[Intro] (Crisp drum break starts—dry and punchy) (Spoken, low) Mmm. Finally took the boards off the windows. (Ad-lib: Yeah) Check the temperature. It’s perfect. [Verse 1] (Rap flow: Rhythmic, laid back, conversational) Winter had me stagnant, sitting in the dust But the hinges finally moving, had to shake away the rust (Ad-lib: Clink) Got my baggy cargos on, yeah, the pocket’s full of hope And the air is smelling different, like some lavender and soap I’m a tomboy, baby, skating circles 'round the block I don't need a heavy parka, I don't need to check the clock (Ad-lib: Wait) I see the neighbors on the stoop, yeah, they’re passing 'round the tea And the city’s finally looking like it’s looking back at me. [Chorus] (Vocal style: Soulful, warm, sung with very little reverb) Ooh, let the sun just sit right on my skin Open up the window, let the neighborhood in I’m stepping to the curb, yeah, I’m feeling the heat Waking up the spirit of the people on the street It’s a brand new vibe, it’s a brand new day And the winter blues are finally gonna fade away. [Verse 2] (Rap flow: More aggressive, punchy, "Scarlet" era energy) Look at the concrete, yeah, it’s breathing through the cracks Got my backpack on and I ain't looking back (Ad-lib: No cap) Scuffed Nikes, yeah, I’m digging in the dirt Bringing life back to the city ‘til my fingertips hurt I don’t want the neon, I don’t want the fake glow I just want the real grass, watch the garden grow (Ad-lib: Grow!) Windows up? No. Keep 'em down low Let the rhythm of the city be the only thing we know. [Chorus] (Vocal style: Soulful, warm, sung with very little reverb) Ooh, let the sun just sit right on my skin Open up the window, let the neighborhood in I’m stepping to the curb, yeah, I’m feeling the heat Waking up the spirit of the people on the street It’s a brand new vibe, it’s a brand new day And the winter blues are finally gonna fade away. [Bridge] (Drums drop out, just the bass and a light guitar) (Half-spoken, breathy) You see that? The blossoms? (Ad-lib: Tch) The world is turning green again. (Spoken) Step outside. I’m waiting for you. [Verse 3] (Rap flow: Fast, rhythmic, slightly mocking tone) Yeah, pull the curtains back, let the dusty light hit I’m the queen of the pavement, yeah, I’m loving the grit (Ad-lib: Facts) Used to be a ghost town, everyone was MIA Now the block is like a runway, yeah, it’s giving display I’m a tomboy, baby, keep the sneakers lace-tight Chasing down the golden hour 'til it turns to night (Ad-lib: Skrrt!) See the kids at the hydrant? See the smoke from the grill? The city got its heartbeat back, it’s never sitting still I’m the sprout in the gutter, I’m the ivy on the wall I’m the one that stayed standing while the temperature would fall (Ad-lib: I’m still here!) Now the ice is just a memory, the water’s in the drain And I’m dancing in the puddle, yeah, I’m washing off the rain! [Chorus] (Vocal style: Soulful, warm, sung with very little reverb) Ooh, let the sun just sit right on my skin Open up the window, let the neighborhood in I’m stepping to the curb, yeah, I’m feeling the heat Waking up the spirit of the people on the street It’s a brand new vibe, it’s a brand new day And the winter blues are finally gonna fade away. [Outro] (Fades out with a groovy bass solo and dry finger snaps) (Ad-libs: Yeah. Real talk. Springtime. Mmm-hmm.)
