[Verse 1]
At first I called it stress
A crack in my own mind
Footsteps in the plaster
When I was alone at night
I held my breath and prayed
Told myself, "Be brave"
But every door I shut
They learned my name
[Pre-Chorus]
They came in quiet steps
They wore my face so well
I traced their little lies
Like marks across a cell
[Chorus]
I can hear them now
I can hear them now
Little by little
I learn their ways
I can hear them now
I can hear them now
Little by little
I learn their games
[Verse 2]
One taught me fear
One taught me doubt
One knew the words
That could wear me out
So I stopped running blind
Stopped begging the dark
I watched their hands
I learned their art
[Pre-Chorus]
They flinch when I stand still
They hunger when I break
So I keep my name
And I keep my shape
[Chorus]
I can hear them now
I can hear them now
Little by little
I learn their ways
I can hear them now
I can hear them now
Little by little
I learn their games
[Bridge]
Now I know their rhythm
The pause before the bite
I turn their sweet talk
Back into light
They thought I'd fold
They thought I'd drown
But I know the doors
That lock them down
[Final Chorus]
I can hear them now
I can hear them now
Little by little
I learn their ways
I can hear them now
I can hear them now
Little by little
I teach their names