[Verse 1]
Everyone says, “Just leave”
Like it’s that easy
Like I don’t hear the doors
Like they don’t see the bruises
They tell me, “Grow a spine”
“Say it straight, say it loud”
But my hands shake on the handle
And the whole house swallows sound
[Pre-Chorus]
The chain’s too tight
At my throat tonight
I can taste the rust
But I still bite my tongue
[Chorus]
Locked collar, locked collar
I’m trying to get out
Locked collar, locked collar
I still can’t make a sound
Even if I run, I’m not free
Not yet, not me
Locked collar, locked collar
Don’t say it’s easy
[Verse 2]
I know the words I’d use
I know the truth by heart
I rehearse my own defense
In the dark of the hall
But the lock clicks first
And I freeze in place
Like my name gets smaller
Every time I say, “I’m okay”
[Pre-Chorus]
The chain’s too tight
At my throat tonight
I can feel the steel
And I hate what it steals
[Chorus]
Locked collar, locked collar
I’m trying to get out
Locked collar, locked collar
I still can’t make a sound
Even if I run, I’m not free
Not yet, not me
Locked collar, locked collar
Don’t say it’s easy
[Bridge]
If I find one crack
I’ll put my whole life through
One small step, one sharp breath
One door that’s mine to choose
I’m not weak, I’m worn
I’m not gone, I’m here
And one day my voice
Will cut right through the fear
[Final Chorus]
Locked collar, locked collar
I’m trying to get out
Locked collar, locked collar
I still can’t make a sound
Even if I run, I’m not free
Not yet, not me
Locked collar, locked collar
I’ll break it eventually