First day walkin' in, backpack too big
Shoes too old, heart beatin' too quick
They stare like I'm somethin' they shouldn't see
Like I'm wrong just for bein' me

I don't talk much, guess that's my crime
I sit alone, countin' lunch time
They whisper shit when I pass by
Like I don't hear 'em, like I'm blind

They laugh when I answer wrong
Laugh when I don't answer at all
Teacher says: just ignore 'em, John
Like that ever fuckin' worked at all

They call me weird, they call me slow
Ask me why I don't talk, like I know
I'm not tryin' to be hard to read
I just wish someone would try with me
I don't wanna be cool or loud
I don't wanna stand out in a crowd
I just wanna be understood
At least once, if I could

They push my books, say: watch your step
Say my name like it's a threat
I tell myself: don't react
But my chest feels like it's gonna crack

Teacher sees it, looks away
Says boys will be boys:then writes the date
Guess pain don't count if it ain't loud
Guess quiet kids don't get allowed

I sit there starin' at the board
Tryin' not to feel ignored
They talk 'bout dreams, they talk 'bout plans
I'm just tryin' to make it to the end

They call me weird, they call me slow
Ask me why I don't talk, like I know
I'm not tryin' to be hard to read
I just wish someone would try with me
I don't wanna be cool or loud
I don't wanna stand out in a crowd
I just wanna be understood
At least once, if I could

They call me weird, they call me fake
Like I chose to be this way
I'm not broken, I'm just tired
Of explainin' shit they never hear
I wanna be anyone else
I just wanna hate myself
I just wanna be understood
At least once, if I could

If I disappear, they wouldn't care
They'd still laugh, still stare

I raise my hand, they cut me off
Guess my voice ain't loud enough
They say school's the best days of your life
If that's true, then I'm fuckin' terrified

They call me weird, yeah, that's my name
Write it on the wall, spit the same
I'm not askin' for sympathy
Just someone seein' me
I don't need friends that fake it through
I don't need a crowd, I need the truth
I just wanna be understood
At least once, I really would

Bell rings, I walk out slow
Same shit tomorrow, I already know
If anyone asked how I'm doin'
I'd tell 'em the truth
But nobody's listenin' anyway