(Music: Hall; Lyrics: Hall/Oates/S. Allen)


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

(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


It 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

Ooh I had to blow you off

I couldn't stand it having you around

I couldn't stand the sound, no

(Delayed reaction) oh yeah

At first I was ashamed

And 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

But if the rage is right

Then you 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

(Delayed reaction) oh yeah

At first I was ashamed

And 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 so

(Delayed reaction) oh yeah

Ooh I had to fight, fight, fight you

(Delayed reaction oh no)

Just had to let the love blow to fight a dirty fight

9Delayed reaction oh yeah)

What good is saying I lost my head I didn't mean it girl

(Delayed reaction) oh no

Ooh baby, ooh baby

I can't imagine why you want to let it go

(Delayed reaction)

Ooh, yeah the boys are fine and I'm twice the fool

(Delayed reaction) oh no

I can't imagine why, I can't imagine why