NF - Running Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
I'm tired
Of holding on to you, it's time to let
My pride
Go and learn to love myself again, yeah
I don't wanna wait another
Day, I've waited long enough, I'm
Ready, I can see the sun, it's comin' up
There's happiness on the horizon
I'm hopeful I can see the light, I've
Hesitated all my life, but I'm all done
Pre-Chorus
I'm done runnin' from you
Spent my whole life in your shadow, scared
Of who I'd be if I, yeah
Said goodbye and I didn't have you here
Chorus
I wish you well, but I
Can no longer stand aside
And watch you sabotage
The two of us
I love you to death, but I
Can't spend the rest of my
Life in this darkness, I'm done
Post-Chorus
I'm done (Ooh-ooh, ooh)
(Ooh-ooh, ooh)
Verse 2
I wish you the best, but
I'm not interested
In givin' you more of my life, I've already given you too much
I don't wanna lose ya
I don't wanna keep ya
I know that you mean well, but when I fail, I don't need ya
Rubbin' my face in it and treatin' me like I'm
Less than you, tell the truth
You know I'll be better without ya
Been in your shoes, don't be a fool
And try to convince me that I'm the
Real issue when you're the root
To every problem, I love you but not e-
- nough to allow you to continue to drown the both of us, you're
Holdin' me back, you're pullin' me down, you're makin' me hate myself, I
Don't wanna leave, but that's what I need, I ain't got a choice, I can't just
Let you deceive and make me believe that I don't deserve to be loved, I (Ayy)
Am not gonna stand aside and watch you attempt to rob and steal and sabotage
What little faith I have left, yeah, haven't I sacrificed enough for you?
Hate seein' you cry, but I think it's time to let go and say our goodbyes
Yeah, I'm gonna miss you, but I'm not gonna spend the rest of my life
Pre-Chorus
Runnin' from you
Spent my whole life in your shadow, scared
Of who I'd be if I
Said goodbye and I didn't have you here
Chorus
I wish you well, but I
Can no longer stand aside
And watch you sabotage
The two of us
I love you to death, but I
Can't spend the rest of my
Life in this darkness, I'm
Done
Post-Chorus
I'm done (Ooh-ooh, ooh)
(Ooh-ooh, ooh)
Video
NF - RUNNING (Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
NF's track "Running," released on April 7, 2023, is a profound exploration of self-liberation from a deeply ingrained, detrimental relationship. The narrative powerfully articulates the struggle of breaking free from a co-dependent or toxic dynamic, which the artist portrays as having cast a long shadow over his life. The core of the song’s message resonates with the human desire to escape a cycle of self-sabotage, acknowledging the fear that often accompanies such a profound decision. NF expresses a weariness of holding onto something that hinders his growth and a newfound resolve to rediscover self-love. This journey of intentional detachment is framed as a necessary step towards embracing a brighter future, symbolized by the approaching sun and the promise of happiness.
The lyrical content strongly echoes biblical themes of spiritual freedom and overcoming destructive influences. The struggle NF describes, of being held back and made to feel less than, can be powerfully illuminated by passages like Jeremiah 29:11, which speaks of God's plans for hope and a future. The overwhelming feeling of being "done" with the darkness and the desire to break free from entanglement mirrors the biblical call to cast off the old self and embrace renewal, as found in Ephesians 4:22-24. The act of wishing well to the entity causing harm, while simultaneously severing ties for self-preservation, reflects a mature understanding of love that prioritizes well-being over enabling destructive patterns. This sentiment aligns with the wisdom found in Proverbs 4:23, urging one to guard their heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Furthermore, the recognition that the external force is the "root to every problem" and the decision to no longer allow it to "drown the both of us" speaks to the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6, where believers are called to stand firm against forces that seek to pull them down. The courage to finally say goodbye, despite the fear of the unknown, is a testament to a spirit seeking authentic identity and freedom, a freedom that is deeply rooted in the truth of one's inherent worth, as affirmed by verses like Psalm 139:14, which marvels at God's intricate creation.