[Verse 1] Dust under both my nails Cardboard burn across my thumb Buses grind through afternoon Walk light blinks — I keep moving Cracked sign. Basement stairs. I know the rust along the rail. My foot takes the corner first. I follow half a step late. [Pre-Chorus] Thumb loop Wrist twice Pull it tight Chin down Left foot Breathe Buzzer snaps. Go. [Chorus] ANSWER BACK, ANSWER BACK Didn't ask — it answers back Left-right-breathe Step-turn-snap I stop — It comes right back ANSWER BACK, ANSWER BACK Didn't ask — it answers back Same hands Different work [Verse 2] Borrowed gloves, rubber floor Salt collecting on my lip Coach says, “Turn your shoulder” Mine is halfway through the hit Heel turns, hip follows Sweat runs cold across my back He says, “Again.” I’m already stepping in. [Post-Chorus] One-two One-two Sole bites rubber Breath through teeth Bag swings in— chin slips left the air hits where I was. [Chorus] ANSWER BACK, ANSWER BACK Didn't ask — it answers back Left-right-breathe Step-turn-snap I stop — It comes right back [Instrumental Guitar Solo] [Bridge] Round three. Blue thread at my cuff. I catch it when I raise my guard. Pull once. It holds. I leave it there. Hands up. I hit. It answers. I hit harder. It answers. I stop. It comes back. [Final Chorus] ANSWER BACK, ANSWER BACK Didn't ask — it answers back Left-right-breathe Step-turn-snap I stop — It comes right back ANSWER BACK, ANSWER BACK Didn't ask — it answers back Same hands Different work Again. Again. ANSWER BACK. [Outro] Tape loose around my wrist. Chain clicks overhead. The bag keeps moving. I turn away before it stops. Cold street air at the top of the stairs.
