NF - Drifting Lyrics
Lyrics
Chorus
Drifting
Watchin' the world go round
World go, yeah (World go round)
Listening
To unfamiliar feelings and unknown sounds
Unknown sounds, unknown sounds
Verse 1
Slippin' through my fingertips (Ayy), lingerin'
Shoulda, woulda, coulda, where'd I put the pen? (Woah)
Make a list of all my failed attempts
Runnin' out of space again
Highlight all the things I wish I never said (Stop)
If feeling makes you stronger, I'm the weakest
That would mean I would have to separate from my beliefs
It's not a secret, I'm a puzzle, got a lot of missin' pieces
Underneath this strong persona I put on's a kid that's screamin'
Aren't these waters so deceivin'? (So dеceivin')
They look differеnt, don't they?
Well, at least that's how they seem to me
'Cause we just drift and drift and drift
Until we see something that we define as peaceful
Grab the needle, shoot reminders in my veins
That people leave you while I'm driftin'
Chorus
Watchin' the world go round
World go, yeah (World go round)
Listening
To unfamiliar feelings and unknown sounds
Unknown sounds, unknown sounds
Verse 2
Lots of gossip, I've been watchin' you
How you're talkin' to yourself is rude
Driftin' I'm in the same boat as you
Sinkin', dreamin', screamin' for some truth
And (My, my) escalator's broke, I'll take the stairs, I guess
Climb until I'm outta breath
Questioning my every step (Woah)
My train of thought is leadin' me to different tracks
Positive that where I'm at is not where I should stay and that's (Why)
Told you look into the mirror and say, "I love you"
Convince yourself that no one in the world would ever want to
Passin' by the people that have been there to support you
From the get-go, disrespectful, drive you mental
Might get stressful when I'm driftin'
I see you in the distance
Askin' me why I'm so distant, I'm convicted
I'm convinced that I predict that all my wishes on my wish list won't be heard
'Cause I'm committed to the lie that feeling safe is unrealistic
When I'm driftin'
Chorus
Watchin' the world go round
World go, yeah (World go round)
Listening
To unfamiliar feelings and unknown sounds
Unknown sounds, unknown sounds
Outro
Ignorant to my ignorance
Tell me I'm worth it, God
Give me the faith to rise and help me diversify
To take a step forward, immersed in my belligerence, amplified
The feelings and words collide
Intensified by living a life deprived
I'd rather be burned alive
Than go back to thinkin' I'm insignificant (Insignificant)
Every impotent moment debated can trigger it
God is my witness definitive
Holdin' my head up, there isn't an innocent bone in my body
But that's what gives me the energy lacked
To renovate, have to innovate, past intimidates
Can't remain afraid
Video
NF - DRIFTING (Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
NF's "Drifting," released on March 26, 2021, plunges into the turbulent waters of internal struggle, offering a raw and relatable exploration of feeling lost and disconnected. The song’s narrative centers on a profound sense of aimlessness, a familiar experience for many navigating life's complexities. NF articulates a feeling of slipping control, as if life’s opportunities are eluding him, and he’s left grappling with regrets and self-recrimination. The verses paint a vivid picture of an individual wrestling with a perceived lack of self-worth and a disconnect from his own core beliefs, evidenced by his declaration of being a "puzzle, got a lot of missin' pieces." This internal fragmentation leads to a facade of strength, masking an inner cry for help, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the biblical depiction of the heart’s deceptive nature.
The recurring image of "drifting" serves as a potent metaphor for this journey. It speaks to a passive movement through life, observing the world from a distance, detached from genuine connection or purpose. This passive observation, however, is punctuated by an active listening to "unfamiliar feelings and unknown sounds," suggesting an unconscious yearning for something more, a subtle seeking of guidance amidst the confusion. The lyrics acknowledge the deceptive nature of circumstances, where appearances can be misleading, and what seems peaceful might be a mirage. The act of injecting reminders, of seeking solace in external validation or past experiences, highlights the struggle to anchor oneself when the internal compass is unreliable. This echoes the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, for He directs your steps.
As the song progresses, NF confronts the judgmental nature of external perception and the internal battle against self-criticism. He recognizes the trap of self-condemnation, even when surrounded by support, and the tendency to push away those who offer genuine care. The struggle to embrace self-acceptance is palpable, particularly in the conviction that feeling safe is unrealistic. This internal narrative of doubt and fear, where past failures and perceived shortcomings dictate the present, is a powerful testament to the stronghold negative thought patterns can create. However, the outro introduces a pivotal shift. The plea for divine intervention, for worthiness and faith, marks a conscious turning point. The desire to diversify, to take a step forward despite inherent flaws, and to overcome the intimidation of the past, points towards a reliance on something greater. The acknowledgment that “every impotent moment debated can trigger it” implies the ongoing nature of this battle, but the definitive statement, “God is my witness,” signifies a surrender and a commitment to a higher power for renovation and innovation. This movement from passive drifting to active seeking of divine strength and guidance mirrors the scriptural call to cast your cares on God because He cares for you, as stated in 1 Peter 5:7, and to find strength in Him when you feel weak. Ultimately, "Drifting" is a profound exploration of vulnerability and the arduous, yet hopeful, journey toward finding solid ground, anchored by faith.