"Sticks and Stones" is an unreleased song by Melanie Martinez. It was recorded in the sessions for her debut studio album, Cry Baby, however, it was later scrapped.
The full song was leaked on July 24, 2022.
Theme[]
This song is about a toxic relationship that someone went through in which they felt humiliated and offended. It is clear from the verses as a whole that they are fully breaking up with them.
"Sticks and Stones" is an English rhyme for children. It is used as a deterrent to name-calling and other insults. Typically, the entire rhyme is said as: "Sticks and stones may break your/my bones, but words will never hurt you/me". Melanie reverses this saying in the song.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
I'll never be the Band-Aid on your knee
Our initials won't be in a tree
You won't go down the slide with me
Nothing is the way it used to be
I won't say "bless you" when you sneeze
Won't trade my crayons for anything
You only have fun when you're being mean
Never be invited to my birthday party
[Pre-chorus]
Go ahead and tell on me
No one to tell in reality
Mother always said that
Father always said that
[Chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
The words you spoke destroyed me
Acting like you'rе five years old
I think it's time you lеave me alone
[Post-chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
[Verse 2]
I'll never be a night light when you sleep
Honestly I'm baffled by your immaturity
Stop laughing 'bout the birds and bees
Nothing is the way it used to be
[Pre-chorus]
Go ahead and tell on me
No one to tell in reality
Mother always said that
Father always said that
[Chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
The words you spoke destroyed me
Acting like you're five years old
I think it's time you leave me alone
[Post-chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
[Bridge]
Go ahead and tell on me
No one to tell in reality
Mother always said that
Father always said that
Boys like you are dangerous
[Chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
The words you spoke destroyed me
Acting like you're five years old
I think it's time you leave me alone
[Post-chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
[Chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
The words you spoke destroyed me
Acting like you're five years old
I think it's time you leave me alone
[Verse 1]
I'll never be the Band-Aid on your knee
Our initials won't be in a tree
You won't go down the slide with me
Nothing is the way it used to be
I won't say "bless you" when you sneeze
Won't trade my crayons for anything
You only have fun when you're being mean
Never be invited to my birthday party
[Pre-chorus]
Go ahead and tell on me
No one to tell in reality
Mother always said that
Father always said that
[Chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
The words you spoke destroyed me
Acting like you'rе five years old
I think it's time you lеave me alone
[Post-chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
[Verse 2]
I'll never be a night light when you sleep
Honestly I'm baffled by your immaturity
Stop laughing 'bout the birds and bees
Nothing is the way it used to be
[Pre-chorus]
Go ahead and tell on me
No one to tell in reality
Mother always said that
Father always said that
[Chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
The words you spoke destroyed me
Acting like you're five years old
I think it's time you leave me alone
[Post-chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
[Bridge]
Go ahead and tell on me
No one to tell in reality
Mother always said that
Father always said that
Boys like you are dangerous
[Chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
The words you spoke destroyed me
Acting like you're five years old
I think it's time you leave me alone
[Post-chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
Your words will destroy me
[Chorus]
Sticks and stones won't break my bones
The words you spoke destroyed me
Acting like you're five years old
I think it's time you leave me alone
Official versions[]
Version | Associated project | Leak date | Producer(s) | Creation date | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Final | Cry Baby | July 24, 2022 | Chris Braide | 2014 | 4:02 |
Trivia[]
- Before this song title was revealed, several popular fake names were given to the song, such as "Sad Birthday to Me" and "Cake Walk".