NF - If You Want Love Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
I just need some time, I'm tryna think straight
I just need a moment in my own space
Ask me how I'm doin', I'll say "okay," yeah
But ain't that what we all say?
Sometimes I think back to the old days
In the pointless conversations with the old me
Yeah, back when my momma used to hold me
I wish somebody woulda told me
Chorus
If you want love, you gon' have to go through the pain
If you want love, you gon' have to learn how to change
If you want trust, you gon' have to give some away
If you want love, if you want love
Verse 2
Look, as a kid I used to think life
Is moving so slow, I watch it go by
Look out the window on my bus ride
I thought the world was so small, through my closed eyes
I've always tried to control things
In the end that's what controls me
Maybe that's why I'm controllin'
I wish somebody woulda told me
Chorus
If you want love, you gon' have to go through the pain
If you want love, you gon' have to learn how to change
If you want trust, you gon' have to give some away
If you want love, if you want love
Verse 3
The older I get, I feel like I'm always tryna save time
Talkin' to the voices in my head, they make me think twice
Tellin' me it doesn't mean it's wrong because it feels right
I'm scared that one day I wake up and wonder where the time go
Talk about the past like it's the present while I rock slow
I'll sit in the living room and laugh with kids of my own
And tell 'em
Chorus
If you want love, you gon' have to go through the pain
I wish you woulda told me
If you want love, you gon' have to learn how to change
I wish somebody woulda told me
If you want trust, you gon' have to give some away
You gon' have to give
If you want love, if you want love
If you want love, if you want love
Video
NF - If You Want Love
Meaning & Inspiration
NF's "If You Want Love," released on December 7, 2018, stands as a profoundly honest exploration of life's often-uncomfortable truths, wrapped in an accessible and compelling narrative. The song delves into the artist's personal journey of introspection, revealing the universal struggles with self-perception, control, and the arduous path to genuine connection. It’s a reflective piece born from personal experience, articulating the hard-won wisdom that often comes only through facing one’s own vulnerabilities and limitations. NF, through his transparent lyricism, becomes a guide, speaking directly to the heart of anyone grappling with the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of authentic love.
The narrative begins with a stark confession of a common human tendency: the polite "okay" we offer when asked how we are, masking deeper internal battles. This initial verse paints a picture of someone wrestling with their thoughts, longing for personal space, and reminiscing about a simpler past, perhaps a time when comfort was readily available and complex truths remained unspoken. The recurring sentiment, "I wish somebody woulda told me," introduces a yearning for foresight, a desire to have understood life's necessary hardships before experiencing them. This sets the stage for the chorus, which serves as the song's central thesis, offering the very insights NF wishes he had received.
The core message of "If You Want Love" resonates deeply with a biblical understanding of growth and relationships. The chorus proclaims that if one desires love, they must "go through the pain." This mirrors the scriptural truth that suffering is often a crucible for character development, a necessary component in building resilience and deepening capacity for true love. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that "suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope," a hope that undergirds our ability to love sacrificially. Similarly, 1 Peter 4:12 encourages us not to be surprised by fiery trials, recognizing them as refining processes. NF's declaration also states that to want love, one must "learn how to change." This aligns perfectly with the transformative call of the Gospel, urging believers to be "transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2) and to "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). Genuine love, both for God and others, demands a willingness to shed old habits and embrace new ways of living. Furthermore, the song emphasizes that "if you want trust, you gon' have to give some away." This speaks to the radical vulnerability required in all meaningful relationships, a vulnerability rooted in faith. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." Extending trust to others, especially when it feels risky, reflects a spirit of surrender and an understanding that true connection cannot exist without openness.
As the song progresses, NF reflects on childhood perceptions, where life seemed slow and the world small, a stark contrast to the overwhelming speed of adulthood. He admits to a lifelong struggle with control, realizing that his attempts to dictate outcomes ultimately controlled him instead. This sentiment powerfully echoes the futility of human self-sufficiency against God’s sovereignty. Proverbs 16:9 states, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps," a profound reminder that our attempts to control often lead to frustration when not surrendered to a higher power. Christ himself teaches against anxious striving for control, assuring us that God cares for even the sparrows, and how much more for us (Matthew 6:26-27). The final verse finds NF contemplating the passage of time, the inner dialogues that challenge his convictions, and the dream of sharing hard-earned wisdom with his own children. He expresses a fear of waking up to realize time has slipped away, a common human anxiety that the Psalmist addresses in Psalm 90:12: "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." The aspiration to sit and laugh with his future children, imparting these essential truths, brings the song to a hopeful culmination, transforming his personal regrets into a legacy of guidance. NF's journey, from questioning "I wish somebody woulda told me" to becoming that "somebody" for his potential offspring, beautifully illustrates the cycle of wisdom being passed down through generations, much like the biblical command to teach God's statutes diligently to one's children (Deuteronomy 6:7).
Ultimately, "If You Want Love" serves as a poignant and practical roadmap for navigating the complexities of life and relationships. It’s a compelling reminder that the paths to love and trust are not paved with ease or devoid of challenge, but rather forged through pain, personal transformation, and intentional vulnerability. By articulating these difficult yet liberating truths, NF’s work transcends mere musical expression, offering a message that encourages self-reflection, spiritual growth, and a deeper appreciation for the profound, often arduous, journey towards authentic connection, echoing the foundational principles of a life lived in alignment with biblical wisdom.