About the song
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Words from the artist’s archive
First Day Back 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
Cold air bite, wrist still got the tan line. Paper bag light, but it weigh on my spine. Folks rush past like I got no outline. First day back, I stand still, world on grind.
Verse 1
Gate frost on the rail, my thumbprints still on it. Diesel and coffee, sirens stitch the dawn quick. Bus ticket creased, ink smear like a bad promise. My steps sound rented, like these sidewalks charge interest. A pigeon hop close, like it know what “free” cost. I breathe in exhaust, try not to cough up lost.
Pre-chorus
They call it release, but it feel like a test. My name in a file, still pressing my chest. I whisper the plan so it don’t get possessed.
Chorus
First day back, I move with purpose. ack, back, don’t lose the compass. Hear that bzzzt-psshh, that’s the curtains. Cut the beat, hear the gate, I’m working.
Verse 2
Hit my old block, same stoop, new faces on it. My phone got “welcome” texts that never follow through. One homie hugged me like he owed me, then dodged me. Another got a lease now, act like pain contagious. They “held me down” till the rent went up on loyalty. Proximity was currency, I came back broke emotionally.
Pre-chorus
Handshakes feel staged, smiles got a seam. I’m not mad at growth, I’m mad at the scheme. I keep it plain, no speeches, no scene.
Chorus
First day back, I move with purpose. Back, back, don’t lose the compass. Hear that bzzzt-psshh, that’s the curtains. Cut the beat, hear the gate, I’m working.
Verse 3
Flashback: overdue notice taped crooked on the door. Mom shift ran late, I ran routes I regret more. Not dumb, just cornered, no off-ramp in the pavement. Courtroom cold, public bench, stale mint on my breath. A badge read my story like it was already set. Time took my twenties, stamped it, shelved it with debt.
Bridge
Lil cousin show me a burner, grin too wide. He say “It’s quick,” like quick don’t multiply. I see my own knuckles in his knuckles when he lies. I could play tough, let him learn the hard way. But silence is a hand that keeps the cycle in place. So I tell him the truth with my face in the cold space.
Verse 4
Next week, steel-toe boots, timecard ink on my thumb. Bus pass in a lanyard, lunch pail, wire-warm. Paper bag turned keepsake, folded clean in a drawer. I log my hours like proof I can’t ignore. Old pride depreciate fast, new routine hold value.
Verse 5
Morning light hit different when you earned it quiet. I don’t need applause, I need rent paid, mind solid. I wave at my cousin, he nod, phone stays pocketed. City still loud, but I got rails in my spirit. First day back taught me: success is staying here, period.
Chorus
First day back, I move with purpose. Back, back, don’t lose the compass. Hear that bzzzt-psshh, that’s the curtains. Cut the beat, hear the gate, I’m working.
Outro
Keys hit the tray, shift done, hands sore. Same route home, but I’m not before. Quiet dignity, that’s what I’m here for. First day back, same dawn at the door.
Inside the recording
Cold air bite, wrist still got the tan line. Paper bag light, but it weigh on my spine.
They call it release, but it feel like a test. My name in a file, still pressing my chest.
Keys hit the tray, shift done, hands sore. Same route home, but I’m not before.
Excerpts from artist-supplied lyric files matched by title. Lyric sheets may differ from the released performance.