[Intro]
[Up-tempo Jazz-Funk]
[Driving bassline]
[Bright brass stabs]

[Verse 1]
Concrete flowers, cracked and dry
Watch the smoke paint up the sky
Mr. Johnson's on the corner, leanin' low
Got a bottle in a bag, nowhere else to go
He used to be a foreman, pride in his stride
Now he’s drowning all the demons he keeps deep inside

[Pre-Chorus]
The rhythm of the pavement—it’s a heavy sound
Caught in the cycle, spinning 'round and 'round

[Chorus]
Oh, living in the shadow of the brick and stone
Searching for a spirit that you’ve never known
The amber liquid whispers, "I’ll make you feel free"
But it’s just another shackle, can’t you see?
(Keep it moving)

[Verse 2]
Sun goes down, neon lights start to flicker
The glass keeps tipping, man, the night gets thicker
Mama’s in the window, she’s watching the street
Tapping out a nervous, rhythm with her feet
Another payday ghost, another dream deferred
The truth is in the bottle, but it’s never heard

[Pre-Chorus]
The rhythm of the sirens—it’s a restless sound
Caught in the cycle, spinning 'round and 'round

[Chorus]
Oh, living in the shadow of the brick and stone
Searching for a spirit that you’ve never known
The amber liquid whispers, "I’ll make you feel free"
But it’s just another shackle, can’t you see?

[Bridge]
[Saxophone Solo]
[Building intensity]
It’s a long, long road—
To nowhere at all
Just waiting for the gavel
Waiting for the fall
(Yeah, break it down now)

[Guitar Solo]
[Funky wah-wah pedal]

[Chorus]
Oh, living in the shadow of the brick and stone
Searching for a spirit that you’ve never known
The amber liquid whispers, "I’ll make you feel free"
But it’s just another shackle, can’t you see?

[Outro]
Keep on walking...
Keep on searching...
(Don't let it take you)
Yeah, the bottle’s got no answers
(No answers)
Just a bitter, bitter taste
Stay strong, brother
Stay strong.
[Fade out with brass hits and driving bass]