[Verse 1]
You strike a low blow, you fight a dirty fight
Right to the heart you're putting me away
Time was movin' slow, but I was in control
There were so many things I should've said
But couldn't think of one word

[Chorus]
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
At first I was ashamed, then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Say that delayed reaction, oh no
At first I was alright and then I had to fight
I wanted to hurt you, I wanted to hurt you so

[Verse 2]
There was a backlash, no, I couldn't let it pass
I was so mad, I couldn't keep it down
I made it real tough, I had to blow you off
I couldn't stand it having you around
I couldn't stand the sound, no

[Chorus]
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
At first I was ashamed, then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Say that delayed reaction, oh no
At first I was alright and then I had to fight with you
I wanted to hurt you, I wanted to hurt you so
[Bridge]
But if the rage is right, well, you had better be wrong
'Cause if I force a fight, well, then I'm twice a fool
Ooh, I could've listened more, was that what you were waiting for?
I can't imagine why, I can't imagine why
I can't imagine why you'd wanna let it go
I didn't wanna blow but

[Chorus]
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
At first I was ashamed, then I was inflamed
I wanted to hurt you
Say that delayed reaction, oh no
At first I was alright and then I had to fight with you
I wanted to hurt you, I wanted to hurt you so

[Outro]
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
I had to fight, fight, fight you
Delayed reaction, oh no
You strike a low blow, you fight a dirty fight
Delayed reaction, oh yeah
What could I say, I lost my head, I didn't mean it, girl
Delayed reaction, oh no
Ooh baby, ooh baby
I can't imagine why you wanna let it go
Delayed reaction
Ooh, and if I force a fight, then I'm twice a fool
Delayed reaction, oh no
I can't imagine why, I can't imagine why