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Words from the artist’s archive
Step Through, Not Around lyrics
Artist-supplied lyric sheet, matched by title. The sheet may differ from this released performance. Production notes and alternate promotional cuts are omitted.
Read the lyric sheet
Intro
I wasn’t brave, I was bored of the same wall Train late, suit tight, boss talkin like he God Heart tappin Morse code, palms damp on the phone I said “cool” but my chest said “don’t fold”
Verse 1
Cubicle felt like a slow leak in my lungs Not killin me, just keepin me numb for months Pain small, so I stayed, like “it’s calm, it’s fine” But calm turn to chains when you do it all the time Fear loud, so I paced, scrollin news like a fiend Doom-thumb on the screen while my dream went unseen Then I peeped my own face in the dark train glass Looked tired, like “yo… how long this gon last?”
Pre-chorus
I learned somethin bout pressure It don’t move you til it’s heavy on your neck, bruh
Chorus
Step through, not around, not around Deadass, I’m shook, still I’m outbound Hard now, sweet later, that’s the route Step through, not around, not around
Verse 2
First time solo, I left Jamaica, one bag Airport lights cold, stomach doin jump jacks Hong Kong high-rise, rain hittin metal rails I ain’t know nobody, just faith and a frail tail Intern days long, noodles, neon signs (nah) Street steam, wet shoes, grindin through the time I missed home bad, but the city made it clear You grow when you land and your comfort disappear
Pre-chorus
If you wait for perfect, you gon wait forever So I moved messy, stitched courage together
Chorus
Step through, not around, not around Deadass, I’m shook, still I’m outbound Hard now, sweet later, that’s the route Step through, not around, not around
Verse 3
I’m introvert, twin, I hate cameras in my face Throat dry, mind blank, feelin stiff in my space So I filmed in the crib, kept it tucked, no post Talked to the wall til the fear got broke Reps made armor, every take got cleaner Same voice, new spine, like “aight” I mean it Folks think you wake confident, nah, that’s cap Confidence is calluses, built from runnin it back
Bridge
Some moves feel good now, but they tax you later Some moves hurt now, but they build you greater Ain’t much neutral, life keep receipts Pick the pain you want, then get on your feet
Verse 4
Money weird, I seen rich dudes scared to be broke Big crib, same panic, same twitch in the throat Lifestyle get hungry, it don’t care what you got You feed it, it grow, then it own your thoughts So I started small, cut the late-night drinks Put the phone far, made my brain less weak Sleep tighter, lift heavy, link who I like Energy up, now my plans feel right
Chorus
Step through, not around, not around Odee doubts, I mute, then I lock down Hard now, sweet later, that’s the route Step through, not around, not around
Verse 5
Borrow the future, go look at that lane Managers ahead, same eyes, same drained Ask if they happier, fit, love life straight If your gut say “nah,” that’s a warning, don’t wait Micro-challenges first, keep it quiet, get strong Side-move, save bread, build proof in your palms Don’t crash out, don’t stall, just pivot with pride Step through, not around, let the fear ride shotgun You drive
Chorus
Step through, not around, not around Deadass, I’m shook, still I’m outbound Hard now, sweet later, that’s the route Step through, not around, not around
Outro
If it ain’t bad enough, you’ll stay stuck there Til the mirror start talkin and you can’t un-hear So I move when I’m scared, that’s my new sound Step through, not around, not around
Inside the recording
I wasn’t brave, I was bored of the same wall Train late, suit tight, boss talkin like he God
I learned somethin bout pressure It don’t move you til it’s heavy on your neck, bruh
If it ain’t bad enough, you’ll stay stuck there Til the mirror start talkin and you can’t un-hear
Excerpts from artist-supplied lyric files matched by title. Lyric sheets may differ from the released performance.