[Intro] (Upbeat 100 BPM hip-hop soul bounce, bright keyboard stabs, crisp snare, warm electric piano) [Female] (sung, playful and direct) My girls are downstairs in the cab... And you’re standing there looking at your watch. Don't do that to yourself, baby. Just have a good night. [Verse 1 - Female] (Sung) (Punchy programmed drum groove, bouncy bassline driving forward) Lip gloss shining, silver hoops in my ears, I’ve been planning this evening for weeks, my dear. Got my favorite top on, hair done just right, Stepping out the door into the Friday night. You’re leaning on the doorframe, asking where I’m bound, Who’s gonna be there when I make the rounds? You ask if I’ll be back by one or maybe two, Like I gotta turn in a schedule to you. I smile, touch your cheek, and hand you the remote, 'Cause boy, you’re missing the note. [Pre-Chorus - Female] (Sung) (Muted guitar accents swell, syncopated percussion building tension) I like the way we kick it when it’s just us two, And I love the little things that you like to do. But we never signed a paper, never made a deal, Giving you the right to control how I feel. So turn off the porch light, put yourself to bed, Clear all those heavy little thoughts from your head. [Chorus - Female] (Sung) (Catchy 2006 R&B hook, bright layered female harmonies, infectious radio bounce) Don't wait up, don't leave the porch light on, Don't sit by the phone waiting for the dawn. I’m out with my ladies, we’re dancing all night, Doing what I want under the city light. Don't wait up, boy, don't keep dinner warm, I’m living my life, I ain't causing no harm. If I call you tomorrow, then that’s a sweet surprise, But tonight my freedom is the only prize! [Verse 2 - Female] (Sung) (Rhythmically sharp beat, deep bass sliding under conversational delivery) Midnight at the club, the DJ drops the track, My flip phone is buzzing, glowing in my bag. I see your name popping up on the screen, Asking why I haven't answered, making a scene. Look, I ain't out here trying to make you feel small, Or running around playing games with your call. I’m just living in the moment, enjoying the sound, Without somebody checking every time I turn around. I gave you my affection, gave you my time, But I never gave you total ownership of mine. [Pre-Chorus - Female] (Sung) (Muted guitar accents swell, syncopated percussion building tension) I like the way we kick it when it’s just us two, And I love the little things that you like to do. But we never signed a paper, never made a deal, Giving you the right to control how I feel. So turn off the porch light, put yourself to bed, Clear all those heavy little thoughts from your head. [Chorus - Female] (Sung) (Catchy 2006 R&B hook, bright layered female harmonies, infectious radio bounce) Don't wait up, don't leave the porch light on, Don't sit by the phone waiting for the dawn. I’m out with my ladies, we’re dancing all night, Doing what I want under the city light. Don't wait up, boy, don't keep dinner warm, I’m living my life, I ain't causing no harm. If I call you tomorrow, then that’s a sweet surprise, But tonight my freedom is the only prize! [Bridge - Female] (Sung) (Drums drop to a light rimshot, warm Rhodes piano, open melodic phrasing) I get it... you like having me around, And you wish I was the type to stay locked down. And honestly? Your attention is sweet, It’s nice knowing somebody wants me complete. But I won't lie to keep you feeling okay, Or pretend that I’m ready to give my keys away. We can enjoy the ride, we can have our fun, Just don't count the hours till the rising sun... [Final Chorus - Female] (Sung) (Full 2006 production lift, rich stacked harmonies, playful energetic ad-libs) Don't wait up (don't wait up, baby!), don't leave the porch light on, Don't sit by the phone waiting for the dawn (don't wait for the dawn, no!). I’m out with my ladies, we’re dancing all night (dancing all night!), Doing what I want under the city light. Don't wait up, boy (don't wait up), don't keep dinner warm, I’m living my life, I ain't causing no harm (ain't causing no harm). If I call you tomorrow, then that’s a sweet surprise (sweet surprise), But tonight my freedom is the only prize! [Outro - Female] (Sung) (Upbeat bouncy beat fading, bright keyboard stabs, relaxed vocal ad-libs) Don't wait up... Go to sleep, baby. I'll hit you up when I hit you up. Yeah... No Strings Attached. (Car horn honks outside, laughter, fade out)
