[Verse 1]
Had to be home ‘fore the street lights on
Mama at the window, same coat, same tone
Bookbag swingin’, little rocks in my shoes
Cut across the field like I got somethin’ to prove
Curb chalk faded, chain net rust
Whole block prayin’ that the school work stuck
“Come straight home, don’t you stop for the crew”
I lied with my head, but my feet always knew
[Chorus]
Back then, rushin’ home ‘fore the street lights on
Now the street lights on feel like armor when I walk alone
Used to mean “boy, get safe,” now they mean “stay strong”
From runnin’ toward that porch
to hopin’ that glow just walks me home
[Verse 2]
Older now, corners know me by name
Same cracked pavement, but they play a new game
Phones light up, but the alleys still dark
I trust every shadow less than I trust my heart
Sirens sing late, that’s a lullaby here
I keep my head low, but my mind stay clear
Now I trace my steps by that sodium glow
Every pool of light feel like a halo on the road
[Chorus]
Back then, rushin’ home ‘fore the street lights on
Now the street lights on feel like armor when I walk alone
Used to mean “boy, get safe,” now they mean “stay strong”
From runnin’ toward that porch
to hopin’ that glow just walks me home
[Bridge]
Funny how the rules flip when you grow (when you grow)
Same bulb buzz, whole different soul
I used to fear the dark ‘cause she said so
Now the dark fear me when them street lamps glow
[Chorus]
Back then, rushin’ home ‘fore the street lights on
Now the street lights on feel like armor when I walk alone
Used to mean “boy, get safe,” now they mean “stay strong”
From runnin’ toward that porch
to hopin’ that glow just walks me home