[Verse 1]
Mama tied my scarf that day
Said, "Come back home for soup"
But hands like iron took me
And the door shut with the roof
Papa ran into the road
Screaming my old name
I learned how fear can freeze a room
And leave a child the same
[Pre-Chorus]
They said, "Be quiet, be sweet"
"Be small, be good, be numb"
I kept my tears in a jar
Till the jar became a drum
[Chorus]
I was taken away
But I didn't stay gone
I turned my hurt to a blade
And I wore it all wrong
Now I walk in their smoke
Now I smile like a storm
I was taken away
And I came back born
[Verse 2]
They taught me how to bow my head
How to call them king
How to thank the hand that locked my wrists
And kiss the chain it brings
But I watched their faces split
When the truth slipped through
A girl they built from broken parts
Can break your tower too
[Pre-Chorus]
They said, "Be quiet, be sweet"
"Be small, be good, be numb"
I kept my tears in a jar
Till the jar became a drum
[Chorus]
I was taken away
But I didn't stay gone
I turned my hurt to a blade
And I wore it all wrong
Now I walk in their smoke
Now I smile like a storm
I was taken away
And I came back born
[Bridge]
Mama, don't you cry for me
I am not their prize
I found my name in the dark
Where the frightened girl died
If they made me into this
Then let them watch me bloom
In the house that stole my breath
I'll be the final room
[Final Chorus]
I was taken away
But I didn't stay gone
I turned my hurt to a blade
And I wore it all wrong
Now I walk in their smoke
Now I smile like a storm
I was taken away
And I came back born