🎵 Smoke in My Veins

[Style: 1950s Delta Blues with Gospel Soul Tempo: Slow simmer, deep swing (6/8 or 12/8) Vocal Feel: Etta James meets Mahalia with a growl that gives goosebumps] [Verse 1] They say I walk like thunder and breathe like a flame, But baby, I was born with a wildfire name. I got silence in my stare, power in my pain, And if you get too close… you’ll feel the smoke in my veins. [Chorus – Sultry, slow, with humming backup] 🎶 I got smoke in my veins, honey, don’t you see? Ain’t no sugar girl, I’m the storm in the sea. I’ve been bruised, I’ve been burned, still I remain, Steppin’ out the shadows with smoke in my veins. 🎶 [Verse 2] My mama told me, “Don’t you bow your head, Let ‘em curse your name while you rise instead.” I don’t speak in fury, I don’t preach in shame, But I’ll burn your lies clean — with smoke in my veins. [Chorus – Bigger, more gospel harmonies] 🎶 I got smoke in my veins, and fire in my feet, Every heartbreak just made my rhythm sweet. I don’t beg for mercy, don’t cry in the rain, I’m a holy reckoning with smoke in my veins. 🎶 [Bridge – A cappella, breathy and bold] Oooo, I’ve lit candles where I bled, Danced with demons, kissed what’s dead. But still I rise, strong and sane— A phoenix carved from southern flame. [Final Chorus – Build with stomps and harmonies] 🎶 I got smoke in my veins, and I don’t run scared, Took every lash and came back prepared. So call me sinner, or call me saint, But I walk with God… and smoke in my veins. 🎶 [Outro – Whisper-smooth] Smoke in my veins… Smoke in my veins… You best not play with flame.