Baby be gentle

(Soft horns, brushed snare, upright bass walking gently)

Verse 1

Mmm… I pour my heart out on these pages,

But they only see the rhyme, not the ages

I spent tryin’ to craft this little spark of mine…

And every word I set free, they twist ‘til it don’t shine.

Pre-Chorus

Ooooh darlin’, I ain’t askin’ for your praise,

Just don’t break what I create…

Please don’t throw my truth away…

Chorus

So baby be gentle…

I’m fragile, can’t you see?

These pieces of my soul,

Ain’t just words— they’re parts of me.

Ooooh, all I’m askin’,

Is treat my heart with care…

‘Cause every song I share

Is a little love laid bare.

(Short horn break — warm, smooth, like a Sam Cooke / Charles Brown blend)

Verse 2

Well I’ve been bruised by all the voices shoutin’,

Tellin’ me what my art should be about and

Every line gets judged like I committed some offense…

But I still sing, because this music is my defense.

Pre-Chorus

Ooooh sugar,

I ain’t sayin’ you must agree—

Just don’t crush the part of me

That keeps my spirit free…

Chorus

So baby be gentle…

I’m fragile, don’t you know?

My rhythm might be steady,

But inside I’m touch-and-go.

Ooooh, all I’m askin’

Is treat my heart with care…

’Cause every song I share

Is a little love laid bare.

Bridge (doo-wop backing harmonies: “shooby-doo, shoo-doo-wah”)

If I’m breakin’, baby let me break slow…

Hold me kindly, let your mercy show…

Every artist has a place below

That only tenderness can know…

Final Chorus (bigger horns, gospel-tinged backing)

Be gentle…

I’m fragile, can’t you see?

But I still lay these melodies

For the world to hear me bleed.

Ooooh, if you’re listenin’,

Then meet me somewhere fair…

And treat my heart with care…

‘Cause it’s all I’ve got to share.