NF - Grindin' Lyrics

Grindin'

Grindin' Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

The song "Grindin'" by NF featuring Marty presents a powerful declaration of relentless hard work and unwavering dedication to one's craft. From the outset, the repetitive assertion in the intro, "Just let me work," sets the tone for a track centered entirely around the concept of persistent effort. This is not a song about overnight success or effortless talent, but about the sweat and labor invested behind the scenes, the "grinding" that forms the foundation of any meaningful achievement. The artists position themselves as individuals solely focused on their work, contrasting their approach with others they perceive as distracted or lacking commitment.

NF takes the first verse to establish his identity and work ethic. He immediately challenges listeners, asserting the uniqueness of his style and demanding the opportunity to perform. He paints a picture of himself on stage, ready to deliver, and directly addresses those who doubt or "sleep on" him, urging them to pay attention. NF dismisses external opinions and criticism, stating he blocks them out, and confidently asserts his ability to perform while rejecting the idea that others are superior or authentic. He directly questions what others are doing with their time, suggesting they prioritize superficial pursuits like relationships over their careers. While expressing confidence in his potential ("should be in the top 10"), he paradoxically states he doesn't care about the top and prefers to remain at the bottom to earn his way up through sheer effort, challenging anyone to find a rapper who works harder. He uses the metaphor of the music industry as a "box" he refuses to be confined by and presents a stark image of outworking others in a room full of rappers. NF contrasts his motivation (doing it for the work/fans) with others (doing it for fame), highlighting their fundamental differences. He expresses difficulty understanding the motivations of others and notes that surface-level recognition ("heard the name") doesn't equate to knowing who he truly is. He chooses to dedicate his time to his fans rather than what he calls "Hollywood people" or those attracted by money, reinforcing his commitment to authenticity and genuine connection. The pilot metaphor at the end of the verse questions the point of having the tools (a plane) if one lacks the skill or knowledge to utilize them (fly it), reinforcing the theme that talent or opportunity means little without the effort to back it up.

Marty enters in the second verse, offering a complementary perspective as an underdog. He distances himself from others in the industry, declaring his distinctiveness and aligning himself with his faith ("run with the son of God"). He challenges the notion of others running from him, suggesting they should be, given his approach. Marty touches upon personal struggles, mentioning strained family relationships while also looking forward to marriage, highlighting a real-life backdrop to his artistic journey. He rejects complaining and emphasizes resilience, stating they try again if they don't succeed. His loyalty to his group ("misfit my blood") is evident, and he expresses a strong disapproval of music he deems "bad." Marty explicitly states his dedication to his faith ("tryna give You my everything") and his focus on achieving what others haven't. He dismisses superficial distractions like focusing on "centrefolds" and reflects on his journey from freestyling in middle school, viewing his current state as a "miracle." His verse is a testament to staying true to oneself ("I'm doing me, I don't live for you") and the continuous effort required for personal and artistic growth.

The hook serves as the central anchor of the song, repeating the core message: "I'm out here grinding." The simple, insistent repetition, punctuated by "okay okay okay" and the direct statement "all we do is work," reinforces the relentless nature of their commitment. It's a mantra that unifies NF's focus on industry work ethic and fan connection with Marty's personal journey, faith, and resilience. The hook is less about complex lyricism and more about the raw, undeniable statement of purpose that drives the entire track. Released on June 17, 2016, the song encapsulates a message that resonates with anyone striving towards a goal, emphasizing that consistent, hard work is paramount above all else. It's an inspirational call to action for listeners to dedicate themselves fully to their pursuits, block out distractions, and focus on the effort itself as the key to success and authenticity.