[INSTRUMENTAL — organ chords over snaps, bass melody sliding in] [VERSE 1 — patient storytelling flow] Empty church lot, Sunday, six AM, my brother's turn Sixteen, shaking on the wheel — I remember how it burned "Clutch out slow, gas gentle" — he killed it four times straight Fifth time she rolled forward and I watched him levitate Told him how I failed the first, failed the second, passed the third Failing's just the tuition, bro — success is just deferred He asked me 'bout the scar up on the Dodge's passenger door I said "ask me when you older" — some roads ain't paved no more [VERSE 2 — flow gets serious, organ low] License ain't a license, it's a key to leaving when you need It's a ride to work, a ride away, a way to take the lead I taught him where the cops sit on the I-5 going north Taught him keep his hands where they can see 'em — different course He got quiet at that part — he's sixteen, he gets it now That's a lesson Daddy gave me that I'm passing down somehow Sun came up behind us, lot was golden, engine warm He parallel parked perfect and I played it like it's norm [HOOK — warm chant, call and answer] Eyes up (eyes up), eyes up (eyes up) Check the mirrors, mind the wheel, little bro, you doing fine Eyes up (eyes up), eyes up (eyes up) Everything I learned the hard way, I hand it down in time [BRIDGE — beat drops to organ and snaps, voice low] Daddy taught me in this same lot (same lot), Sunday, six AM (six AM) Every lesson that he gave me, I just hand 'em down again I can't give him much — no inheritance, no land But I can teach him how to leave, and how to come back when he can [VERSE 3 — easy flow, morning light] On the drive home I let him take the long way through the hills Watched him check his mirrors twice — boy got them careful-brother skills Mama met us at the gate with her coffee and her frown "Three hours in a church lot?" — we was learning not to break down [HOOK — biggest one, voices stacked] Eyes up (eyes up), eyes up (eyes up) Check the mirrors, mind the wheel, little bro, you doing fine Eyes up (eyes up), eyes up (eyes up) Everything I learned the hard way, I hand it down in time [OUTRO — chant fading, organ holding the last chord] Eyes up (eyes up) ... (you doing good, bro)
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