"what you need"

Lyrics

[Verse 1 - smoky neo-soul groove, muted electric piano, soft finger snaps, intimate lead vocal]
You came in like a summer rain,
Sweet at first, then you left a stain.
I kept waterin’ a cracked-up heart,
Tryna make a garden out of broken parts.
You took my peace and called it love,
Then watched me fold just to rise above.
But I been learnin’ how to breathe again,
How to choose myself, how to let it end.

[Pre-Chorus - bass warms in, background harmonies lift, voice growing stronger]
I was holdin’ on to shadows,
Tryna turn the hurt to gold,
But every time you pulled me closer,
I could feel my spirit fold.
Now I see it clear, no fear in my eyes,
What I need won’t make me compromise.

[Chorus - lush harmony stack, smooth drums, soaring and cathartic]
So I’m lettin’ go, lettin’ go,
Of the weight you put on my soul.
I won’t drown in what you can’t own,
I’m reclaimin’ my heart, I’m comin’ home.
No more tears for a love that drains,
No more stayin’ in the fire and the pain.
I’m lettin’ go, lettin’ go,
Baby, I choose me now, and I’m gonna grow.

[Verse 2 - deeper groove, crisp rimshots, warm Rhodes, confident vocal phrasing]
I used to answer every call,
Even when it broke me down.
Gave you all my truth and time,
You still never held me right.
You made my silence feel like blame,
Turned my tenderness into shame.
But I found power in the space you left,
Found my worth when I took back my breath.

[Pre-Chorus - percussion builds, layered ad-libs, tension to release]
I was holdin’ on to shadows,
Tryna turn the hurt to gold,
But every time you pulled me closer,
I could feel my spirit fold.
Now I see it clear, no fear in my eyes,
What I need won’t make me compromise.

[Chorus - fuller band, rich backing vocals, triumphant and smooth]
So I’m lettin’ go, lettin’ go,
Of the weight you put on my soul.
I won’t drown in what you can’t own,
I’m reclaimin’ my heart, I’m comin’ home.
No more tears for a love that drains,
No more stayin’ in the fire and the pain.
I’m lettin’ go, lettin’ go,
Baby, I choose me now, and I’m gonna grow.

[Bridge - stripped-back piano and breathy harmonies, vulnerable but resolute]
If love can’t heal, then it ain’t love at all,
If I gotta shrink, then I’m bound to fall.
I forgive myself for the times I stayed,
For the dreams I fed that you slowly drained.
Now I’m open, free, and unafraid,
Of the life I’ll build when I walk away.

[Final Chorus - soaring neo-soul climax, stacked vocals, ad-libs, uplifting horns]
So I’m lettin’ go, lettin’ go,
Of the weight you put on my soul.
I won’t drown in what you can’t own,
I’m reclaimin’ my heart, I’m comin’ home.
No more tears for a love that drains,
No more stayin’ in the fire and the pain.
I’m lettin’ go, lettin’ go,
Baby, I choose me now, and I’m gonna grow.

[Outro - airy keys, fading bass, whispered ad-libs, peaceful release]
I’m lettin’ go...
Yeah, I’m lettin’ go...
Finally free...
And I’m gonna grow.