[Verse 1 – Growing] Mama smoked, I grew up fast, chalk on my shoes, dreams that don’t last. Didn’t like autumn, thought it was cruel, leaves on the pavement, me late for school. [Chorus 1 – Growing → Changing] I was growing, then I changed, cheap red wine, boys with no names. Color in my cheeks, color in the leaves, thought I’d never age, thought I’d never bleed. [Instrumental – Horn riff / walking bass] [Verse 2 – Changing → Falling] Golden nights, lipstick stains, love in the bathroom, love down the drain. He left me cold when the nights got rough, I lit another smoke, said “I’ve had enough.” [Chorus 2 – Falling] I was changing, then I fell, face in the mirror, don’t know her well. Makeup cracked, but the roots still show, you hit the ground, that’s how you grow. [Instrumental – Saxophone break] [Bridge – Aging] Kids of my own, they don’t call back, I pour another drink, keep the record on track. Lines on my face like the city cracks, but baby, I ain’t done, I ain’t turning back. [Final Chorus – Dancing] I was falling, now I dance, tipsy in the kitchen, still taking a chance. Every scar, every bruise, every hue, just another way I’m closer to you. [Call & Response Dance Extension] I kick off my shoes, let the record play, (Kick ’em off, let it play, let it sway) Laugh too loud, shake the pain away, (Laugh it loud, shake it down, night or day) This broken leaf still flies on the breeze, (Fly, leaf, fly, do just as you please) And I dance, oh I dance, till the morning agrees. (Dance all night, dance with ease) [Instrumental – Full band jam, horns & rhythm] [Outro] And when the last leaf hits the ground, I’ll still be singing, I’ll still be loud.
