1009

Verse 1

We pulled up with grief in the backseat,

Virginia plates still warm

Granddaddy gone, mama holdin’ it together,

Tryin’ to be strong

That house didn’t look like much from the outside,

But it saw everything in me

I was still innocent, still hopin’,

Didn’t know life was watchin’ me

(soft run)

Mmm… didn’t know it was raisin’ me

Pre-Chorus

That house heard my first cry,

My last goodbye

Every prayer I was scared to say out loud

It watched me break, watched me bloom,

Watched me lose my way and find my truth

Chorus

1009 Piedmont Street raised me

Loved me hard, didn’t save me

From the hurt, from the pain, from reality

But it made me ready

First love, first tears, first time I knew

The world don’t bend just ‘cause you do

Strong, graceful, open-minded, aware—

I’m still standin’ ‘cause you were there

Verse 2

Saw love die in the living room,

Mama try not to fall apart

Divorce papers, quiet dinners,

But she kept a lion’s heart

Single nights, empty fridge,

Still found a way to make it stretch

She ain’t complain, she ain’t fold,

Just taught me how to handle stress

(gritty run)

Yeah… she showed me how to breathe

Pre-Chorus

Bills due, lights flicker,

Faith heavy in her hands

She taught me strength ain’t loud,

Sometimes it just stands

Chorus

1009 Piedmont Street raised me

Loved me hard, didn’t save me

From the hurt, from the pain, from reality

But it made me ready

First love, first tears, first time I knew

The world don’t bend just ‘cause you do

Strong, graceful, open-minded, aware—

I’m still standin’ ‘cause you were there

Bridge (Raw / Jazmine-style)

Streets outside made me cautious,

Inside made me pray

Learned early everybody smilin’

Ain’t meanin’ to stay

I grew up fast, but I grew right,

Learned how to see through lies

That house didn’t break my spirit—

It sharpened my eyes

(background vocals)

Ooooh… yeah…

It sharpened me…

Breakdown (Almost a Cry)

I cried on them floors,

Loved on them walls

Lost myself and found it all

If I could thank that house,

I’d say, “You knew what I’d be”

Final Chorus (Big, Emotional)

1009 Piedmont Street made me

Even when it played me

Every scar turned into wisdom

Every tear gave me vision

I ain’t perfect, I ain’t numb,

But I’m aware of where I’m from

Strong, graceful, open-minded, aware—

That house still breathes in me

Outro (Runs + Ad-libs)

Yeah…

No matter how far I go…

I carry you…

1009…

You raised me…

(soft run fades)