They both got problems of their own
Caught in a catch-22
But he'd still rather be at home

Cries himself to sleep and prays
When he wakes up things might have changed
But every thing's still the same

(But didn't you say)
You always said that I should speak up
But it seems like all the things you said to me
Before meant nothing at all, because

I keep telling you that Johnny's hitting me
That's why I'm late for school
(But you never listen)
Instead you always seem to end up
Blaming me for things I didn't do

(For what it's worth)
I didn't even want to tell you anything
In case it made things worse
(Just so you know)
Every time I say that Johnny's hitting me
Hey mom and dad it hurts

Everyday keeps on repeating
Like the record on replay
Slowly getting off the bus
With Johnny waiting at the gates

Like a friend who'll smile or wave
At him while calling out his name
Put his arm around his neck, whisper
"Now give me all your change"

Too afraid to make a scene
Or plea with him to let him go
He just takes whatever is coming
Feels the pain with every blow

Tries in vain to make himself be heard
As soon as he gets home
But every thing's still the same

(But didn't you say)
You always said that I should speak up
But it seems like all the things you said to me
Before meant nothing at all, because

I keep telling you that Johnny's hitting me
That's why I'm late for school
(But you never listen)
Instead you always seem to end up
Blaming me for things I didn't do

(For what it's worth)
I didn't even want to tell you anything
In case it made things worse
(Just so you know)
Every time I say that Johnny's hitting me
Hey mom and dad it hurts

You always said that I should speak up
And to never be afraid to come
And tell you if I needed to talk
(If I needed to talk, yeah)

Well I don't know the meaning of love
'Cause it seems like all the things you said to me
Before meant nothing at all, because

I keep telling you that Johnny's hitting me
That's why I'm late for school
(But you never listen)
Instead you always seem to end up
Blaming me for things I didn't do

(For what it's worth)
I didn't even want to tell you anything
In case it made things worse
(Just so you know)
Every time I say that Johnny's hitting me
Hey mom and dad it hurts

I keep telling you that Johnny's hitting me
That's why I'm late for school
(But you never listen)
Instead you always seem to end up
Blaming me for things I didn't do

(For what it's worth)
I didn't even want to tell you anything
In case it made things worse
(Just so you know)
Every time I say that Johnny's hitting me
Hey mom and dad it hurts

I keep telling you that Johnny's hitting me
That's why I'm late for school
(But you never listen)
Instead you always seem to end up
Blaming me for things I didn't do

(For what it's worth)
I didn't even want to tell you anything
In case it made things worse
(Just so you know)
Every time I say that Johnny's hitting me
Hey mom and dad it hurts