[Verse 1] They tell me, bow my head Smile and take the blade But I don't hand out gold To every hand that takes I saw the fake applause The poison in the grin You want my open heart Then show me where you've been [Pre-Chorus] Say what you mean Mean what you say I won't kneel Just to keep the peace [Chorus] Respect has to be earned Earned in fire Earned in blood Respect has to be earned I won't give it Just because Respect has to be earned (earned, earned) Respect has to be earned I stand my ground I won't break for anyone [Verse 2] I built my name from scars From nights that bit back hard From carrying my own weight Through every broken yard So don't come dressed in pride And ask me to be kind A crown of empty words Can't rule inside my mind [Pre-Chorus] Say what you mean Mean what you say I won't kneel Just to keep the peace [Chorus] Respect has to be earned Earned in fire Earned in blood Respect has to be earned I won't give it Just because Respect has to be earned (earned, earned) Respect has to be earned I stand my ground I won't break for anyone [Bridge] If you want my hand Don't reach with a knife If you want my trust Don't waste my life I can love like thunder I can cut like steel I am not your lesson I am what I feel [Breakdown] Earn it Earn it Earn it now [Final Chorus] Respect has to be earned Earned in fire Earned in blood Respect has to be earned I won't give it Just because Respect has to be earned (earned, earned) Respect has to be earned I stand my ground I won't break for anyone
