[Intro] You said sticks and stones would break my bones, But words would never hurt me. You said sticks and stones would break my bones— Well, here’s how words can bury me. [Verse 1] First day of class, coat hung by the door, New shoes squeaking on the classroom floor. Mum packed lunch with a note tucked in, Little stick face with a big wide grin. Teacher says, “Tell us your name today.” I get stuck once—hear the laugh halfway. Boy in the back says it just like me, Now my name comes out with a laugh underneath. Recess comes, I stand close to the game, They pick their sides, never call my name. Teacher walks over, says, “Let him play.” One kid sighs, then the whole group walks away. Get home quiet, Mum asks what’s wrong. I tell her the names they used all along. She says, “Sticks and stones,” wipes dirt off my sleeve— I’m only seven. Of course I believe. But that night I practise having nothing to say, Like being less of me might keep the laughs away. [Chorus] You said sticks and stones would break my bones, But words would never hurt me. You said sticks and stones would break my bones— Well, here’s how words can hurt me. [Verse 2] Grade seven hallway, lockers slam shut, Hear my new nickname, feel my face heat up. Keep walking straight, act like I don’t hear— Same kid says it louder when I get near. Lunchroom packed, see a space on the right. “Somebody’s sitting there.” I say, “All right.” Take my tray to a seat near the bin, Watch that empty chair. No one sits in it. Monday morning, they’re talking all loud, Birthday pictures getting passed around. “You should’ve come.” Then his friend starts grinning. They know damn well I was never invited. That night I get added to a chat on my phone. First few minutes I don’t feel so alone. Then my face pops up with a mouth drawn wide— Same laugh from class, now it lives at my bedside. Delete it from my phone. It stays with me. Still see that face when I try to sleep. [Chorus] You said sticks and stones would break my bones, But words would never hurt me. You said sticks and stones would break my bones— Well, here’s how words can hurt me. [Verse 3] Grade ten bathroom, wait for the bell, Practise saying “here” so it comes out well. Teacher calls my name, get the word out clear— Someone does the old voice. Three whole years. Headphones on when I sit and eat, Nothing playing, just pretend there’s a beat. Teacher tells Mum, “He does fine on his own.” She smiles at me on the drive back home. Write songs late with the bedroom closed, Say things in there that nobody knows. Hear another kid sing he don’t wanna stay— Hope the next verse says he found some way. Type “You all right?” then erase that line. Who am I to ask when I keep saying I’m fine? Leave it a minute, then send it through. Can’t find words for me. Found a few for you. [Bridge] I didn’t want pain. I just wanted it stopped— Their mouths went quiet, but my head did not. They called it a joke. I carried it years. They don’t remember. I still hear it clear. You said sticks and stones would break my bones Like words would leave the rest of me alone. [Verse 4] Last day of school, gown hangs to my knees, Mum in the crowd trying hard to see. Name gets called, hear the whole room clap— For half a second I think they’re starting back. Walk offstage with the page in my hand, Photo by the doors, Mum says, “Go stand.” Smile for the picture, she says, “I’m proud.” I try to say thanks but it won’t come out. Car ride home, she says, “You’ll miss this place.” I keep my eyes on the gown in my lap. She turns down the radio, waits through the pause— “Mum, I never had friends. That’s what it was.” Tell her about lunch, about names, about class, How I still get nervous when somebody laughs. She parks in the drive, lets me finish this time. For once we don’t go in pretending I’m fine. She doesn’t say “sticks and stones.” She just sits there and lets the quiet stay. [Final Chorus] You said sticks and stones would break my bones, But words would never hurt me. I’ve spent years trying to tell you how— I need you to believe me. You said sticks and stones would break my bones, But words would never hurt me. Before you tell me, “Let it go,” Please hear what happened to me. They didn’t break the bones. They just taught me how to disappear. [Outro] First day of class… I had so much to say.
