[Intro] (vinyl crackle, low Rhodes) Mm… yeah… Don’t rush it… (sandpaper tone, close) [Verse 1] I had a moment I should’ve checked my own line (drag behind beat) Felt that pull in my chest, still I let it slide Cost me more than a night, more than pride Now I move slow when that heat start to rise (soft rimshot, bass enters) You lean in close, tryna read my face Like I owe you somethin’ I ain’t finna say I just hold that look, let it sit in place Let the silence talk… let it fill that space [Pre] (whisper layer under lead) Ain’t every spark gotta turn to flame Ain’t every hand gotta stake a claim If I take my time, that ain’t fear, that’s aim I don’t lose myself just to play that game [Chorus] (full pocket, warm bass groove) I’m holdin’ fire… (low, gravel, stretched phrasing) Yeah I feel it, I ain’t lettin’ it go I’m holdin’ fire… (let the word “fire” strain) Let it build slow, let it take control You want it now—I slow it down Sit deep in the groove, don’t make a sound If it’s real, it don’t need that rush I’m holdin’ fire… I don’t give it up [Verse 2] (guitar tremolo, airy organ pad) You shift your weight like you test that line Half-smile sayin’ “cross it this time” But I stay right here, let it tighten slow You ain’t used to a man say “not yet”… no (backbeat slightly late) I ain’t cold, I just know that edge Where a man lose grip if he oversteps Seen too many burn just to feel alive I’d rather stay lit than just flash and die [Pre] (breath audible) Ain’t every want gotta turn to need Ain’t every look mean follow me If I hold my ground, that’s a different speed Feel it in your chest when you stand with me [Chorus] (thicker harmony, still restrained) I’m holdin’ fire… Yeah I feel it, I ain’t lettin’ it go I’m holdin’ fire… Let it sit, let it stretch, let it grow You want it now—I slow it down Stay locked in the pocket, don’t come unwound If it’s real, it don’t need that rush I’m holdin’ fire… I don’t give it up [Bridge] (drop drums, Rhodes + voice only) You ever want somethin’ bad… and still don’t move? (not ‘cause you can’t…) …‘cause you choose That’s that line… that’s that test… feel that weight sittin’ deep in your chest (add low harmony) That ain’t distance… that’s command That’s knowin’ who you are as a man [Break] (bass heartbeat, vocal ad-libs) Mm… yeah… Don’t move… Let it build… [Chorus] (final lift, still no explosion) I’m holdin’ fire… (grit peaks slightly) Yeah I feel it, I ain’t lettin’ it go I’m holdin’ fire… Let it ride low, let it take its toll You want it now—I slow it down Hands on the wheel, I don’t drift around If it’s real, it don’t need that rush I’m holdin’ fire… I don’t give it up [Outro] (strip back to Rhodes, vinyl noise returns) Some chase the moment… (slight spoken tone) Some become it… I don’t rush it… I hold it…
