NF - Outro Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse
I'm dedicated, the definition of dedication
Wrote this whole record while I was levitating
Sittin' in my room with the pen and paper, I'm innovative
They've been afraid of me since I was a second grader
I'm the kid on the playground mama told you to never play with
There's levels of music?and I'm in the elevator
Going up to the top floor, look how we elevated
What, you don't know the brand by now? You better get educated
Take both of my arms, rip 'em out the sockets and separate 'em
Forgive me, yeah, I know I get animated
Don't matter, I still write a better record than yours without a hesitation
Never been more motivated
Just look at all the minds I have opened and penetrated
See, I am the voice of all these kids that think things, but never say 'em
That's why they come to my shows wearing the NF hoodies and hats low like we're carrying weapons, ah!
Put the controllers away, it's game over
I promise I'm way colder
The fans keep saying that they're hungry for new music
Well that's pretty convenient 'cause I just made a plate for 'em
And I don't hear what none of y'all are saying
I just sit at the keys feeling the music
Got me thinking I'm Beethoven
The game needs a makeover
If you've been waiting, the wait's over
You ain't notice, y'all about to witness a takeover, I'm home!
Yeah, they waiting on me to match the
Emotion that I had in the last one
What if I don't, they gon' tell me that I'm losing my passion?
If I do, am I repeating my actions?
Yeah, look, "How Could You Leave Us" is massive
There ain't nothing I can write that'll match that
My biggest fear writing this record wasn't putting out trash
It was disappointing myself and the fanbase
Now I want you to picture me:
I'm in a hotel rapping, crying on the floor of the bathroom
Staring in the mirror, my room, hands shaking playing "How Could You Leave Us" through the speakers on my iPhone
Tryna figure out if I'ma always feel the way that I feel or maybe someday I can learn to be happy
Or maybe I can't be, 'cause if the music ain't emotional enough, are they gon' call me a has-been?
Pain's always been the root of my music
If I cut it off, how am I supposed to keep growing
If I let it go, won't my whole career be in ruins?
That's when I realized this whole conversation is stupid
I never cared to impress people that don't even know me
I just write what I feel, somehow it started a movement
Trying to enjoy a career, but I don't know how to do it
When I spend all of my time being afraid I'ma lose it!
But, then I figured out the reason they follow me
The reason why these fans surrounding me
It's not 'cause I'm a "Rap God"
I don't need you people to bow to me
All they ever did was doubt on me, now everyone's proud of me
Acknowledge me or not, you ain't ignoring the following
I'm just teaching 'em something they couldn't learn in they colleges
This is for the kids feeling like they live at the bottom and every day of they lives, feels like it's darker than Halloween!
Yeah, you ain't alone out there, look around you?we got a lot of fans in here
Couple hundred thousand, that's what we did last year
Listen to Intro III, trying to kill my fear
They'll get that in a minute
We about to shatter the critics
I am a savage, admit it
A lot of baggage I live in
That's why the passion is different
Really don't care if they get it
We're only three records in it and this is just the beginning
I'm home!
Video
NF - Outro
Meaning & Inspiration
NF's "Outro," released on August 2, 2017, is a powerful declaration of artistic conviction and a raw exploration of the pressures and fears that accompany success. Rather than a simple closing track, it serves as a testament to NF's unwavering dedication to his craft and his unique connection with his audience. The song delves into the artist's internal struggle, specifically addressing the expectation to continually replicate the raw emotion of previous works, such as "How Could You Leave Us." NF grapples with the fear of disappointing himself and his devoted fanbase if he doesn't maintain a certain emotional intensity, questioning if deviating from pain-driven artistry means losing his passion or becoming irrelevant. He candidly reveals moments of profound vulnerability, painting a picture of himself alone, shaking and crying, replaying his emotionally charged music, and questioning his own capacity for happiness. This introspection highlights a core struggle: the belief that his music's power stems from pain, and the fear that letting go of that pain might lead to the ruin of his career.
However, the pivotal realization within "Outro" is that his audience connects with him not because he is a "Rap God" or demands adoration, but because he articulates the unspoken feelings of those who feel marginalized and overlooked. This resonates deeply with the scriptural truth found in John 1:14, where it is said, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." NF, in his own way, becomes a voice for those who are silent, his music a tangible manifestation of their inner turmoil. His acknowledgment that the reason people follow him is not necessarily his technical prowess but his authenticity mirrors the message in 1 Samuel 16:7: "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." NF's commitment to writing from his feelings, even when met with doubt, has birthed a movement. He is not seeking to impress strangers but to connect with those who understand his journey, teaching them something invaluable that traditional education might not provide. He speaks to the kids living in darkness, assuring them they are not alone, a profound parallel to Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." The song concludes with a fierce affirmation of his identity and purpose, recognizing his "baggage" as the source of his distinct passion, and declaring that this is just the beginning, echoing the sentiment of perseverance and divine purpose found throughout scripture, such as in Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." "Outro" is an anthem for authenticity, a testament to the power of vulnerability, and a powerful reminder that true connection comes from speaking truth from the heart, even when it's difficult.