Lyrics
Verse 1
My boots stop at the curb at dawnA trash bag split wide open by the alley doorAll your little rules and your clean-cut talkI wasn't built to fold up and play alongThere's broken glass in my pocketGas station coffee's gone cold hours agoEvery time you say “act right”Something in me gets loud
Pre‑Chorus
Say it outI'm still hereSay it outI'm not scared now
Chorus
Swing backSwing backI won't bow, I throw it straightSwing backSwing backThis old cage is already giving way(whoa-oh) this old cage(whoa-oh) ain't staying
Verse 2
Paint's drying on my knucklesLike a road map of how far I cameEvery bruise says “do it again”Every cut says “hit back hard”Keep it down, keep it neatLine up the names, make it look cleanBut I've got boots, I've got teethAnd thunder rolling under my ribs
Pre‑Chorus
Say it outI'm still hereSay it outI'm not scared now
Chorus
Swing backSwing backI won't bow, I throw it straightSwing backSwing backThis old cage is already giving way(whoa-oh) this old cage(whoa-oh) ain't staying
Bridge
Hands upThat ain't surrenderHands upI'm aiming for the centerIf they slam one door shutI'll come through the frameIf they take one voice awayI'll come back in the same voice
Final Chorus
Swing backSwing backI won't bow, I throw it straightSwing backSwing backThis old cage is already giving waySwing backSwing backYeah, the whole room knows our name(whoa-oh) this old cage(whoa-oh) ain't staying