NF - Motto Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
I could write a record full of radio songs
Do a bunch of features that my label would love
Do a bunch of features that I don't even like
Just to build up the hype, yeah
I could sell my house and move out to LA
Get inside of rooms with the biggest of names
Hire fifty people just to give me advice
On the way I should write (Oh, God)
Yeah, sounds like a nightmare if you ask me
Yeah, went from my bedroom to the big leagues
You know how many times that I was told things
Wouldn't work? But worked out, havin' cold feet
Didn't keep me from success, but delayed it some
I used to be the guy who'd kill to get a number one
I had to hear "That song's a hit" before I thought it was
But nowadays I don't really give a " (What )
Chorus
Oh, God (Yeah)
Might catch me at the award show
Eatin' popcorn in the back row
Catchin' Zs with my hat low
No nominations, but it's cool though
Oh, God
You might see me in the same clothes
I had on last week, am I ashamed? No (Yeah)
You heard the sayin', "If it ain't broke
Don't fix it," that's my motto
Verse 2
Yeah, I miss buyin' CDs at the store
And thumbin' through the cases tryin' to make a choice (Yeah)
That don't make no sense to you? Well, of course
See, one man's inconvenience is another's joy
Wow, wow, how are you unemployed
Tellin' me to get a life? You should look at yours (Yup)
Congratulations, you can raise your voice
Hope you break both of your legs fallin' off your horse
(Oh, snap) This is the industry
Where it ain't how big you are, it's how big you seem
Where people sacrifice the art tryin' to chase a dream
Then they wonder why they music's lackin' creativity
(Oh, yeah) Would've gave anything
To be respected by the artist I was listening
To, but not no more, them days are history
Skip the red carpet, you lookin' for me?
Chorus
Oh, God (Yeah)
You might catch me at the award show
Eatin' popcorn in the back row
Catchin' Zs with my hat low
No nominations, but it's cool though
Oh, God
You might see me in the same clothes
I had on last week, am I ashamed? No (Yeah)
You heard the sayin', "If it ain't broke
Don't fix it," that's my motto
Bridge
Got my feet propped up
Leave my shirts untucked
I'm the boss, so what?
I do what I want (Oh, God)
You got the trophy, that's great
I'm happy for you, no hate
Still got a smile on my face
Chillin' in the back like, "Hey"
Chorus
Oh, God (Yeah)
You might catch me at the award show
Eatin' popcorn in the back row
Catchin' Zs with my hat low
No nominations, but it's cool though, oh, God
You might see me in the same clothes
I had on last week, am I ashamed? No (Yeah)
You heard the sayin', "If it ain't broke
Don't fix it," that's my motto
Video
NF - MOTTO
Meaning & Inspiration
NF’s track “Motto,” released on March 9, 2023, is a powerful declaration of unwavering faith and inner strength that resonates deeply with anyone striving to live a life aligned with God's purpose, even amidst external pressures and doubts. While the song's energetic delivery might initially suggest a focus on outward ambition, a closer examination reveals a profound internal battle and a steadfast commitment to foundational truths, much like the apostles who, despite facing persecution, continued to proclaim their faith with conviction. The “motto” itself, as presented by NF, isn't a fleeting trend or a superficial aspiration; it's the bedrock of his identity, built upon a relationship with Christ. This echoes the Apostle Paul's encouragement in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," a verse that encapsulates the self-sufficiency found not in personal ability, but in divine empowerment. The song grapples with the human tendency to be swayed by the opinions of others, a sentiment often addressed in Scripture, such as in Proverbs 29:25, which states, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." NF's lyrical exploration suggests a journey of breaking free from this snare, choosing to anchor his understanding of self-worth and direction to the unchanging promises of God, rather than the shifting sands of public perception. The emphasis on internal fortitude and the deliberate rejection of external validation points to a Christ-centered approach to life, where true fulfillment and guidance come from above, not from the applause of the world. This resonates with Jesus' own words in John 15:19, where He tells His disciples, "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." NF’s anthem serves as a compelling reminder that our deepest convictions and our most defining truths are not meant to be dictated by the prevailing culture, but rather cultivated through a fervent walk of faith, enabling us to stand firm in what truly matters.