Burning the Ground

Intro (Spoken – fierce, like a count-in) They wanna know who runs this world? (Ah-ah) Watch me step into the fire… (Drum fill + guitar scratch) --- Verse 1 (Shakira-style rapid delivery) I don’t need no crown to rule the night Two left feet? Boy, I start a fight My hips don’t lie, but my lips might bite You came to watch? Then you better hold tight Sweat on my skin like diamonds of June Moon’s getting jealous – I’m the real typhoon One two three, watch the whole room swoon I walk in late, leave the party too soon --- Pre-chorus (Building, breathy) You feel that heartbeat? That’s a drum I own This ain’t a stage, this is a throne No king, no master, no stepping stone Just me and the beat – and the heat we’ve grown --- Chorus (Anthemic, Beyoncé-style power belts) We’re burning the ground, watch the ashes fly Snake in my heel and a storm in my thigh No fear, no filter, no “sorry, not I” If you can’t take the heat – then don’t ask why (Clap – rest – clap – rest) Burning the ground, yeah, we do it loud Hands to the ceiling, middle fingers proud Tonight we’re the gospel, no prayer, just vow Say my name, baby – say it now --- Post-chorus (Shakira – playful, staccato, chanting) Eh-eh-oh, eh-eh-ah Move your spine like a steel guitar Eh-eh-oh, eh-eh-ah One life, one night – no decoy, no fraud --- Verse 2 (Trading lines – both styles) (Bey style – low, smoky) Ladies in the back, don’t apologize This ain’t a rehearsal – this is the prize He think he’s the hunter? Then let him fantasize I’m the lion, the flame, the beautiful lies (Shaki style – rapid, tongue-twisting) Boots on the floor, hips to the left Love me or leave me – I’m still my own bet He dropped his keys, I dropped his respect Turn off the lights, baby – watch me reflect --- Pre-chorus (repeat with more ad-libs) You feel that heartbeat? That’s a drum I own This ain’t a stage, this is a throne No king, no master, no stepping stone Just me and the beat – (uh!) – and the heat we’ve grown --- Chorus (repeat – bigger, brass section enters) We’re burning the ground, watch the ashes fly Snake in my heel and a storm in my thigh No fear, no filter, no “sorry, not I” If you can’t take the heat – then don’t ask why (Clap – rest – clap – rest) Burning the ground, yeah, we do it loud Hands to the ceiling, middle fingers proud Tonight we’re the gospel, no prayer, just vow Say my name, baby – (Beyoncé run) – say it now --- Bridge (Slow-burn – spoken-sung, intimate then explosive) Don’t touch me unless you mean the crash I’m not your souvenir or your whiplash You want a queen? Then learn the math One kingdom – mine. One path – my path. Outro (Dance break chant – call and response) Leader: Who runs this world? Choir: NOT YOUR BOY! Leader: Who steals the thunder? Choir: JOY – JOY – JOY!