NF - I'll Keep On Lyrics
Lyrics
Hook - Jeremiah Carlson:
Oh these hands are tired
Oh this heart is tired
Oh this soul is tired
But I'll keep on
I'll keep on x2
I'll keep on x3
Verse 1 - NF:
Faith is something I am not accustomed to
Trusting other people 's something I don't really love to do
I've never been a fan of it, I act tougher
Really my shoulders they ain't built for this and I don't have nothing
It's like I'm standing in the rain and you offer me a raincoat
But I would rather stand there and get t than take the handout
What's wrong with me? You said, you've always got your hands out
And I can not continue on my own so take my hands now
I give you everything, God, not just a little bit
Take it from me, I am nothing but a hypocrite
I hate sin but I built a house and I still live in it
Afraid to open up the door to you 'n let you into it
My soul is lost and what it needs is your direction
I know, I've told you I do not need your protection
But I lied to you, this thing is tiring
A man was not created for a God
Please retire me now
Hook - Jeremiah Carlson
Verse 2 - NF:
Trust is something I am not accustomed to
And I know the Bible says I should always trust in you
But, I will never read that book enough
And when I have a question I don't take the time to look it up
Or pick it up
It collects dust on my nightstand
I'm just being honest
Please take this outta my hands
I have no control - I am just a person
But thank the Lord that I serve a God that's perfect
I do not deserve the opportunity you've given me
I never knew what freedom was until I learned what prison means
I am not ashamed, I don't care if they remember me
My life will always have a hole if you are not the center piece
Take me out of bondage, take all of my pride
If I don't have a Savior, I don't have nothing inside
Take all of my lust, take all of my lies
There's no better feeling then when I look in the sky, in your eyes
It's amazing
Hook - Jeremiah Carlson
Outro:
Woaahh
Woah woah woah
Woaahh
Woah woah woah
Woaah
Woah woah woah
I'll keep on
I'll keep on
I'll keep on x3
I'll keep on x3
Video
NF - I'll Keep On (Audio) ft. Jeremiah Carlson
Meaning & Inspiration
"I'll Keep On," released by NF on April 14, 2015, with the powerful vocals of Jeremiah Carlson, stands as a raw and honest testament to the struggle for faith and surrender. The song delves into the deeply personal journey of wrestling with trust, particularly in the divine, and the exhausting nature of trying to navigate life's complexities independently. NF's lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who, despite acknowledging their own shortcomings and weariness, finds themselves unable to fully relinquish control, even to a loving God. He grapples with the idea of accepting help, viewing it as a "handout" rather than a divine offering, reflecting a common human inclination to maintain self-sufficiency. The internal conflict is palpable as he confesses his hypocrisy, hating sin yet continuing to live within its confines and being afraid to open the door of his heart to spiritual guidance. This resonates with the biblical concept of being "a slave to sin" (John 8:34), where our fleshly desires bind us, even when we know a better path exists.
The second verse intensifies this exploration, as NF admits his lack of consistent engagement with scripture, the very book that promises answers and direction. The dust gathering on his nightstand is a poignant metaphor for neglected spiritual disciplines, a reality many can identify with. He articulates a profound understanding of his own limitations, recognizing that he is "just a person" without inherent control, which paradoxically leads him to appreciate the perfection of the God he serves. This humility is crucial; as the Psalmist writes, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). The liberation NF describes, experienced through understanding the meaning of prison, is akin to the freedom found in realizing our spiritual captivity apart from Christ. His plea to be stripped of pride and lust, and to have his lies taken away, is a profound act of surrender, acknowledging that without God as the "center piece," his life remains incomplete, a truth echoed in Jesus' teaching that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). The recurring hook, with Carlson's soulful declaration, serves as a mantra of perseverance amidst this internal battle, a commitment to keep moving forward even when exhaustion sets in. The song ultimately offers a hopeful message: through honest confession and a growing desire for divine direction, one can find the strength to continue the journey, leaning not on their own understanding but on the perfect love and guidance of God.