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NF – HOPE Lyrics Meaning
“HOPE”, written by NF & Tommee Profitt, is a song released on the 16th of February 2023. It is his first release since his March 2021 mixtape, CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE). NF’s fifth studio album, HOPE, is NF’s 2023 album, and it is the first single and title track of the album. The meaning of the song “HOPE” lyrics by NF is about personal growth, self-acceptance, and overcoming obstacles. This song speaks on different emotions such as hope, personal growth, mental health, self-reflection, and overcoming personal struggles.
Embedded below is the Official Video of the song from YouTube. Read the rest of the article while the music plays in the background. The complete lyrics of the song “HOPE” by NF are at the end of this article.
Decoding Meaning of “HOPE” Lyrics by NF
The “HOPE” lyrics by NF explore themes of self-belief, motivation, and perseverance through difficult times. This song has two parts, i.e. Part I and Part II. NF expresses his journey through struggles. The song includes mental breakdowns, regret, and years of holding onto baggage. He realizes that to become the best version of himself, he must face his demons.
NF encourages others to do the same (i.e. face their own demons). The lyrics touch on themes of hope. He touches on the importance of having a positive mindset, even in dark times. The outro of the song lists various negative experiences that he has faced over thirty years. He encourages the listeners to persevere despite them. The line-by-line analysis of the meaning of the lyrics behind the song “HOPE” by NF is below:
The “HOPE” lyrics by NF mean focusing on personal growth, overcoming struggles, and finding hope in difficult times.
[Part I]: First Part of “HOPE” Lyrics Meaning by NF
Here, we analyze the first part of “HOPE” lyrics meaning by NF:
[Intro]: Hope as a Driving Force for Progress
Hope
Intro to Part I of “HOPE” Lyrics by NF
Yeah, I’m on my way, I’m comin’
Don’t
Don’t lose faith in me
I know you’ve been waiting
I know you’ve been prayin’ for my soul
Hope
Hope
Thirty years you been draggin’ your feet, tellin’ me I’m the reason we’re stagnant
Thirty years you’ve been claiming you’re honest and promising progress, well, where’s it at?
I don’t want you to feel like a failure
I know this hurts
But I gave you your chance to deliver
Now it’s my turn
Don’t get me wrong
Nate, you’ve had a great run
But it’s time to
Give the people somethin’ different
So without furthеr ado, I’d
Like to introduce my
My album (My album)
My album (My album), my album
My album (My album), my album (My album), my album (My album)
My album—
HOPE
Meaning
The intro of part I of “HOPE” lyrics by NF refers to a feeling of optimism and expectation. He expects that something good will happen in the future, despite any current difficulties or challenges. NF expresses his determination to move forward and make a change, despite any past setbacks or criticisms. He acknowledges that he has been the subject of blame and disappointment for many years.
But NF is now ready to take control and deliver something new and different. The repeated mention of “my album” suggests that he is using his artistic talents to express their hope and vision for the future. He urges his listeners to have faith in him and his abilities.
[Verse 1]: Definition of Success
What’s my definition of succеss? (Of success)
Verse 1 to Part I of “HOPE” Lyrics by NF
Listening to what your heart says (Your heart says)
Standing up for what you know is (Is)
Right, while everybody else is (Is)
Tucking their tail between their legs (Okay)
What’s my definition of success? (Of success)
Creating something no one else can (Else can)
Being brave enough to dream big (Big)
Grinding when you’re told to just quit (Quit)
Giving more when you got nothing left (Left)
It’s a person that’ll take a chance on
Something they were told could never happen
It’s a person that can see the bright side
Through the dark times when there ain’t one
It’s when someone who ain’t never had nothin’
Ain’t afraid to walk away from
More profit ’cause they’d rather do somethin’
That they really love and take the pay cut
It’s a person that would never waver
Or change who they are
Just to try to and gain some credibility
So they could feel accepted by a stranger
It’s a person that can take the failures in their life and turn them into motivation
It’s believing in yourself when no one else does, it’s amazin’
What a little bit of faith can do if you don’t even believe in you
Why would you think or expect anybody else that’s around you to?
I done did things that I regret, I done said things I can’t take back
Was a lost soul at a crossroad who had no hope, but I changed that
I spent years of my life holdin’ on to things I never should’ve kept, full of hatred
Years of my life carryin’ a lot of baggage that I should’ve walked away from
Years of my life wishin’ I was someone different, lookin’ for some validation
Years of my life tryna fill the void, pretending I was in—
They get it
Meaning
The first verse of part I of “HOPE” by NF expresses his personal definition of success. He starts by saying success means listening to one’s heart. Success also means standing up for what one believes is right and being courageous enough to dream big. To be successful, one should work hard even when others give up too soon. Success also means being willing to take chances and try new things. People should explore new opportunities even if they seem impossible and difficult. The rapper emphasizes that success is not just about making more money and gaining more profit. It is also about doing something that one truly loves, even if it means taking a pay cut.
Success means being true to oneself and not changing who one is just to fit in with others. NF acknowledges that he has made mistakes in the past. He has held onto negative things for too long. But he has also worked hard to change his mindset and overcome those challenges. The rapper encourages the listener to believe in themselves, even when others may not. He motivates people to have faith in the power of self-motivation and determination to achieve success.
[Verse 2]: The Importance of Growing Pains and Overcoming Adversity
Growing pain’s a necessary evil
Verse 2 to Part I of “HOPE” Lyrics by NF
Difficult to go through, yes, but beneficial
Some would say having a mental breakdown is a negative thing
Which on one hand, I agree with
On the other hand, it was the push I needed
To get help and start the healing process, see
If I’d have never hit rock bottom
Would I be the person that I am today?
I don’t believe so
I’m a prime example of what happens when you choose to not accept defeat and face your demons
Took me thirty years to realize that if you wanna get that opportunity
To be the greatest version of yourself, sometimes you got to be someone you’re not
To hear the voice of reason
Having kids will make you really take a step back and look in the mirror
At least for me, that’s what it did, I
Meaning
In the second verse of part I of “HOPE” lyrics, NF reflects on the concept of “growing pains”. It refers to the difficult but necessary process of personal growth and development. He understands this process as he has gone through tough times before. NF has experienced mental breakdowns. The vulnerability is seen as negative. But he also sees it as a turning point that pushes him to seek help and begin the healing process. NF then contemplates how his past struggles have shaped them into the person he is today. He questions whether he would be the same person if he had not hit rock bottom.
NF ultimately concludes that he would not be the person he is today. He sees himself as an example of what can happen when one chooses not to accept defeat. Instead, he confronts his inner demons. The rapper also recognizes the transformative power of parenthood. He notes that having kids can make a person take a step back and reflect on their own identity and values. NF suggests that being a parent has prompted him to look in the mirror. This is the new way for him to evaluate himself.
[Part II]: Second Part of “HOPE” Lyrics Meaning by NF
Here, we analyze the second part of “HOPE” lyrics meaning by NF:
[Outro]: Understanding the Complex Emotions and Struggles of a Father and Son Relationship
Wake up every day and pick my son up
Outro to Part II of “HOPE” Lyrics by NF
Hold him in my arms and let him know he’s loved (Loved)
Standing by the window, questioning if dad is ever going to show up (Up)
Isn’t something he’s goin’ to have to worry ’bout
Don’t get it twisted, that wasn’t a shot
Mama, I forgive you
I just don’t want him to grow up thinkin’ that he’ll never be enough
Thirty years of running, thirty years of searchin’
Thirty years of hurting, thirty years of pain
Thirty years of fearful, thirty years of anger
Thirty years of empty, thirty years of shame
Thirty years of broken, thirty years of anguish
Thirty years of hopeless, thirty years of (Hey)
Thirty years of never, thirty years of maybe
Thirty years of later, thirty years of fake
Thirty years of hollow, thirty years of sorrow
Thirty years of darkness, thirty years of (Nate)
Thirty years of baggage, thirty years of sadness
Thirty years of stagnant, thirty years of chains
Thirty years of anxious, thirty years of suffering
Thirty years of torment, thirty years of (Wait)
Thirty years of bitter, thirty years of lonely
Thirty years of pushing everyone away (‘Way)
(You’ll never evolve) I know I can change
(We are not enough) We are not the same
(You don’t have the heart) You don’t have the strength
(You don’t have the will) You don’t have the faith
(You’ll never be loved, you’ll never be safe)
(Might as well give up) Not running away
(You don’t have the guts) You’re the one afraid
(I’m the one in charge) I’m taking the— (No)
I’m taking the
Reins
Meaning
The outro of part II of “HOPE” lyrics by NF is a mix of song lyrics and spoken words. In the first part, the rapper expresses his love for his son. He is concerned about being a present and supportive father. The rapper also forgives his mother for past mistakes. But he does not want his son to grow up feeling inadequate. He has experienced pain over the past thirty years. The repeated phrase “thirty years of” highlights the long-term nature of his struggles.
NF’s struggles include fear, anger, shame, hopelessness, and loneliness. His inner voice taunts him with negative self-talk. He tells himself that he cannot change, that he is not enough, and that he will never be loved or safe. Despite this negativity, NF resolves to take control and not run away. He asserts that he has the strength, will, and faith to change their situation. NF wants to break free from the chains of his past. The final line, “I’m taking the reins,” means that NF is ready to take charge of their life and steer it in a positive direction.
The Complete Lyrics of “HOPE” by NF
Here are the complete lyrics of “HOPE” by NF via Genius and chords:
[Part I]
Hope
Yeah, I’m on my way, I’m comin’
Don’t
Don’t lose faith in me
I know you’ve been waiting
I know you’ve been prayin’ for my soul
Hope
Hope
Thirty years you been draggin’ your feet, tellin’ me I’m the reason we’re stagnant
Thirty years you’ve been claiming you’re honest and promising progress, well, where’s it at?
I don’t want you to feel like a failure
I know this hurts
But I gave you your chance to deliver
Now it’s my turn
Don’t get me wrong
Nate, you’ve had a great run
But it’s time to
Give the people somethin’ different
So without furthеr ado, I’d
Like to introduce my
My album (My album)
My album (My album), my album
My album (My album), my album (My album), my album (My album)
My album—
HOPEWhat’s my definition of succеss? (Of success)
Listening to what your heart says (Your heart says)
Standing up for what you know is (Is)
Right, while everybody else is (Is)
Tucking their tail between their legs (Okay)
What’s my definition of success? (Of success)
Creating something no one else can (Else can)
Being brave enough to dream big (Big)
Grinding when you’re told to just quit (Quit)
Giving more when you got nothing left (Left)
It’s a person that’ll take a chance on
Something they were told could never happen
It’s a person that can see the bright side
Through the dark times when there ain’t one
It’s when someone who ain’t never had nothin’
Ain’t afraid to walk away from
More profit ’cause they’d rather do somethin’
That they really love and take the pay cut
It’s a person that would never waver
Or change who they are
Just to try to and gain some credibility
So they could feel accepted by a stranger
It’s a person that can take the failures in their life and turn them into motivation
It’s believing in yourself when no one else does, it’s amazin’
What a little bit of faith can do if you don’t even believe in you
Why would you think or expect anybody else that’s around you to?
I done did things that I regret, I done said things I can’t take back
Was a lost soul at a crossroad who had no hope, but I changed that
I spent years of my life holdin’ on to things I never should’ve kept, full of hatred
Years of my life carryin’ a lot of baggage that I should’ve walked away from
Years of my life wishin’ I was someone different, lookin’ for some validation
Years of my life tryna fill the void, pretending I was in—
They get itGrowing pain’s a necessary evil
Difficult to go through, yes, but beneficial
Some would say having a mental breakdown is a negative thing
Which on one hand, I agree with
On the other hand, it was the push I needed
To get help and start the healing process, see
If I’d have never hit rock bottom
Would I be the person that I am today?
I don’t believe so
I’m a prime example of what happens when you choose to not accept defeat and face your demons
Took me thirty years to realize that if you wanna get that opportunity
To be the greatest version of yourself, sometimes you got to be someone you’re not
To hear the voice of reason
Having kids will make you really take a step back and look in the mirror
At least for me, that’s what it did, I[Part II]
Wake up every day and pick my son up
The Complete Lyrics of “HOPE” by NF
Hold him in my arms and let him know he’s loved (Loved)
Standing by the window, questioning if dad is ever going to show up (Up)
Isn’t something he’s goin’ to have to worry ’bout
Don’t get it twisted, that wasn’t a shot
Mama, I forgive you
I just don’t want him to grow up thinkin’ that he’ll never be enough
Thirty years of running, thirty years of searchin’
Thirty years of hurting, thirty years of pain
Thirty years of fearful, thirty years of anger
Thirty years of empty, thirty years of shame
Thirty years of broken, thirty years of anguish
Thirty years of hopeless, thirty years of (Hey)
Thirty years of never, thirty years of maybe
Thirty years of later, thirty years of fake
Thirty years of hollow, thirty years of sorrow
Thirty years of darkness, thirty years of (Nate)
Thirty years of baggage, thirty years of sadness
Thirty years of stagnant, thirty years of chains
Thirty years of anxious, thirty years of suffering
Thirty years of torment, thirty years of (Wait)
Thirty years of bitter, thirty years of lonely
Thirty years of pushing everyone away (‘Way)
(You’ll never evolve) I know I can change
(We are not enough) We are not the same
(You don’t have the heart) You don’t have the strength
(You don’t have the will) You don’t have the faith
(You’ll never be loved, you’ll never be safe)
(Might as well give up) Not running away
(You don’t have the guts) You’re the one afraid
(I’m the one in charge) I’m taking the— (No)
I’m taking the
Reins
Concluding Meaning of “HOPE” Lyrics by NF
In conclusion, the “HOPE” lyrics by NF touch on different emotions like hope, personal growth, mental health, self-reflection, and overcoming personal struggles. The lyrics are different in every verse, intro, and outro. These sections share a common theme of perseverance and resilience. In the song, NF demonstrates the power of the human spirit to overcome challenges and move forward toward a better future.
The Hope lyrics tell the long story that made NF what he is today. He takes the merit for his change: he was a man looking for meaning for many years, but he’s always been loyal to himself. Now, he feels he’s harvesting the peace he deserves after years of struggling. The song begins with NF talking with the part of himself that was in control for all these years, stating that now it’s time to hand over to this new dimension: hope, which is also the title of his new album.
Hope by NF via Auralcrave
Comment on the meaning behind the song “HOPE” lyrics by NF below or on the Twitter handle “@laviasco”. We have also analyzed “PAID MY DUES” by NF.
