Sympathetic Character

I was afraid you'd hit me if I spoken up I was
afraid of your physical strength I was afraid
you'd hit below the belt I was afraid of your sucker
punch I was afraid of your reducing me I was afraid
of your alcohol breath I was afraid of your complete
disregard for me I was afraid of your temper I was
afraid of handles being flown off I was afraid of holes
being punched into walls I was afraid of your
testosterone

I have as much rage as you have
I have as much pain as you do
i've lived as much hell as you have
and i've kept mine bubbling under for you

you were my best friend
you were my lover
you were my mentor
you were my brother
you were my partner
you were my teacher
you were my very own sympathetic character

i was afraid of verbal daggers I was afraid of the
calm before the storm I was afraid for my own
bones I was afraid of your seduction I was afraid
of your coersion I was afraid of your rejection I
was afraid of your intimidation I was afraid of your
punishment I was afraid of your icy silences I was
afraid of your volume I was afraid of your
manipulation I was afraid of your explosions

I have as much rage as you have
I have as much pain as you do
i've lived as much hell as you have
and i've kept mine bubbling under for you

chorus chorus

you were my keeper
you were my anchor
you were my family
you were my saviour
and therein lay the issue
and therein lay the problem