Hall & Oates

Songwriter: Daryl Hall John Oates Sara Allen

Producer: Daryl Hall John Oates

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

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
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)
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

Hall & Oates released the first of their 18 albums in 1972 on Atlantic Records. They would go on to sell 13 million albums and 6 million singles primarily during the 70’s and 80’s when they recorded their most prolific and profound music. They blended rock, jazz, soul, and pop create a genre they titled rock and soul.

While their technical musicianship, innovative songwriting styles, and popular live performances were praised, they also had a fruitful partnership with their manager Tommy Mottola, who was helped Hall & Oates break into music videos before they were popular and made profitable financial deals by helping them get on the ground level of and corporate sponsorship of tours. Hall & Oates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

more tracks from the album

H2O

From the albums

H2O (1982)
H2O (Remastered) (2004)

Hall & Oates popular songs

Delayed ReactionHall & Oates

Hall & Oates

H2O