Look, people ask me what the future is
All I know is I'll be doin' this
All I know is things are moving quick
That's convenient for me 'cause that's how I live
Now they see me out here movin' up
You don't like me, that makes two of us
Time change, yeah, I can't adjust
Yo, it's who you are not who you was, oh my
Yeah, just went to Europe, they said the single is working
I think I'm learning, I am way more than what people might think when they look on the surface
What is my purpose? Yeah
That is a question that I have been asking myself and it hurts
'Cause it's prolly something I should already know but I don't know it yet, I'm tryna grow as a person, woo!
I'm sick of people tellin' people I'm here 'cause of marketing dollars, oh
You think that everything is gonna blow just 'cause you market it harder? No
I got my hands in everything, now they out here tryna get to me
Stop tryna lecture me
You don't compare to my level of thinking, so why do you think you compare to my energy, huh?
Small circle, but the number's growin'
Fame called me, I'm like, "How you doin'?"
Hung up on him, I ain't ready for it
I'll get back to that when I make album four
Less talking, I've been workin' more
Better me is what I'm workin' towards
Y'all judgin', but we not in court, no, we not in court, oh Lord!
Last couple years, let's recap
I make a livin' off of writin' out my regrets
I'm doin' me, I don't care where the scene's at
Try to give me feedback, I don't really need that
I used to walk on stage in a V-neck
I used to wear a lil' tie with a black vest
I came a long way, why you lookin' upset?
I'm tryna paint a picture, get the vision, you ain't hear it yet, woo!
Look, hold up, hold up, wait a minute, please
Flow's switchin', I got ADD
Brain scatters when you play the beat
It don't matter what you say to me
I'll be doin' this at 83
I've been doin' this since ABC's
In the major leagues doin' major things, don't play with me, woo!
I'm livin' life in the fast lane
Wake up every morning thinkin' I'ma have a bad day
Drive my own car, I don't like the valet
Parked, then I go into my mind with an AK
Shoot every thought in my head then it rotates
Losin' it all, but I think that I'm okay
Who is involved? I don't know, but I'm insane
Poof! And I'm gone, wanna call me a no name, what!?
I'm prolly not what you thought
I'm prolly not what you thought
I used to judge everybody that wasn't like me 'til I learned it was wrong
Girl told me I should get it together and get out the dark
I'm tryna give her my heart
That's when I sit in my car, writin' for hours until I can barely talk
I mean, where do I start?
Feels like I'm fallin' apart
Act like my image is hard
I always put up my guard
Even when talkin' to God
Sit in my room and I plot
Everything that I'm not
Comes out in the music I jot
I give it all that I got
I give it all that I got!
I'm tryna think out the box, no!
Yeah, I got people standing outside a bus screaming my name
I don't come out and take pictures, they tell me I changed
I don't smile in VIPs, you get mad like, "You know what I paid?"
Guess I don't know what to say
Guess I don't know what to say
I leave it all on the stage
I leave it all on the stage
No Name
No Name Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on January 19, 2018, "No Name" by NF is a raw and introspective track that delves into the artist's rapid ascent, his struggles with fame and authenticity, and a persistent quest for purpose. The song serves as a direct address to critics, fans, and himself, offering a snapshot of his mindset during a pivotal moment in his career. It opens by immediately tackling the speed of his rise and his commitment to his craft, asserting that this fast-paced existence aligns with his nature. He acknowledges the growth in his audience while also confronting those who dislike his success, hinting at a personal evolution that makes him less concerned with external validation.
A central theme explored in the lyrics is the artist's internal search for identity and purpose. He reflects on a recent trip to Europe, which seemingly confirmed the global reach of his music but also prompted deeper self-reflection. The lines reveal frustration with the superficial judgments of others who attribute his success solely to marketing, a notion he vehemently rejects by highlighting his direct involvement in his work. This section underscores a feeling of being misunderstood and a strong belief in the genuine effort behind his achievements.
The song further touches upon the changing dynamics of his personal life and relationship with fame. He mentions a growing circle of close contacts but portrays himself as initially resistant to the full embrace of celebrity, suggesting a preference for focusing on his music, specifically his upcoming album four. This reflects a conscious effort to prioritize artistic development over the distractions of fame. He addresses judgment from others directly, emphasizing that external opinions do not hold legal weight in his personal journey, portraying a clear boundary between his public persona and private struggles.
Recapping the preceding years, the lyrics reveal a candid admission that his creative process is deeply tied to confronting personal regrets. He asserts independence from current trends in the music scene, stating he doesn't need external feedback. The song contrasts his past image (wearing V-necks or a tie/vest) with his present state, questioning why his progress might elicit negativity from others. This evolution in presentation mirrors a broader artistic and personal maturation that he feels some fail to recognize or accept.
The latter part of the song intensifies the portrayal of his mental state and creative process. He describes a scattered mind likened to ADHD when confronted with a beat, yet asserts unwavering dedication to music, envisioning himself creating even at 83. His description of driving into his mind with an "AK" to confront intrusive thoughts and the declaration "Losin' it all, but I think that I'm okay / Who is involved? I don't know, but I'm insane" offers a vivid, albeit dark, metaphor for his internal battles. The potential label of "no name" is seized upon and questioned, perhaps turning a perceived slight into a statement of independence from conventional categorization.
The closing verses reinforce his complexity, directly stating "I'm prolly not what you thought." He reflects on past judgments of others different from himself, acknowledging the realization that this was wrong. A poignant moment describes attempting to open up emotionally, leading to intense, hours-long writing sessions in his car until he's exhausted. This highlights music as a primary outlet for his vulnerability and struggles. He speaks of putting up a guard, even in prayer, suggesting a deep-seated difficulty with trust and openness. The lyrics conclude by emphasizing that everything he attempts to hide or isn't manifests in his music, giving his absolute all to his craft, leaving everything on the stage rather than engaging with the demands of fame or external expectations.
