NF - Layers Lyrics
Lyrics
Intro
Yeah (Ayy)
Chorus
I got layers to me
I got plans, I got goals, I got tricks up??'my??'sleeve
I got calls,??'I got deals, I got people??'to meet
I got drive, I got soul, I got everything (Ayy)
I got scars, I got heart, I got family to feed (Woah)
I got people mad, I ain't who they want me to be (Ayy)
I got people I don't know tellin' me what I need (Ayy)
Yeah, I got loved ones sayin' that they prayin' for me
Verse 1
I'm thankful for the prayers, I need more of those
Put my hands together, bow my head and thank the Lord for (Ayy)
Everythin' He's done, yeah, ain't none of us immortal
So while I'm still alive, I got so much to look forward to
Addicted to the craft (Woah), got no time to chat (Woah)
This a lil' somethin' to hold 'em over for what's next (Woah)
Even when I guess (Woah), I get it correct (Woah)
Question my work ethic, that's a question you don't ask (No, no, no, ayy)
Yeah, don't ever question if I hustle, work a double
Drop a bomb on me, I climb right out the rubble, not a struggle
Tossin' me under the bus'll get you muzzled
Pop your bubble (Pop)
Throw your compliments right out the window (Ayy)
So unique with this
I can flip the script and change the schedule, you'd still think that it
Happened how it should've, keep it subtle, bunch of geniuses
Put their heads together, try to huddle up, but still they sit
Confused about how I learned to juggle (Ayy)
Toss around some concepts 'til I pick one
Usually, I don't alter my traditions
Foreign to me, hit 'em with the switch up
I just had to get this out my system
Been a handful, even with a mouth full of hand soap
I still say what I want to
Getting past? No
Better chance beatin' Usain Bolt in my sandals
To be candid, that's like puttin' minivans in NASCAR
With a grandma in the driver seat with her hands up
Show goes on even after the show's over
To get past me, you would have to kill me (Kill me, kill me, kill me)
Verse 2
Ayy (Ayy)
Tossin' what you want aside for longevity, ain't meant to be
If it causes everything to collapse and affects your heart heavily
What's worth it and what's not?
What's certain and which side would the coin flip to and land on?
When you guess wrong, do you stand up or stand down?
Even with a man down, I man up
Well-rounded, held out for the right outlet
Nine houses couldn't make me feel home, childish
Me left, see, the outcome every ounce of my childhood
Played a role in how I wound up with an outlook so crowded
No knowledge, couldn't see through the piles of my problems
Still piled up, past tense, man, I wish it was, but I've come
So far so quickly
In it for the long haul, it's routine
Only thing I'm cool with losing is losing sleep
And it's only cool with me
If it means I get to watch my dreams
Come true if I kept it brief
Still you think it was a long story
Recording half of the things I think would
Take six years, prepare, 'cause the chance that you asked for
Might show up at your door one night like, "I'm here
Gonna let me in or just stare?"
It's clear, yeah, six ain't enough
That wouldn't come close to the content between my ears
My layers have got layers
My layers have got layers
Video
NF - LAYERS (Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
NF's "Layers," released on March 26, 2021, delves into the profound complexity of the human spirit and the persistent drive to achieve one's aspirations, even amidst external doubt and internal struggle. The song's central theme revolves around NF's intricate inner world, a multifaceted landscape populated by ambitions, strategic planning, and a deep-seated resilience. He articulates a sense of purpose, acknowledging the responsibilities he carries, from providing for his family to navigating the often-conflicting opinions of others. This internal fortitude is presented not as arrogance, but as a necessary component of his journey, a response to a world that may not always understand or accept his path.
The narrative arc of "Layers" paints a picture of an individual who, despite past hardships and a childhood marked by challenges, has cultivated a powerful self-awareness and an unyielding work ethic. NF expresses gratitude for the spiritual support he receives, recognizing the importance of prayer and divine guidance in his life. This is echoed in verses that speak to the fleeting nature of mortality and the urgency to make the most of one's time on earth, a sentiment found in Ecclesiastes 9:10: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." His dedication to his craft is portrayed as an all-consuming passion, an addiction that leaves little room for distraction. This relentless pursuit of excellence, even when faced with skepticism, is a testament to his conviction. He describes an innate ability to overcome adversity, likening himself to someone who can emerge from ruins unscathed, a concept reminiscent of the Apostle Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." The song highlights NF's unique approach to his artistry, his capacity to innovate and defy expectations, suggesting that his creativity is a wellspring that cannot be easily contained or predicted. The imagery of a mind filled with ideas, a continuous flow of concepts, speaks to a profound inner richness.
As the song progresses, NF further explores the concept of discernment, questioning what is truly valuable and worth pursuing. He emphasizes the importance of enduring qualities over superficial gains, particularly when contrasted with the potential for immense personal cost. This reflects a wisdom born from experience, a deep understanding that true fulfillment comes from pursuing what is aligned with one's core values, even if it means making difficult choices. The introspection leads to a contemplation of his childhood and how it shaped his present outlook. The struggles of his past, though acknowledged, are presented as foundational elements that have forged his current perspective, a perspective that is vast and all-encompassing. The lyrics convey a sense of relentless forward momentum, a commitment to the long journey rather than seeking immediate gratification. His willingness to sacrifice sleep for the pursuit of his dreams underscores the depth of his dedication, aligning with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where diligent effort leads to eventual reward (Galatians 6:7-9). The song concludes by reiterating the immense depth of his inner world, suggesting that the complexities he navigates are not merely superficial but layered, with each layer revealing further dimensions of his being, a concept that evokes the limitless nature of God's understanding of us, as stated in Psalm 139:1-4.