[Verse 1] Zip up your coat, baby, hold my hand tight News on the screen turn a good day white Backpack bigger than your little shoulders World feel colder as your heart grows bolder I trace your freckles like a secret map Say a quick blessing when you take your nap Every school drop-off feel like a risk Kiss on your forehead, a cross on your wrist I pack your lunch with a quiet plea Guard your mind, God, keep them free Notes in your box just to say “I’m here” Fighting my panic, folding my fear I’m smiling wide so you don’t see How loud this world screams at me Tiny shoes by the front door wait I talk to heaven while you chase your fate [Chorus] This is a mother’s prayer “Keep you close, keep you safe out there” When I can’t go where you go Cover you more than I’ll ever know I give you all that I can prepare And the rest, I send up in the air In every fear, every tear I share Is a mother’s, a mother’s prayer [Verse 2] Screen in your hand like a loaded mind Scroll one time, see another headline Every alert feel like a warning bell I want you here, far away from hell Teach you “stranger danger,” “speak up, speak loud” But how I shield you from the silent crowd From pressure pressing you to fit that frame From whispers twisting up your name You ask, “Why you wait in the parking lot?” I just shrug, say, “I like this spot” But I count cars, exits, faces Mapping all the hidden places I’m your first guard dog, front-line shield But someday I step off the field So I plant truth deep where the roots can grow When the wind blows hard, hope it still will show [Chorus] This is a mother’s prayer “Keep you close, keep you safe out there” When I can’t go where you go Cover you more than I’ll ever know I give you all that I can prepare And the rest, I send up in the air In every fear, every tear I share Is a mother’s, a mother’s prayer [Bridge] I want you brave, not scared of the dark (uh) But I stay up late, guarding your spark (yeah) Teaching you love in a world that’s harsh While I talk to God on this midnight march “Let their heart stay soft, spine stay strong Let ‘right’ ring louder than the pull of ‘wrong’ If they ever get lost, meet them there Be the answer in a mother’s prayer” [Chorus] This is a mother’s prayer “Keep you close, keep you safe out there” When I can’t go where you go Cover you more than I’ll ever know I give you all that I can prepare And the rest, I send up in the air In every fear, every tear I share Is a mother’s, a mother’s prayer

rap, Warm, reflective hip-hop ballad with intimate piano loop, soft pads, and head-nod drums; verses sit in a conversational pocket, hook lifts with layered female vocals in octaves and subtle gospel harmonies; gentle sub bass, light rimshots, and airy ad-libs create a protective, hopeful glow, world

Keep You Close