In hip-hop, NF, also known as Nathan Feuerstein, has established himself as a prominent artist who fearlessly delves into his personal experiences and emotions. One of his latest songs, Hope, serves as a powerful testament to his growth and transformation.
With poignant lyrics and an introspective music video, NF invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of hope.
In this article, we will explore the profound meaning behind the Hope lyrics and analyse the symbolism portrayed in the accompanying music video.
The Birth of Hope
NF is renowned for personifying his emotions as distinct characters within his music. In the past, he often embraced a pessimistic outlook on life. However, Hope introduces a newfound emotion—a new facet of himself that symbolises optimism and resilience.
This marks a significant departure from his previous works, as he embarks on a journey of hope and transformation. The song serves as the lead single and title track of his album, released on April 7, 2023.
NF’s Hope Song structure
The song has a simple structure, consisting of an intro, two verses, and an outro. The intro sets the tone and mood of the song as NF speaks over a piano melody, introducing the message of hope. The verses are where NF showcases his rap skills, delivering fast-paced and complex bars over a hard-hitting beat. The outro is a short spoken word segment where NF summarises the theme of the song and the album.
The structure of the song is effective because it creates contrast and balance between the different parts. The intro and outro are calm and reflective, while the verses are intense and energetic. The intro and outro also serve as bookends for the song, framing the verses and creating a sense of cohesion.
Unveiling NF’s Hope Lyrics
Hope is an exemplar of the rapper’s skillful writing and the raw emotions he conveys through his music. It’s almost as if NF is in a league of his own when it comes to using lyrics to tell a story that cuts straight to the heart.
From the very first verse, NF’s hope lyrics encapsulate the struggle of life, the pursuit of dreams, and the relentless spirit of hope that fuels the journey.
The lyrics of Hope delve deep into the story that shaped NF’s identity and led him to this transformative phase. The song opens with NF addressing the part of himself that has controlled him for years, acknowledging the need for change and the emergence of hope.
Throughout the lyrics, NF takes accountability for his actions and acknowledges the struggles he faced. He reflects on his past, expressing regret for things said and done and highlighting the baggage he carried for far too long.
The Symbolism in the NF’s Hope Music Video
The music video for Hope offers a visual representation of NF’s internal journey. It features two versions of NF: one dressed in all white, symbolising the hopeful and transformed version of himself, and the other in all black, representing the darkness and pain he has experienced.
The video opens with the white-clad NF sitting alone on a raft in the middle of an ocean, symbolising his mind. The raft represents the foundation he has built through self-improvement, allowing him to rise above his past struggles and find hope.
At a pivotal moment in the video, NF stands next to his dark side, holding a map. This scene references his previous song, The Search, where he yearned for the map of hope. By juxtaposing the imagery of the dark NF with the title of the song, Hope, NF signifies that he has finally found the map he had been searching for. However, his dark side misleads him, causing him to lose his way and eventually fall into a mansion.
Inside the mansion, NF encounters various symbolic elements. The mansion represents his mind, where fear, burdens, pain, and other emotions reside. As he explores the mansion, he opens a door only to find his past burdens and fears waiting for him. He quickly closes the door, signifying his refusal to let these negative influences define him.
NF then discovers another door, behind which stands an older version of himself holding a set of keys. This older version represents wisdom and growth, as well as the realisation that he held the power to free himself from his own mental prison all along.
Embracing Breakdowns and Rebirth
Within the lyrics of Hope, NF reflects on the concept of breakdowns as a necessary evil. While they may be accompanied by pain, breakdowns can serve as catalysts for change and growth.
NF acknowledges that hitting rock bottom propelled him to seek help and embark on the healing process. He questions whether he would have become the person he is today without these experiences. He emphasises the importance of not accepting defeat and confronting one’s inner demons.
A Journey of Parenthood
In the later part of the lyrics, NF reveals a significant milestone in his life: becoming a father. His newfound role as a parent has ignited a profound sense of responsibility and a determination to be the best example for his son.
The lyrics express his commitment to breaking the cycle of his own parents’ mistakes by providing unwavering love and support. NF’s personal growth is exemplified as he forgives his mother, symbolising a significant step forward in his path to self-discovery and healing.
The Evolution of NF
After thirty years of feeling inadequate and struggling, NF welcomes a new phase of his life. The lyrics of Hope reflect the emergence of a more optimistic and hopeful NF.
This transformation signifies his deserved reward after a lifetime of perseverance and self-reflection. It serves as a reminder that working on oneself yields profound results and that hope can be found even in the darkest of times.
Conclusion
NF’s Hope lyrics offer a window into his personal journey of transformation and growth. Through introspection and self-reflection, NF embraces a newfound sense of hope and resilience.
The music video further reinforces the symbolic elements present in the lyrics, providing a visual representation of NF’s internal struggle and ultimate triumph.
NF’s Hope Lyrics
[Intro]
Hope
Yeah, I’m on my way, I’m comin’
Don’t
Don’t lose faith in me
I know you’ve been waiting
I know you’ve been prayin’ for my soul
Hope
Hope
Thirty years you been draggin’ your feet, tellin’ me I’m the reason we’re stagnant
Thirty years you’ve been claiming you’re honest and promising progress, well, where’s it at?
I don’t want you to feel like a failure
I know this hurts
But I gave you your chance to deliver
Now it’s my turn
Don’t get me wrong
Nate, you’ve had a great run
But it’s time to
Give the people somethin’ different
So without furthеr ado, I’d
Like to introduce my
My album (My album)
My album (My album), my album
My album (My album), my album (My album), my album (My album)
My album—
HOPE
Verse 1
What’s my definition of succеss? (Of success)
Listening to what your heart says (Your heart says)
Standing up for what you know is (Is)
Right, while everybody else is (Is)
Tucking their tail between their legs (Okay)
What’s my definition of success? (Of success)
Creating something no one else can (Else can)
Being brave enough to dream big (Big)
Grinding when you’re told to just quit (Quit)
Giving more when you got nothing left (Left)
It’s a person that’ll take a chance on
Something they were told could never happen
It’s a person that can see the bright side
Through the dark times when there ain’t one
It’s when someone who ain’t never had nothin’
Ain’t afraid to walk away from
More profit ’cause they’d rather do somethin’
That they really love and take the pay cut
It’s a person that would never waver
Or change who they are
Just to try and gain some credibility
So they could feel accepted by a stranger
It’s a person that can take the failures in their life and turn them into motivation
It’s believing in yourself when no one else does, it’s amazin’
What a little bit of faith can do if you don’t even believe in you
Why would you think or expect anybody else that’s around you to?
I done did things that I regret, I done said things I can’t take back
Was a lost soul at a crossroad who had no hope, but I changed that
I spent years of my life holdin’ on to things I never should’ve kept, full of hatred
Years of my life carryin’ a lot of baggage that I should’ve walked away from
Years of my life wishin’ I was someone different, lookin’ for some validation
Years of my life tryna fill the void, pretending I was in—
They get it
Verse 2
Growing pain’s a necessary evil
Difficult to go through, yes, but beneficial
Some would say having a mental breakdown is a negative thing
Which on one hand, I agree with
On the other hand, it was the push I needed
To get help and start the healing process, see if
I’d have never hit rock bottom, would I be the person that I am today? I don’t believe so
I’m a prime example of what happens when you choose to not accept defeat and face your demons
Took me thirty years to realize that if you wanna get that opportunity to be the
Greatest version of yourself, sometimes you got to be someone you’re notto hear the voice of reason
Having kids will make you really take a step back and look in the mirror, at least for me, that’s what it did, I
Outro
Wake up every day and pick my son up, hold him in my arms and lethim know he’s loved (Loved)
Standing by the window, questioning if Dad is ever going to show up (Up)
Isn’t something he’s gon’ have to worry ’bout, don’t get it twisted, that wasn’t a shot
Mama, I forgive you, I just don’t want him to grow up thinkin’ that he’ll never be enough
Thirty years of running, thirty years of searchin’
Thirty years of hurting, thirty years of pain
Thirty years of fearful, thirty years of anger
Thirty years of empty, thirty years of shame
Thirty years of broken, thirty years of anguish
Thirty years of hopeless, thirty years of (Hey)
Thirty years of never, thirty years of maybe
Thirty years of later, thirty years of fake
Thirty years of hollow, thirty years of sorrow
Thirty years of darkness, thirty years of (Nate)
Thirty years of baggage, thirty years of sadness
Thirty years of stagnant, thirty years of chains
Thirty years of anxious, thirty years of suffering
Thirty years of torment, thirty years of (Wait)
Thirty years of bitter, thirty years of lonely
Thirty years of pushing everyone away (‘Way)
(You’ll never evolve) I know I can change
(We are not enough) We are not the same
(You don’t have the heart) You don’t have the strength
(You don’t have the will) You don’t have the faith
(You’ll never be loved, you’ll never be safe)
(Might as well give up) Not running away
(You don’t have the guts) You’re the one afraid
(I’m the one in charge) I’m taking the— (No)
I’m taking the
Reins