Track 1 of the single Open Mic Hours · 2022
Parallel Park Pressure
by Mara Voss
“This was the first poem I ever heard over a beat, and I'm still a little annoyed at how well the horns fit. Parallel parking is the most honest form of confidence I know.”
trap · jazz rap · boom bap · 3:15
Lyrics
Tight spot on the corner,SUV on my tail Horns in the chorus, I refuse to fail Mirror check, shoulder check, breathe real slow Whole block watching like it's a talent show Wheel to the left, now I'm cranking it right Inches from the bumper, but my angles are tight Aunties on the stoop got their scores in hand Ten out of ten if I land it as planned Back it in slow, let the sensors sing Beep beep beep, now it's everything Parallel park pressure, all eyes on me One clean slide into the vacancy Parallel park pressure, steady hands Nail it in one and the whole street stands Parallel park pressure, hear it chime Perfect curb distance, right on time Delivery truck idling, driver tapping the glass Cyclist rolling up like he's timing my pass Radio low so I can hear the tires Counting every inch like a pair of wires Twelve-point turn but I call it art Every little adjustment is a work of heart Kid on the bus pressing nose to the pane Giving me a thumbs up in the drizzling rain Back it in slow, let the sensors sing Beep beep beep, now it's everything Parallel park pressure, all eyes on me One clean slide into the vacancy Parallel park pressure, steady hands Nail it in one and the whole street stands Parallel park pressure, hear it chime Perfect curb distance, right on time Engine off, door open, step out cool Straighten up my jacket like I'm breaking a rule Six inches from the curb, that's a masterpiece Neighbors clapping, the horns finally cease Meter's got my quarters, I'm feeling like a king Walking to the corner with a little extra swing If you ever circle blocks till the clock runs thin Take a breath, you got it, now go on and slide in Slow it down, hands at ten and two Everybody's rooting for you Ease it back, let the moment breathe Little bit of patience, that's all you need Parallel park pressure, all eyes on me One clean slide into the vacancy Parallel park pressure, steady hands Nail it in one and the whole street stands Parallel park pressure, hear it chime Perfect curb distance, right on time Right on time, right on time Slid it in, and the spot is mine