NF - Mistake Lyrics
Lyrics
Chorus
I feel like I'm at a standstill
Waitin' for you to tell me I'm okay
If time heals, tell me, why do I kill
Myself tryna show you I'm not a mistake?
I've got qualities that I'm not proud of
I've made promises that I walked out on
I've had days I feel I don't deserve love
So think what you think, just don't call me a
Verse 1
Mistake, might've made some
Can't argue with that, but I ain't one
Even though I sometimes get afraid of
Havin' to face the wrath of an anxious me
I get it 'cause I actually
Feel the same, sometimes I think
I might be a lost cause
Who turns off, 'cause the way I read
Into what I've been through
You think I'm mental, but it pays off though
When the rent's due, I pursue what I love
And if it goes south and falls down, just know
I stand on my own two feet
Don't you see those that oppose on me?
Most won't leave, thinkin' I might retreat
Show my teeth quick if you turn on me 'cause
Chorus
I feel like I'm at a standstill
Waitin' for you to tell me I'm okay
If time heals, tell me, why do I kill
Myself tryna show you I'm not a mistake?
I've got qualities that I'm not proud of
I've made promises that I walked out on
I've had days I feel I don't deserve love
So think what you think, just don't call me a "
Post-Chorus
Just don't call me a "
Just don't call me a
Verse 2
Mistake 'cause I'm not one
Misplaced, but I found a
Lot of resentment causes a mess
When you let it get to the place of
No confidence
Struggle with it, that's obvious
But not enough to make me second-guess
If I'd die for the ones I love
So don't you get confused, thinkin' if you bring me down
I'ma just choose to let myself get used
I don't live like that, I feel trapped
I might lash out, I gotta watch my back
Cross my path, 'specially with ill intent
You'll regret you ever took that task
If and when this thing could all go bad
Don't you act like no one warned you yet 'cause
Chorus
I feel like I'm at a standstill
Waitin' for you to tell me I'm okay
If time heals, tell me, why do I kill
Myself tryna show you I'm not a mistake?
I've got qualities that I'm not proud of
I've made promises that I walked out on
I've had days I feel I don't deserve love
So think what you think, just don't call me a
Outro
Mistake
Video
NF - MISTAKE (Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
NF's "Mistake," released on April 7, 2023, delves into a profound internal struggle for validation and self-worth, a theme resonating deeply with the human experience. The song's narrative centers on the artist's desperate plea to be seen as more than a misstep, a feeling that he is at a standstill, awaiting external affirmation to declare him "okay." This longing for acceptance, particularly from another person, highlights a vulnerability that often stems from past failings and perceived shortcomings. NF grapples with qualities he regrets and promises he hasn't kept, leading to days where he feels undeserving of love. This internal conflict is a powerful echo of the biblical struggle with sin and the human tendency towards self-condemnation. The scripture reminds us in Jeremiah 17:9 that "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" NF’s lyrical journey in "Mistake" can be seen as a cry for redemption and recognition of inherent worth, mirroring the divine perspective offered in Romans 8:1, which states, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The artist's admission of being a "lost cause" and wrestling with an "anxious me" speaks to the mental and emotional toll of self-doubt. However, there’s a powerful undercurrent of resilience; even when faced with opposition and the fear of his own anxieties, he asserts his ability to stand on his own and pursue his passions, a testament to a spirit unwilling to be broken. This resilience finds its spiritual parallel in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." He recognizes that external perceptions can be misleading, and while he acknowledges past errors, he firmly rejects the label of a mistake. His struggle with resentment and a lack of confidence, leading to a "mess," is a raw depiction of how negative emotions can erode one's self-perception. Yet, the song pivots towards a declaration of unwavering loyalty and a refusal to be exploited. The artist’s resolve to defend those he loves and his clear message that he will not be easily defeated or taken advantage of underscores a fierce determination, reflecting the strength found in divine assurance. This unwavering stance resonates with the courage instilled by faith, as found in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Ultimately, "Mistake" is a compelling exploration of the battle between acknowledging one's imperfections and holding onto the unshakeable belief in one's fundamental value, a journey towards self-acceptance that is profoundly encouraged by the grace and truth found in Scripture.