NF - No Excuses Lyrics
Lyrics
Intro
Yeah, I got no excuses
Chorus
Ayy, yeah, they asked me where I learned to do this
Self-taught, checkin' things off my to-do list
Treat my temper like my family, I ain't tryna lose it
Say a little, do a lot, woo, no excuses
Ayy, I got no excuses, yeah, I got no excuses
Woo, I got no excuses, yeah, I got no...
Verse 1
Yeah, yo, this industry is so confusin'
Hard to tell who's really with me or who's tryna use me
If I told you I respect you, I ain't say it loosely
I don't throw those words around, it's just not how I do things, ayy
Yeah, I know I can be a nuisance
Ain't afraid to admit it if I think the shoe fits
People ask me where I've been, I've been writin' new hits
Had to make my own plans, I don't need your two cents, ayy
Yeah, I don't wanna hear excuses
I just like to make moves and make improvements
I just like to break rules, maybe start some new trends
Live the life that I choose, cuttin' off the loose ends, ah
Chorus
Yeah, they asked me where I learned to do this
Self-taught, checkin' things off my to-do list
Treat my temper like my family, I ain't tryna lose it
Say a little, do a lot, woo, no excuses
Ayy, I got no excuses, yeah, I got no excuses
Woo, I got no excuses, yeah, I got no...
Verse 2
Yeah, here's a couple things that I'm confused with
I just did a interview, the guy was pretty clueless
You don't have to know the album names or all my music
But at least try to find out who you in the room with
Ayy, I like facts, I don't like assumin'
Take a shot behind my back, I'ma catch the bullets
Why the game lookin' at me like I'm just a tourist?
They should know I'm here to stay, this verse is gettin' borin'
Twisted mind of a lyricist, listen while I experiment
Visualize, it's imperative, big surprises and scary tricks
It is time, yes, we're here again, sit in silence, don't care for it
Criticizin' my character isn't wise, so beware of it
Forget what you're tellin' me, do what I gotta, man
I got the remedy, one of kind, but they never selected me
I don't fit in with the room of celebrities
I wanna know when they bring up my legacy
There was nobody that ever could mention me
Sayin' that I wasn't makin' the rap
And doin' it cleverly, did what I had to
And gave it my everything
Chorus
Yeah, yeah, they asked me where I learned to do this
Self-taught, checkin' things off my to-do list
Treat my temper like my family, I ain't tryna lose it
Say a little, do a lot, woo, no excuses
Yeah, yo, they asked me where I learned to do this
Self-taught, checkin' things off my to-do list
Treat my temper like my family, I ain't tryna lose it
Say a little, do a lot, woo, no excuses
Ayy, I got no excuses, yeah, I got no excuses
Woo, yeah, I got no excuses, yeah, yo, I got no...
Outro
Yeah, I got no...
I got no excuses
I got no excuses
Video
NF - No Excuses (Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on July 26, 2019, NF’s "No Excuses" immediately establishes itself as an anthem for unyielding personal accountability and diligent pursuit of purpose. The song dives headfirst into NF’s defiant commitment to his craft and convictions, rejecting idleness and superficiality in favor of genuine effort and integrity. It’s a powerful declaration from an artist who consistently carves his own path, emphasizing action and internal resolve over external validation or facile justifications.
The core of "No Excuses" is NF’s candid reflection on his journey and values. He portrays himself as "self-taught," meticulously checking off his to-do list, a testament to the discipline and self-motivation required to excel. This resonates deeply with the biblical call to diligence and stewardship of one’s gifts, echoing passages like Colossians 3:23, which instructs us to "whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." His refusal to "lose" his temper, treating it like family, highlights a conscious effort towards self-control—a fruit of the Spirit that Proverbs 16:32 values more than conquering a city. NF's declaration to "say a little, do a lot" is a profound echo of James 1:22, which urges us to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves," promoting a life of tangible impact over empty rhetoric.
Through the verses, NF articulates a clear vision for navigating a world often fraught with disingenuity. He laments the "confusin'" nature of the industry, where discerning genuine allies from those "tryna use" him is a constant challenge. This speaks to the wisdom needed in a fallen world, reminding us of Matthew 10:16, where Christ advises His followers to be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves." His assertion, "If I told you I respect you, I ain't say it loosely," underlines a commitment to truthfulness and integrity in his words, reflecting Ephesians 4:25 to "put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor." Furthermore, his refusal to accept "excuses" from others or himself, preferring instead to "make moves and make improvements," aligns with the biblical rejection of sloth and the embrace of productive, purposeful living as seen in Romans 12:11, which counsels against laziness in zeal and to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
The second verse delves further into the challenges of public life and the artist’s unwavering sense of identity. NF expresses frustration with those who fail to genuinely understand his work, noting, "You don't have to know the album names or all my music / But at least try to find out who you in the room with." This highlights the importance of respect and due diligence, a principle applicable to all interactions, urging us to genuinely engage rather than assume. His strong stance against critics, declaring, "Take a shot behind my back, I'ma catch the bullets," and warning that "Criticizin' my character isn't wise, so beware of it," mirrors the resolve of Nehemiah, who, when faced with opposition, declared, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down" (Nehemiah 6:3). NF’s desire to "break rules, maybe start some new trends" is not an endorsement of lawlessness, but a bold commitment to innovation and following a unique, divinely appointed path, echoing the courage of those who dared to defy conventional wisdom for a higher calling. Ultimately, his desire to leave a legacy, stating, "I don't fit in with the room of celebrities / I wanna know when they bring up my legacy," speaks to a pursuit of lasting impact over fleeting fame, aligning with Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. "No Excuses" stands as a powerful testament to living a life of intentionality, integrity, and relentless dedication, inspiring us all to embrace our callings with divine purpose and unwavering resolve.