The paddle is broken,
the punishment
is served in full
The welts are faded
and pain still lingers
as it should
The lone receiver
of empty compliments
taken in
and bought in full
The lesson's hammered
the message has been
reinforced

You said there would not be
any reason
to fear this world
But you're the reason
you're the reason
I feel
broken,
and branded,
and burning with doubt

The welts are faded
and the pain still lingers
as it should

These things are dealt in increments
Constant, and laced with detriment
How dare you ever feign surprise
When all those fingers point inside
They're piercing you

You said there would not be
any reason
to fear this world
But you're the reason
you're the reason
I feel
broken,
and branded,
and burning with doubt

These things are dealt in increments