Apron and Armor

[Verse 1]
Silver tray
Shaking in my hands
Checklists
Stuffed into my plans
Name tag crooked
Coffee on my sleeve
Just another shift
Or so I believe
Polishing
Every little stain
Dodging
Sugar
Steam
And rain
Lace-up boots
On a mission line
"Table four needs wiping"
Yeah
I’m fine
[Chorus]
Apron and armor
Buttons and bravery
Just a girl at work
Till trouble looks up at me
I’m sweeping crumbs
Then I’m sweeping in
From clearing tables
To crashing in like a wind
In this tiny café world
I’m a hero in a swirl
Apron and armor
And a heartbeat ready to spin
[Verse 2]
Round the corner
Hear a sudden shout
Chair tips
Someone’s falling out
Tray of plates
About to hit her face
Time slows down
I’m already in place
Drop the cloth
Catch it with my wrist
Her wide eyes say
“How did you move so quick?”
Porcelain rain
Frozen in the air
I take the hit
Shards in my hair (it’s okay)
[Chorus]
Apron and armor
Buttons and bravery
Just a girl at work
Till trouble looks up at me
I’m sweeping crumbs
Then I’m sweeping in
From clearing tables
To crashing in like a wind
In this tiny café world
I’m a hero in a swirl
Apron and armor
And a heartbeat ready to spin
[Bridge]
Manager’s stare
“Are you alright?”
Guests all clap
Phones catching the sight
She grabs my hand
“Thank you
You saved me”
I laugh it off
But my knees feel shaky (oh)
[Chorus]
Apron and armor
Buttons and bravery
Just a girl at work
Till trouble looks up at me
I’m sweeping crumbs
Then I’m sweeping in
From clearing tables
To crashing in like a wind
Yeah this tiny café world
Found a hero in a swirl
Apron and armor
Just a heartbeat choosing to spin (hey!)
Apron and armor
Guess this is how heroes begin

Bright, bouncy J-pop-rock with female vocals; sparkly clean guitars over a brisk four-on-the-floor groove, glockenspiel accents on the hook. Verses stay tight and story-focused with dry drums and close vocal, chorus widens with stacked harmonies, synth pads, and group shouts. Short middle lift strips to claps and bass before a final, triumphant chorus., clean