afterward, I could finally breathe My voice was shaking But my answer never wavered With the same gentle face I stand where I won’t give way The chair I always left for someone else Today, I let myself sit down A quiet little riot Even this small voice is mine [Outro] “Either one?” And when they asked me I pointed to the one I liked
