TANGERINE [INTRO — bent plucked motif, dry percussion, deep sub entering late] [LOW RASPY FEMALE LEAD — close, casual] Don’t ask where we’re going. You got gas? [VERSE 1 — sparse; mostly bass, drums and signature pluck] Your little Tangerine Parked crooked by the curb Passenger door sticks You gotta give it a shove Radio half-broken Bass still works just fine You said, “Pick somewhere” I said, “Drive” Loose change sliding Every time you turn Your hand out the window Like you never learn [TURN — drums hesitate] Red light You ran it I looked You grinned Okay. Do it again. [CHORUS — melody opens slightly; fuller low end, minimal vocal layering] Tangerine Windows down Take the long way Out of town No destination No big scene Just me In your Tangerine [signature pluck answers] [VERSE 2 — lead stays dry and loose; percussion gets stranger] Your phone face-down Fries in my lap I change the station You change it back One hand driving One on my knee You said, “Quit smiling” I said, “Make me” Gas light blinking You let it blink I ask if we’re stranded You say, “Don’t jinx it” Wrong turn coming You look at me I point straight ahead Keep going. [PRE-CHORUS — slightly more melodic; bass stretches underneath] I like it better When nobody knows No reservations No place to go You can make a plan Tomorrow morning Tonight Just keep going [CHORUS] Tangerine Windows down Take the long way Out of town No destination No big scene Just me In your Tangerine [BREAK — drums disappear; chopped pluck, metallic percussion, sub pulse] [LEAD — tossed off] Wait. Turn that up. [INSTRUMENTAL SWITCH — new crooked drum pocket] [BRIDGE — nearly spoken] Parking ticket Under the wiper You said leave it So I left it Missed my exit Good. Don’t turn. I’m not ready To go home anyway. [ONE BEAT SILENCE] [FINAL CHORUS — biggest production, vocals still restrained] Tangerine Windows down Take the long way Out of town No destination No big scene Just me In your Tangerine [slight melodic lift] Keep going Keep going I’ll tell you when. [OUTRO — instruments disappear one at a time] Not yet. [HARD STOP]
