Synth Strings and Street Rhythms

Paroles

NOW YOU KNOW ME BEZBEZ Hip-hop × hard rock × club bass. Start with the hook immediately; whispered verses, explosive chorus, crowd chants. [HOOK — VOCAL ALONE, BASS HITS ON “NOW”] Back then: “Who’s that?” Right now: “That’s my bro!” Funny how you found my number When you heard I’m doing good. Now you know me, know me— Everybody knows me. You weren’t there when it got ugly— Why you in the front row? [VERSE 1 — BOUNCY RAP] Same face, same name, same crooked smile, You walked right past me for a long damn while. Now you’re waving both hands from across the room— Hold up, who the fuck invited you? Said my music was a little too loud, Now you turn it up when your friends come ’round. Used to tell me, “Get a regular job.” Now you ask if your cousin can work for the squad. Got a message: “We should catch up soon.” Last one’s mine from a year last June. Three little dots, then a business pitch— Didn’t even ask how my father is. I ain’t mad that you want your chance, Just don’t call it love with an outstretched hand. We can talk business, tell me the fee— But don’t sell my own history back to me. [PRE-CHORUS — DRUMS CUT, HANDCLAPS] Where were you when the car wouldn’t start? Where were you when the card declined? I remember who pulled up— You remember when I got mine. [CHORUS — GUITARS + HEAVY BASS] Back then: “Who’s that?” Right now: “That’s my bro!” Funny how you found my number When you heard I’m doing good. Now you know me, know me— Everybody knows me. You weren’t there when it got ugly— Why you in the front row? Oh-oh, don’t get too close. Oh-oh, I saved those seats. For the ones who brought me dinner When I couldn’t even eat. [POST-CHORUS — CROWD CALL AND RESPONSE] Who’s that? — BEZBEZ! Who called? — SAME FRIENDS! Who stayed? — SAY LESS! Front row—THAT’S THEM! [VERSE 2 — FAST RAP, LIVE DRUMS] First big check, didn’t post that shit, Called up the friend who had covered my rent. Said, “Check your phone.” He said, “That’s too much.” I said, “You didn’t count when you helped me up.” Put him on a flight, he had never flown, Kept taking pictures of the clouds below. Landed, asked what he owed for the room— Man, put your bag down. That’s for you. That’s who’s riding when the doors go high. That’s who’s laughing on the passenger side. Knew my order when my wallet was thin, Still steals fries when we’re dining in. Rest of y’all heard one song take off, Started telling strangers how we go way back. Yeah, we do—but you’re leaving out parts: You knew the address. You never parked. [PRE-CHORUS — VIOLIN BUILD] I don’t need a hundred people Saying they believed all along. Got three names on my favorites— They already know this song. [CHORUS — FULL BAND] Back then: “Who’s that?” Right now: “That’s my bro!” Funny how you found my number When you heard I’m doing good. Now you know me, know me— Everybody knows me. You weren’t there when it got ugly— Why you in the front row? Oh-oh, don’t get too close. Oh-oh, I saved those seats. For the ones who brought me dinner When I couldn’t even eat. [BRIDGE — PIANO ONLY, CLOSE VOCAL] To the one who answered at four in the morning, Let me talk without watching the time— When they put that spotlight on me, Wish they’d swing it to your side. You knew every word Before there was a crowd. Tonight, when I forget a line— I know you’ll sing it loud. [BUILD — CROWD CLAPS, RISING SYNTH] House lights up. Let me see ’em. Front row— There’s my people. [FINAL CHORUS — ROCK × CLUB DROP] Back then: “Who’s that?” Right now: “That’s my bro!” Funny how you found my number When you heard I’m doing good. Now you know me, know me— Everybody knows me. But the ones who knew me hungry Got the best seats at the show. Oh-oh, bring ’em up close. Oh-oh, let the whole room see. You’re looking at the people Who were taking care of me. [POST-CHORUS — CROWD CHANT] Who’s that? — BEZBEZ! Who called? — SAME FRIENDS! Who stayed? — SAY LESS! Front row—THAT’S THEM! [OUTRO — SPOKEN, CROWD FADES] Security— The one in the old hoodie? He doesn’t need a pass.