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NF - Careful Lyrics

Careful Lyrics

Chorus: NF & Cordae
Stuntin' on me, you get exposed (Woo)
I don't wanna pick, then I buy both (Buy both)
Doesn't go plat', it'll go gold (Go gold)
Keep it upfront, I don't tiptoe (Ayy)
I be at the house tryna lay low (Lay low)
Duckin' and dodgin' the promo (Promo)
Sit on my roof like J. Cole (Ayy)
Yeah, sit on my roof like J. Cole (Ayy, J. Cole, ayy)
Thinkin' 'bout how I'm so thankful (Woo)
Subpar songs, I don't make those, huh (I don't make those)
Look at that car I paid for, huh (I paid for)
Look at my life, I'm grateful, huh (I'm grateful)
Hatin' on me, that's hateful, huh (That's hateful)
You know I hit what I aim for, huh (Aim for)
Talkin' 'bout risks, I take those, huh (I take 'em)
Didn't get here bein' careful, oh (Listen, uh)

Verse 1: Cordae
Talkin' 'bout risk, I take tho' (Woo)
Millionaire, still ride with the Draco (Ah)
Courtside at the game, jumbotron got my name on it
That's how a typical day goes (For real)
I just left Nigeria, Lagos (Lagos)
I just met Kanye, Yezos (Ye)
I was talkin' to God 'bout what's real or what's not
All He said was, "Remain faithful" (Ayy)
Okay, I get it, I got it, I'm with it, I'm 'bout it
My crib is exotic, I'm blessed, hey (I'm blessed)
We livin' chaotic, was high off narcotics
But that's when my life was a mess, hey (A mess)
We come from the bottom, we still at the bottom
I get high to relieve the stress, hey (The stress)
I don't think y'all get the message
This world is built off misconceptions (Uh)
Talkin' 'bout greed, talkin' 'bout envy
Talkin' 'bout money, then we talkin' 'bout plenty ('Bout plenty)
Talkin' 'bout dollars or we talkin' 'bout pennies?
Talkin' 'bout drinkin', then we talkin' 'bout Henny
What we talkin' 'bout?
Lost souls at a crossroads
Money comin' in in large loads
I've been crossed, so my heart cold
That's all we know, yeah

Chorus: NF
Stuntin' on me, you get exposed (Woo)
I don't wanna pick, then I buy both (Buy both)
Doesn't go plat', it'll go gold (Go gold)
Keep it upfront, I don't tiptoe (Ayy)
I be at the house tryna lay low (Lay low)
Duckin' and dodgin' the promo (Promo)
Sit on my roof like J. Cole (Ayy)
Yeah, sit on my roof like J. Cole (Ayy, J. Cole, ayy)
Thinkin' 'bout how I'm so thankful (Woo)
Subpar songs, I don't make those, huh (I don't make those)
Look at that car I paid for, huh (I paid for)
Look at my life, I'm grateful, huh (I'm grateful)
Hatin' on me, that's hateful, huh (That's hateful)
You know I hit what I aim for, huh (Aim for)
Talkin' 'bout risks, I take those, huh (I take 'em)
Didn't get here bein' careful, oh (Ayy, ayy, ayy)

Verse 2: NF
Called up my dad and I told him "I got you, you wanna retire? Then do it, you're good" (Good; woo)
Called up my grandma and told her, "It's time to move out of that basement, let's you get a crib" (Crib)
Called up my manager, told him, "Get ready, it's 'bout to get busy, this record is "" (Huh)
Called up to God and I asked Him, "You watchin' my back?", He ain't say nothin' back, but I heard what He said (Ahh)
When you see how I'm livin', the answer is obvious
Ain't it? When you go from poverty
Stricken and stressin' 'bout buyin' the groceries
To not even havin' to look at the total, you know you've been blessed
Sharin' the wealth, ain't no point in me keepin' this all to myself
I ain't takin' this money with me to my grave (Ayy, ayy)
Yeah, I might as well bless all the people I love (Ayy, ayy)
We talkin' 'bout makin' a difference, I'm makin' one
Talkin' 'bout risks, I've been takin' em
Talkin' 'bout dreams, I've been chasin' 'em
Talkin' 'bout lives, I've been changin' 'em
Talkin' 'bout family, don't play with 'em, woo
That's a line you don't cross, no
Low blows, can't respect those
Gotta keep the loved ones close
That's all we know (Woo)

Chorus: NF
Stuntin' on me, you get exposed (Woo)
I don't wanna pick, then I buy both (Buy both)
Doesn't go plat', it'll go gold (Go gold)
Keep it upfront, I don't tiptoe (Yeah)
I be at the house tryna lay low (Lay low)
Duckin' and dodgin' the promo (Promo)
Sit on my roof like J. Cole (Ayy)
Yeah, sit on my roof like J. Cole (Ayy, J. Cole, ayy)
Thinkin' 'bout how I'm so thankful (Woo)
Subpar songs, I don't make those, huh (I don't make those)
Look at that car I paid for, huh (I paid for)
Look at my life, I'm grateful, huh (I'm grateful)
Hatin' on me, that's hateful, huh (That's hateful)
You know I hit what I aim for, huh (Aim for)
Talkin' 'bout risks, I take those, huh (I take 'em)
Didn't get here bein' careful, oh (Uh)


NF, Cordae - CAREFUL (Audio)

Careful Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

The song "Careful" features NF and Cordae delivering verses and contributing to a shared chorus that centers on themes of success, resilience, and a rejection of excessive caution. The track opens with the chorus, establishing a confident tone where both artists assert their achievements and dismiss those who challenge them. They speak of financial freedom, buying desired items without hesitation, and the certainty of their music achieving recognition, whether platinum or gold. A recurring image is sitting on a roof like J. Cole, symbolizing a moment of reflection and gratitude for their accomplishments. The chorus emphasizes that their current standing was not achieved by playing it safe, highlighting the necessity of taking risks to reach their goals.

Cordae's verse delves into his journey, reflecting on overcoming difficult circumstances and the stark contrast between his past struggles and current success. He mentions his wealth and travels, including a trip to Lagos and meeting Kanye, illustrating the scale of his rise. He touches on a spiritual reflection, finding reassurance in faith despite chaos. Cordae speaks plainly about overcoming a past dependent on narcotics, acknowledging that period as a "mess." He maintains a connection to his roots, stating they are "still at the bottom" in a symbolic sense, perhaps referring to perspective or the continued need to push. His lines touch on the world's misconceptions and the pervasive nature of greed and envy, contrasting wealth levels and the pursuit of substances, before concluding on a note of emotional hardening ("heart cold") due to past betrayal, suggesting this is a common outcome in their experiences.

NF takes the lead on the second verse, immediately illustrating the tangible impact of his success on his family. He describes being able to support his father's retirement and provide a new home for his grandmother, directly linking his financial gains to improving the lives of his loved ones. He reflects on his journey from poverty and the stress of basic needs to a place where financial worry is gone, recognizing this transformation as a significant blessing. NF articulates a clear purpose for his wealth, stating he has no intention of keeping it solely for himself and intends to share it with those he loves. He reiterates the theme of taking risks, chasing dreams, and the impact he feels he is making on lives, particularly emphasizing the importance and protection of family. The verse concludes by reinforcing the boundary around family and the value of keeping loved ones close, describing this as fundamental knowledge or experience.

The song collectively portrays success not just as a personal accumulation of wealth or accolades, but as a result of calculated risks, resilience against opposition, and ultimately, the ability to positively impact the lives of those closest to them. Both artists convey a sense of gratitude for their achievements while acknowledging the hardships and challenges faced along the way. The repeated refrain about not getting where they are by "being careful" serves as the central message, encouraging a bold approach to life and career in pursuit of significant goals. The track, released on April 7, 2023, serves as a declaration of their current status and mindset.
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