Alanis Morissette - Sympathetic Character lyrics

I was afraid you'd hit me if I'd spoken up.<br>I was afraid of your physical strength.<br>I was afraid you'd hit below the belt.<br>I was afraid of your sucker punch.<br>I was afraid of your reducing me,<br>I was afraid of your alcohol breath.<br>I was afraid of your complete disregard for me.<br>I was afraid of your temper,<br>I was afraid of handles being flown off.<br>I was afraid of holes being punched into walls.<br>I was afraid of your testosterone.<br><br>I have as much rage as you have.<br>I have as much pain as you do.<br>I've lived as much hell as you have.<br>And I've kept mine bubbling under for you.<br><br>You were my best friend<br>You were my lover.<br>You were my mentor.<br>You were my brother.<br>You were my partner.<br>You were my teacher.<br>You were my very own sympathetic character.<br><br>I was afraid of verbal daggers.<br>I was afraid of the calm before the storm.<br>I was afraid of for my own bones.<br>I was afraid of your seduction.<br>I was afraid of your coercion.<br>I was afraid of your rejection.<br>I was afraid of your intimidation.<br>I was afraid of your punishment.<br>I was afraid of your icy silences.<br>I was afraid of your volume.<br>I was afraid of your manipulation.<br>I was afraid of your explosions.<br><br>I have as much rage as you have.<br>I have as much pain as you do.<br>I've lived as much hell as you have.<br>And I've kept mine bubbling under for you.<br><br>(chorus - chorus)<br>You were my keeper.<br>You were my anchor.<br>You were my family.<br>You were my savior.<br>And therein lay the issue.<br>And therein lay the problem.