You ask me where I came from
Like it’s written on my face
I got a room full of old names
And a box I never waste
There’s a scar under my collar
From a summer I won’t tell
Mama kept the porch light burning
While the whole block went to hell
So if you want the truth
It comes in pieces
Some nights are clean
Some nights leave streaks in me
Back story, back story
You don’t get the whole thing
Back story, back story
It’s a hard-won gold ring
Back story, back story
I kept it in my chest
Back story, back story
Now you know the rest
I learned to nod and keep moving
With my teeth shut tight
I learned how to laugh in daylight
And fold up pain at night
So if you want the truth
It comes in pieces
Some nights are clean
Some nights leave streaks in me
Back story, back story
You don’t get the whole thing
Back story, back story
It’s a hard-won gold ring
Back story, back story
I kept it in my chest
Back story, back story
Now you know the rest
And I’m still here
Still putting it together
Still learning names
For weather after weather
Back story, back story
You don’t get the whole thing
Back story, back story
It’s a hard-won gold ring
Back story, back story
I kept it in my chest
Back story, back story
Now you know the rest
