About the song
A story for this song hasn’t been added yet.
Words from the artist’s archive
WRITE IT THEN LIGHT IT 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
One-one-one on the lock screen glare Whole world wishing in the kitchen air My pen cap clicks like a countdown drum Ash in the sink, yeah, here we come
Verse 1
Group chat popping, “you up?” at ten past one Barefoot on tile, I’m laughing then I’m numb Rent due tomorrow, but tonight feel rare Candle on the counter, smoke curls in the air I write three things that I never say loud New year, same me, just less of the crowd Bay leaf in my palm like a paper-thin map If it’s just a joke, why my hands still shake?
Pre-chorus
Clock hand crawling like it knows my fear I hear my heartbeat over cheap champagne If this don’t work, I still gotta stand So I aim my words like a steadier hand
Chorus
One-one-one, write it then light it One-one-one, say it, don’t hide it Burn that doubt, let the smoke go up One-one-one, watch me line it up
Verse 2
Neighbor upstairs got a speaker on blast Everybody posting like the moment won’t pass I step to the fire escape, cold bites my cheek City breathing heavy, but the sky look sleek A friend calls crying, “I miss how we were” I swallow my pride like a hard little burr I text back “pull up,” no extra display If time’s this loud, I won’t waste today My feed’s a sea of “same time, same wish” But my wish got names and a real address Not riches, just peace and a seat at the table And love that don’t fold when I’m feeling unable
Bridge 1
I rinse the ash, still see your ring in my mind Your hoodie on my chair, yeah, I left it behind I call my mom, tell her I’m coming home soon She says, “Baby, make plans, don’t wait on the moon”
Verse 3
Morning hits bright through the blind’s crooked slats I sweep up the leaf like “no going back” I tape my list by the door where I’ll see it Not magic, just proof that I mean it, I mean it I show up on time, let my silence retire I say what I want without dressing it lighter I apologize clean, no “ifs” and no tricks I’m done being scared of the cost of a risk And if that meme fades by the end of the week I’ll still have my word, and my word isn’t cheap So I lace my shoes, take the long way down One-one-one made me look in the mirror, wow
Chorus
One-one-one, write it then light it One-one-one, say it, don’t hide it Burn that doubt, let the smoke go up One-one-one, watch me line it up
Bridge 2
One-one-one, I’m done with “maybe someday” I turn small promises into runway If you got a wish, put feet on it too One-one-one, let’s make it come true
Chorus
One-one-one, write it then light it One-one-one, say it, don’t hide it Burn that doubt, let the smoke go up One-one-one, watch me line it up
Chorus
One-one-one, write it then light it One-one-one, say it, don’t hide it Burn that doubt, let the smoke go up One-one-one, watch me line it up
Outro
Candle burned low but the ink stayed bold Ash in the drain, but the plan took hold If you see one-one-one, don’t just scroll past Write it. Light it. Then move that fast.
Inside the recording
One-one-one on the lock screen glare Whole world wishing in the kitchen air
Clock hand crawling like it knows my fear I hear my heartbeat over cheap champagne
Candle burned low but the ink stayed bold Ash in the drain, but the plan took hold
Excerpts from artist-supplied lyric files matched by title. Lyric sheets may differ from the released performance.