Midnight Marquee

Verse 1 She left at dawn with a scuffed-up suitcase, Mama’s ribbon on the handle like grace. Two-lane whispers turn to iron and glass, A skyline blooming as the miles slip past. She keeps her hope where the night runs deep, Lines on her lips while the city won’t sleep— Under her breath, like a brushed snare ring, “Someday I’ll step in the light and sing.” Pre-Chorus Humming standards to the windowpane, Turns every “no” to a turnaround change. Breath on the b**t, let the doubt run free, “I’ll learn this town, note by note, you’ll see.” Chorus (Hook) City lights, country heart on me, Shadow and shine at the midnight marquee. Trading fields for a blue-note street, Finding my name in the backbeat. Every “no” is a syncopated key, Opening doors meant to open for me. City lights, country heart on me— Under the midnight marquee. Verse 2 Roommates’ laughter through paper-thin walls, Callbacks missed and too many calls. Ramen heat but the dreams run deep, I mark my sides while the neighbors sleep. Girls from towns with the same slow moon, Stitching their hopes to an old‑tune croon— We sign our names, let the hallway ring, “This is the scene where our lives begin.” Pre-Chorus 2 If courage’s velvet, let it drape my bones, Scat through fear on diminished tones. Hold to the tempo when the crowd grows loud, Small roles glow like a thundercloud. Bridge “Hey, mama, I miss the firefly choir.” “They’re neon now—same faithful wire. When the night runs cold, let the groove run warm, You were built for the beam and the storm.” (Mm, mm—oh, I hear you, mama.) Breakdown Say my name—steady breath—one, two, three, Door swings wide like a seventh degree. Final Chorus City lights, country heart on me, Shadow and shine at the midnight marquee. From gravel roads to a crimson seat, My story blooms on the downbeat. Every “no” I carried carefully Turned to a chord that could carry me. City lights, country heart on me— Now my name’s on the marquee. Outro Morning train, window glass, soft glare, I meet my eyes in the moving air. Backroad girl with a Broadway start— City lights, country heart.