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Words from the artist’s archive
Statues Don’t Sweat 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
Red carpet bright, stomach thin Backstage prayers in cheap cologne Cameras smile, hands stay cold Crowns get passed like borrowed loans
Verse 1
They clap for Grammy Awards, but my block want bread Same night Emmy Awards, mom late on rent again Academy Awards shine while my homie get sent Golden Globe Awards toast, I’m dodgin’ the stress Tony Awards bow, I’m bowed in the rain Cannes Film Festival judge, I’m judged by the train They love a story that fits their frame But streets don’t vote, we just feel the flame They pick who’s “taste,” who’s “clean,” who’s “safe” I pick a truth they can’t reshape Handshakes talk in velvet rooms My chorus hit like open wounds
Chorus
Don’t hand me a statue, hand me the city Statues don’t sweat, I’m dirt-proof gritty They crown who behaved, who knew that committee I’m loud on the curb, hand me the city
Verse 2
Met a label rep in a tinted coupe Said “Smile for the room, don’t mention the truth” Wanted my pain with a softer proof Like my scars gotta match they suit They love “classic,” they fear new steps If it don’t come blessed, it don’t get prepped I seen bright songs die on desks While a watered verse get pressed and slept Critic pens sharp like kitchen knives But never rode where the sirens slide They rate a life they never tried From rooftop bars to the restless night
Bridge 1
If the room won’t hear my breath I’ll build a stage from broken steps Let the crowd decide what’s next History don’t shake hands, it checks
Verse 3
Fashion week front, function gone Same shoes hurt, still get put on Art fair price on a made-up tone “Rare” gets said, but skill get pawned Charts get leaned, bundles slide Playlists gate with a polished smile I been outside, no co-signs Still made the block turn into choir So when they toast, I won’t be bitter I’ll be in motion, ink still wetter Sold-out nights, voice get bigger No throne needed, I move the center
Chorus
Don’t hand me a statue, hand me the city Statues don’t sweat, I’m dirt-proof gritty They crown who behaved, who knew that committee I’m loud on the curb, hand me the city
Bridge 2
Let ‘em keep titles, let ‘em keep seats I keep the miles in my two bare feet When the lights fade, watch what stays A hook in the air and a heart on beat
Chorus
Don’t hand me a statue, hand me the city Statues don’t sweat, I’m dirt-proof gritty They crown who behaved, who knew that committee I’m loud on the curb, hand me the city
Outro
Curtain call don’t pay my people I wrote this loud for every steeple If power lies, the crowd gon’ see you Statues don’t sweat, hand me the city
Inside the recording
Red carpet bright, stomach thin Backstage prayers in cheap cologne
Don’t hand me a statue, hand me the city Statues don’t sweat, I’m dirt-proof gritty
Curtain call don’t pay my people I wrote this loud for every steeple
Excerpts from artist-supplied lyric files matched by title. Lyric sheets may differ from the released performance.