Dust & Velvet

​[Intro] ​(Slow, hypnotic trip-hop drum loop begins, accompanied by warm sub-bass, vinyl crackle, and the flick of a zippo lighter) (Whispered, husky voice close to the mic) Mm... smoke on the rooftop. Cold concrete, warm heart behind the thorns. Yeah... Sammy Crow. ​[Verse 1] ​Neon flickering on wet asphalt streets, Learned to dodge the shadows before I learned to sleep. Laced-up boots and a chest full of fire, Built a wall so high, wrapped in barbed wire. Five little angels waiting back at home, I took every blow so they’d never feel alone. Now I wear my scars like a silver chain, White streak in my curls, walking through the rain. Don't ask my name if you can't handle the bite, I’m the thorn on the rose in the dead of night. ​[Chorus] ​(Beat expands with heavy, rolling sub-bass and smoky synth pads) Velvet in the dark, heavy as the dust, Show me your hand 'cause I got no trust. Spinning through the ruins, gambling with fate, Cold to the world, but my love runs great. Oh, they call me Crow, watching from the high, Touch what is mine — and you’ll see me fly... ​[Verse 2] ​Whispers of the past buried underground, Still hear the echoes of that gunshot sound. Blood on my hands, flash in the room, Freeze in the dark when the memories bloom. Shovel in the dirt, chasing ancient gold, Till the sun burned hot and my body ran cold. Autoimmune sting, shadow is my sanctuary, Living in the shade where the old ghosts bury. Pouring late-night drinks under dim cafe light, Cards in my pocket... ready for a fight. ​[Bridge] ​(Music slows down to a soft, pulsing rhythm. Vox are warm, intimate, and breathy) See, around the kids... the thorns fall away. I give 'em the sunshine, I take all the gray. Never ask for help, I drag the heavy load, Standing all alone at the crossroads. Sarcastic smile, poison on my tongue, Keeping you away till the damage is done... ​[Chorus] ​(Full bass returns with emotional intensity) Velvet in the dark, heavy as the dust, Show me your hand 'cause I got no trust. Spinning through the ruins, gambling with fate, Cold to the world, but my love runs great. Oh, they call me Crow, watching from the high, Touch what is mine — and you’ll see me fly... ​[Outro] ​(Fade down to a heartbeat-like 808, sound of rolling dice on a table, and a deep smoky exhale) I want it. I take it. No light needed... I shine in the dark. Sammy Crow. (Vinyl crackle fades out)