HOPE Album Lyrics by NF

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HOPE

Hope
Yeah, I'm on my way, I'm coming
Don't, don't lose faith in me
I know you've been waitin'
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 (failure)
I know this hurts
But I gave you your chance to deliver (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 further ado, I'd
Like to introduce my
(My album, my album, my album, my album, my album, my album, my album)
Hope
What's my definition of success? (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)
Grindin' when you're told to just quit (quit)
Giving more when you got nothin' 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 amazing

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

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 want to get the opportunity
To be the greatest version of yourself
Sometimes you got to be someone you're not to 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

Wake up every day and pick my son up, hold him in my arms
And let him 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 about
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 searching
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
(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
Reigns

---

MOTTO

I could write a record full of radio songs
Do a bunch of features that my label would love
Do a bunch of features that I don't even like
Just to build up the hype, yeah
I could sell my house and move out to LA
Get inside of rooms with the biggest of names
Hire fifty people just to give me advice on the way I should write
Oh God
Yeah, sounds like a nightmare, if you ask me
Yeah, went from my bedroom to the big leagues
You know how many times that I was told things
Wouldn't work, but worked out, having cold feet
Didn't keep me from success, but delayed it some
I used to be the guy who'd kill to get a number one
I had to hear, "That song's a hit" before I thought it was
But nowadays, I don't really give a- (what?)

Oh God (yeah)
Might catch me at the award show
Eatin' popcorn in the back row
Catchin' Z's with my hat low
No nominations, but it's cool though
Oh God
You might see me in the same clothes
I had on last week, am I ashamed? No
Yeah, you heard the sayin'
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it", that's my motto

Yeah, I miss buyin' CDs at the store
And thumbin' through the cases tryna make a choice
Yeah, that don't make no sense to you? Well, of course
See, one man's inconvenience is another's joy
Wow, wow, how are you unemployed?
Telling me to get a life, you should look at yours
Yup, congratulations, you can raise your voice
Hope you break both of your legs fallin' off your horse
(Oh, snap) this is the industry
Where it ain't how big you are, it's how big you seem
Where people sacrifice the art tryna chase a dream
Then they wonder why they music's lackin' creativity
Oh, yeah, would've gave anything
To be respected by the artist I was listening
To, but not no more, them days are history
Skip the red carpet, you lookin' for me?

Oh God (yeah)
You might catch me at the award show
Eatin' popcorn in the back row
Catchin' Z's with my hat low
No nominations, but it's cool though
Oh God
You might see me in the same clothes
I had on last week, am I ashamed? No
Yeah, you heard the sayin'
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it", that's my motto

Got my feet propped up
Leave my shirts untucked
I'm the boss, so what?
I do what I want
Oh God
You got the trophy, that's great
I'm happy for you, no hate
Still got a smile on my face
Chillin' in the back like, "Ayy"

Oh God
Yeah, you might catch me at the award show
Eatin' popcorn in the back row
Catchin' Z's with my hat low
No nominations, but it's cool though
Oh God
You might see me in the same clothes
I had on last week, am I ashamed? No
Yeah, you heard the sayin'
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it", that's my motto

(Whoa-whoa)
(Whoa-whoa)
(Whoa-whoa)
(Whoa-whoa)

---

CAREFUL

Stuntin' on me, you get exposed
I don't wanna pick then I buy both
Doesn't go plat', it'll go gold (go gold)
Keep it up upfront, I don't tiptoe (ayy)
I be at the house tryin' to lay low (lay low)
Duckin' and dodgin' the promo (promo)
Sit on my roof like J. Cole (ayy)
Yeah, sit on my roof like J. Cole (ayy)

Thinking about how I'm so thankful (woo)
Subpar songs, I don't make those (I don't make those)
Look at that car I paid for (I paid for)
Look at my life, I'm grateful (I'm grateful)
Hatin' on me, that's hateful (that's hateful)
You know I hit what I aim for (aim for)
Talkin' 'bout risks, I take those (I take 'em)
Didn't get here being careful (ayy)

Listen, ah
Talkin' 'bout risk, I take those
Millionaire still riding with the Draco
Courtside at the game Jumbotron got my name on it
That's how a typical day goes
I just left Nigeria, Lagos
I just met Kanye, Yesoz
I was talkin' to God, 'bout what's real or what's not
All he said was remain faithful

Okay, I get, I got it, I'm with it, I'm 'bout it
My crib is exotic I'm blessed, hey
We living chaotic, was high off narcotics
But that's when my life was a mess, hey
We come from the bottom, we still at the bottom
I get high to relieve the stress, hey
I don't think y'all get the message
This just world is built off misconceptions

Talkin 'bout greed
Talkin 'bout envy
Talkin 'bout money, then we talkin' 'bout plenty
Talkin 'bout dollars, or we talkin' 'bout pennies
Talkin' 'bout drinking, then we talkin' 'bout Henny
What we talkin' 'bout?
Lost souls at a crossroad, money coming in in large loads
I've been crossed, so my heart cold
That's all we know, yeah-yeah

Stuntin' on me, you get exposed
I don't wanna pick then I buy both (buy both)
Doesn't go plat', it'll go gold (go gold)
Keep it up upfront, I don't tiptoe (ayy)
I be at the house tryin' to lay low (lay low)
Duckin' and dodgin' the promo (promo)
Sit on my roof like J. Cole (ayy, ayy)
Yeah, sit on my roof like J. Cole (ayy, ayy)

Thinking about how I'm so thankful (woo)
Subpar songs, I don't make those (I don't make those)
Look at that car I paid for (I paid for)
Look at my life, I'm grateful (I'm grateful)
Hatin' on me, that's hateful (that's hateful)
You know I hit what I aim for (aim for)
Talkin' 'bout risks, I take those (I take 'em)
Didn't get here being careful (ayy)

Called up my dad and I told him I got you
You wanna retire, then do it, you're good
Called up my grandma and told her
It's time to move out of that basement, let's get you a crib
Called up my manager, told 'em get ready
It's 'bout to get busy this record is, ah
Called up to God and I asked 'em, "You watchin' my back?"
He ain't say nothin' back but I heard what He said
When you see how I'm livin' the answer is obvious ain't it
When you go from poverty stricken and stressing
'Bout buying the groceries to not even having to look at the total
You know you've been blessed
Sharing the wealth, ain't no point in me keeping this all to myself
I ain't taking this money with me to my grave
Yeah, I might as well bless all the people I love

We talking 'bout making a difference, I'm making one
Talking 'bout risks, I been taken 'em
Talking 'bout dreams, I been chasin' 'em
Talking 'bout lives, I been changin' 'em
Talking 'bout family don't play with 'em, whoa

That's a line you don't cross, no
Low blows can't respect those
Gotta keep the loved ones close
That's all we know, yeah

Stuntin' on me, you get exposed
I don't wanna pick then I buy both (buy both)
Doesn't go plat', it'll go gold (go gold)
Keep it up upfront, I don't tiptoe (tiptoe, ayy)
I be at the house tryin' to lay low (lay low)
Duckin' and dodgin' the promo (promo)
Sit on my roof like J. Cole (ayy, ayy)
Yeah, sit on my roof like J. Cole (ayy, ayy)

Thinking about how I'm so thankful (woo)
Subpar songs, I don't make those (I don't make those)
Look at that car I paid for (I paid for)
Look at my life, I'm grateful (I'm grateful)
Hatin' on me, that's hateful (that's hateful)
You know I hit what I aim for (aim for)
Talkin' 'bout risks, I take those (I take 'em)
Didn't get here being careful (ayy)

---

MAMA

Ooh, ooh, hey
Ooh, ooh, oh
Ooh, ooh, hey
Ooh, ooh, oh

Yeah, you ever make it up to the gate?
And if you did, I wonder is it a beautiful place?
Did He put his arms around you, make you feel like you're safe?
Did He grab you by the hand and say that things are okay?

I gotta know mama, did He show you some grace?
Give you a pass and tell you He would carry the weight?
Do you smile more, wonder what it's like when you pray?
Is He standing in front of you, so you can look at His face?

When you talk to Him does he talk back? (Ooh-ooh)
You ever have conversations about what you regret?
Or did it all go away once you got there?
Does each breath take you closer to God, would you say that you cry less?

Do you feel at peace yet?
Do you laugh more?
You feel like heaven is everything you could ask for?
I ever make it up there when I see you I hope you're
Smiling 'cause you deserve it, pray to God that you found joy, and always know that

You don't gotta cry, you don't gotta cry no more
I hope you're up there looking down on us with a smile on your face
You don't gotta cry, you don't gotta cry no more
I hope you're up there with God, feelin' loved and set free from your pain

I look at the situation you had
Might of made the mistake of leavin', but it's makin' me sad
Thinkin' of you how you grew up, tryin' to cope with your past
Were you like me in your relationships and pushed away dad? I gotta know, mama

Did you think you were trash?
Somethin' disposable that nobody could love or be glad?
To say they was with you, that issue is a issue I have
That's why it hurt me when Brittani gave me those letters you sent, I barely read

Any of one of 'em knowing I'd let them go to my head
And get to me especially when I feel I related
Might not be around for my babies
But know when I say that I love you, that I mean it, okay, 'cause

Nobody's perfect, yeah, I guess we all fall short
And I can't hold this unforgiveness in my heart no more
So just know you're lovable to me and of course
You'll always be mama to us, so save a table for four, and know that

You don't gotta cry, you don't gotta cry no more
I hope you're up there looking down on us with a smile on your face
You don't gotta cry, you don't gotta cry no more
I hope you're up there with God, feelin' loved and set free from your pain
Mama

You don't gotta cry, no

Yeah, I'm grown now, took me a while to see the bigger picture
'Cause if you were here today and I was talkin' with ya
There'd be a lot of tears of joy falling on my sweatshirt
Prolly followed by some apologies and mom I missed ya, yeah

I pray you see me down here lookin' up
Still got a lot of things that I need healing from
But I'll get there eventually, so don't you worry none
I just hope you finally got some peace and you feel happy mom, I love you

---

Happy

Dear God, please
Hear me out, I know it's been a couple years
Since I've reached
Out and said hello, I bet You're wondering
Why I keep
Obsessing on and stressin' all the little things
When I should be
Living life and soaking up the memories
I know I've been selfish, I have
No excuse to give You, it's true
Hanging by a thread's how I live
I don't know why, but I feel more comfortable

Livin' in my agony
Watchin' my self-esteem
Go up in flames, acting like I don't
Care what anyone else thinks
When I know truthfully
That that's the furthest thing from how I
Feel, but I'm too proud to open up and ask ya
To pick me up and pull me out this hole I'm trapped in
The truth is I need help, but I just can't imagine
Who I'd be if I was happy

Yeah, been this way so long
It feels like somethin's off when I'm not depressed
I got some issues that I won't address
I got some baggage I ain't opened yet
I got some demons I should put to rest
I got some traumas that I can't forget
I got some phone calls I been avoidin'
Some family members I don't really connect with
Some things I said I wish I woulda not let slip
Some hurtful words that never shoulda left my lips
Some bridges burned I'm not ready to rebuild yet
Some insecurities I haven't dealt with, yes
I'll be the first to admit that I'm a lonely soul
And the last to admit I need a hand to hold
Losin' hope, headed down a dangerous road
Strange, I know, but I feel most at home when I'm

Livin' in my agony
Watchin' my self-esteem
Go up in flames, acting like I don't
Care what anyone else thinks
When I know truthfully
That that's the furthest thing from how I
Feel, but I'm too proud to open up and ask ya
To pick me up and pull me out this hole I'm trapped in
The truth is I need help, but I just can't imagine
Who I'd be if I was happy

Don't know what's around the bend
Don't know what my future is
But I can't keep on livin' in-

Livin' in my agony
Watchin' my self-esteem
Go up in flames, acting like I don't
Care what anyone else thinks
When I know truthfully
That that's the furthest thing from how I
Feel, but I'm too proud to open up and ask ya
To pick me up and pull me out this hole I'm trapped in
The truth is I need help, but I just can't imagine
Who I'd be if I was happy


(Oh, oh, oh)
(Oh, oh, oh) If I was happy
(Oh, oh, oh)
(Oh, oh, oh) If I was happy

---

PANDEMONIUM

Something special 'bout me, you can already tell the energy is different
Confidence is at the highest level, I don't ever see it dippin'
Try me if you wanna, guarantee though you goin' wish you hadn't did it
That's a war that you could never win, but hey, I like the optimism
Given over half my life to this, I think I made a good decision
Trust my gut I hear it talkin', then I know it's time for me to listen
Mastermind consistent, matching my commitment, that's not realistic
Ayy, feature presentation what they came to see, I open up the curtain (whoa)

Oh my, pandemonium it's showtime
Got they noses up, I know why
Jealous of me, 'cause the flow nice
Did it all without a cosign
Shoot, I always hit the bullseye
Barely even put an effort in this, effortless imagine if I did try (whoa)

Acknowledge me or not
That don't really make no difference to me I
Operate the same no matter who's around me
Who's around me is important to me I
Keep my enemies at arm's length but
Close enough to make me feel safe my
Diligence can't be competed with an easy win for me, this just a small taste of (what)

What I'm capable of doing with my talent
Stretching my imagination
Watch it turn a small idea into something that you have to (what)

Tip your hat to when you see it, the whole package
Ain't got nothin' missin', check off every box it's
Unavoidable at this point don't you act like (what)
You don't see me out here makin' waves
I gotta air about me, I don't play the game the way they want me to
They tell me take a left, I take a (what)

Right, I'm not the one to pick a fight with
Try and bully me make you regret it quick
The only person I allow to push me around is my self
Body language, read it well
It's written on your face, I'm flipping through your pages
You don't have to scream and yell
It's clear to me, yeah, I can tell
The front you put on isn't real
That poker face ain't hidin' nothin' new
The hand you had before the cards were dealt

I got what they lack, first in every class
Never come in last, game is on my back
Wifey on my lap, she my better half
Heavy when I step, pockets getting fat
Passion never left, say it with my chest
Got a problem? Yes
Meet me in the flesh, you don't cut the check
I don't do the set, not a fan of threats
Always been direct

Nothing but the best, rarely do the press
Promise me the world? Not holdin' my breath
They want me to fail, haven't done it yet
Stackin' up the bread, thankful 'cause I'm blessed
Sharpest in the shed, pen is cutting edge
I get in the booth, perfect nothin' less
Key to my success, keep a level head
We want something fresh?
What you think this is?

What you think this is? Deadly with the raps
How could you forget? Thought I might of left
Thought I might of quit, thought I hung it up
Thought I, think again, petty that depends
What's the latest trend? I don't have a clue
I don't follow them, they just follow me
Keep 'em on the edge, keep 'em on they toes
Keep 'em wondering, keep 'em wanting more
Eating out my hand, don't look at the score
Don't look in the stands, focused on my goals
Execute the plan, beat me at my game
Never not a chance, walk you through my pain
Show you who I am, don't care what it pays
Loyal to my brand, foot is off the breaks
Steppin' on the gas, no one at my pace
Catch me if you can

Far from done got so much left to give you
Not the man I was, that person detrimental
2020 me could never hold a candle
To the present day me standin' here before you
Overstep destroy, you give up can't afford to
Keep my standards high ain't changin' that for that no one
Digging deep still got the hunger press record, yeah
Hear it in my voice, can't let the fame and fortune
Get the best of me see clearly what's important
Not impressed with me? Ain't looking for endorsements
Dropping masterpieces left and right ignore the
Hate life testin' me passin' with flying colors
Always been unique, can't be no dime a dozen
I take pride in this won't catch me cuttin' corners
Have no tolerance for ignorance, I heard ya
Lost your confidence in me this should restore it, can't ignore-

---

SUFFICE

Yeah, if I did it, then I did it right, yeah
This ain't happenin' for me overnight, yeah
Bet against me, you gon' pay the price, yeah
Down to business, I ain't playin' nice, yeah
So ahead of y'all, I'm out of sight, yeah
When you poppin', they all want a slice, yeah
Greed and envy, that's a part of life, yeah
Mediocre, that just won't suffice

Better now than ever
Ain't no crackin' under pressure, the boy is clever
If I did it, it was stellar, nobody fresher
Stop complainin', man, my head hurts, these catchy records
Ain't nothin' really but a walk in a park for me
Heard the catalog, you know I got some scars on me (you know)
Just gettin' started, you don't really wanna start with me
It's John Q, I would sacrifice the heart in me for family
High roller, but you wouldn't know it by the way that I rolled up
Career lifespan lookin' good, it ain't slowin'
One after another, man, I just keep goin' and goin' (and goin')

Yeah, if I did it, then I did it right (yes)
This ain't happenin' for me overnight (no)
Bet against me, you gon' pay the price (pay the)
Down to business, I ain't playin' nice (woo, woo)
So ahead of y'all, I'm out of sight, yeah (out of sight)
When you poppin', they all want a slice, yeah (want a slice)
Greed and envy, that's a part of life, yeah (part of life)
Mediocre, that just won't suffice

Keep myself grounded, that's a piece of me that I won't let go
No matter what level I reach, I promise to hold it close
Ain't gotta tell me this hittin' different, man, I already know
How are you claimin' we had a baby, we ain't never spoke?
I don't be sleepin' out here with random woman on the road
They want a DNA test to prove it, I'm like here you go
I could've saved you a bunch of time and told you the results
Lookin' for hush money from me, you ain't goin' get it though
Historic, rain on my parade, I keep walkin' and ignore it
Just part of the game, yeah, it comes with the territory
It's just another day, man, I'm used to it downpourin', it's nothin' (nothin')

If I did it, then I did it right, yeah
This ain't happenin' for me overnight, yeah
Bet against me, you gon' pay the price, yeah
Down to business, I ain't playin' nice, yeah
So ahead of y'all, I'm out of sight, yeah
When you poppin', they all want a slice, yeah
Greed and envy, that's a part of life, yeah
Mediocre, that just won't suffice

You know it
On God
Won't suffice

Do not need no introduction (ooh)
Style my own can't no one touch it (ooh)
Became what they said I couldn't (ooh)
Mediocre, that won't cut it

Life is a gift, I
Wanna live it to the fullest while I can, why
Would I not when I know my days in this game are numbered?
Might as well enjoy the few years that I do have left
Who knows when I'ma write my last verse, I've
Been to hell and back ever since that first EP came out with all I
Have on it, I've been given all I have, wasn't really prepared for the pain I was
Gonna have to go through to get to the end result that I knew I wanted
Hoped I would make an impact in rap, has that been insane?
Yes, but it was worth it
I can't imagine if I would've gave up and just turned my back on this music
Where would I be now?
Don't know how
I would of made it out from
Underneath that rainy cloud
Had my doubts, yes, but that's how I found my
True purpose, if my surface looks great who cares if underneath I'm hurtin'?
If there's one thing I've learned in
My life, it's that life is uncertain
Gettin' burned is unavoidable isn't it?
Ain't a person alive that hasn't been a victim of bein' lied to, we're all hypocrites
Givin' our two cents but not listenin'
All livin' in our own worlds thinkin' that
We're right, when the fact of the matter is a
Closed mind is the mind of an idiot
Don't believe that's true well, open it

---

GONE

Always saw my glass as half empty, it was never full
You were always passive and I was irresponsible
Didn't have a chance, but we were scared to let things go
Young, in love, broken hearts holding on to our false hope

Had your whole life planned out, I had no clue who I was
Gave it all we had, but guess our all wasn't enough
Wonder where you're at now, did you ever find the one?
Hope you're out there somewhere happy, sometimes I think of ya

Yeah, yeah
And it makes me sad
Mm, yeah
The way you left
But I'm glad you did
It was for the best

I pray, someday you find yourself
Somehow, some way, with someone else
Don't wait, it's too late to keep holding on
I'm already gone

Ah, I could blame us breaking up on being too young and being too dumb
And being too caught up on past traumas
But the truth is we just weren't right, we planned a whole life
When we both know we should've just ended on the first night
And I know if I would have stayed with you
I would've been down on luck and done with love and done too much
To make you stay, second-guessing and resenting all the love
I could've gave to someone else
Got carpal tunnel from holding on to what we once felt
I'm happy for you, I am
Yeah, don't get me wrong, I am
And once in a while it's true, I think about you too
Yeah, I do
I think about you too

Mm, yeah
And it makes me sad
Mm, yeah
The way you left
But I'm glad you did
It was for the best, yeah

I pray that someday you find yourself
Somehow, some way, with someone else
Don't wait, it's too late to keep holding on
Yeah, yeah
I'm already gone

I'm already gone
I'm already gone
I'm already gone

---

BULLET

Look, I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it
You ever need me for any reason, let me know
I got your back, I would die and kill for you
Don't question that, you know it's true, don't pretend you don't
Beautiful is what are you are, I know you doubt it daily
Words would never be enough to describe the way we
Both connected when you had our baby
I'm proud of you, I can't believe it, it still fascinates me
Watching us grow seems like yesterday we met
Life is flying by, makes me
Emotional, just talking 'bout it got a lot of memories
Things I could never forget you gave me
Life when I was on empty and I was going crazy
Stood by my side, it's only right that I return the favor
You changed my life and gave me love when I had none to offer
Gave me hope when I was hopeless, ain't no second thoughts
If it came down to me or you, I swear to God, that I would take a-

I would take a bullet, give my life in a second, if it came down to it
Sacrifice anything to see the light in your eyes, I swear I'd do it
When you're down and you feel low
When your world starts to crumble
When you think that there's no hope
I got you

Yeah, both got trauma sometimes I see it work against us
Other times I see it bring us close and connect us
That scar on your stomach, that's not a flaw, that's perfection
Your whole body a work of art, don't you let that
Mess with your mental
I know your birth plan didn't pan out like you wanted
But look what we got from it
Scared to death, I can't imagine how you feel
Tryin' to handle all of this pressure you're under
Watching you suffer
Sick to your stomach
Unprepared, I ain't the best husband at times
My lack of encouragement hovers over us both
Still you love me, it's mind blowing
The selflessness you show me on a day to day basis is humbling
You picked me up when I was weak and felt like I had nothing left
Believed in me and still had faith when no else did
I wouldn't have a second thought if it came down to it
I swear to God I would take a
Yeah, I would take a-

I would take a bullet, give my life in a second, if it came down to it
Sacrifice anything to see the light in your eyes, I swear I'd do it
When you're down and you feel low
When your world starts to crumble
When you think that there's no hope
I got you

When the days feel long and the nights get lonely
When your sky goes dark and the rain starts pouring, yeah
When the walls cave in and you need somebody
I got you

I would take a bullet, give my life in a second, if it came down to it
Sacrifice anything to see the light in your eyes, I swear I'd do it
When you're down and you feel low, and you feel low
When your world starts to crumble, starts to crumble
When you think that there's no hope, that there's no hope
I got you (oh-oh-oh-oh)
I got you (oh-oh-oh-oh)
I got you

---

TURN MY BACK

Aye, yeah
On even on my off days
Right even when I'm off-base
Life, live it like tomorrow ain't promised to me, gotta get it today
Why wait, too late
Never heard it, always on time, my way or the highway
Mind state not safe, need grace, need love, need God, need faith
Betrayed, cut ties, first time, first take, worst case, wordplay
My home, my stage, my place, less you, more Ye
More Drake, more Em, more Dre, more Cole, more Kendrick
More names Cordae, Sean, 6lack, my list, my names, my picks, my taste
My fate in my own hands
Hand it over to you, no chance
Wanna get the job done right, I do it myself, oh yeah
I am what they wanna be, who they wanna see, the big man
God's plan, got a problem with the boy take it up with Him then

Iconic, who want it?
Heard that you was looking for the smoke, huh?
Catch me on bad day an you might find it
Fine dining, flying private
Couple things that I could easily afford to do
A couple things that you don't know a thing about
You might've read about it, heard about it, thought about it, dreamt about it
Played it out inside your head
But what I'm doing for a living isn't something I was taught
You either got it or you don't got it, and you don't got it
I'm the co-signer, you the broke artist
I'm the captain and you in coach flying
I'm the lead roll, you in the background, yeah
I'm the star player, you the mascot, yeah
I'm the future, you the past, old-timer
I'm the truth and you the bold-face liar
I'm the CEO and you the customer
I'm the front man and the ghost, ghost writer
I'm the creator, I'm the director
I'm the hit maker, I'm the empire
I'm the shot caller, I'm the showstopper
I'm the real one, you the fake knockoff

Jawdropper, headliner
Topgunner, head honcho
Eyecatcher, real stunner
Y'all got it? New topic
Ye's documentary was inspirational to me
I love watchin' lames try to keep stars in the dark just 'cause they afraid of ya
Funny how they switch up quick when they realize that your name buzzin'
Funny how they all wanna hop on board when they see the wave comin'
Funny how they wouldn't put me on the tour
Now they hit me up and say, "I hope you doing well. We should do a tour or somethin'"

Man, stop

We ain't doing nothin', got my own thing going, that's the way I like it
Too many cooks in the kitchen, that's a problem I ain't never gotta worry 'bout
Twelve people on a song, man, to each his own, but for me that's a little wild
Got enough people in my business, I don't need another hand dippin' in the pot

I don't need nobody showin' me the ropes
I don't need you tellin' me to do my job
I don't need to hear you say that I'm the GOAT
I don't need you askin' me to switch the style
I don't you need you laughin' when I tell a joke
I don't you fakin', tryin' to crack a smile
I don't need you, I don't need you
I don't need you telling me it's been a while

I don't need the label breathin' down my neck
I don't need the venue tellin' me it's loud
I don't you talking when I'm tryna to rap
I don't my name comin' out your mouth
I don't need you usin' me to get respect
I don't need a picture with you for some clout
I don't need you, I don't need you
I don't need you tellin' me you got some doubts

Worry 'bout yourself, yeah
I don't need your help, yeah
What's your name, what's your name, what's your name?
Doesn't ring a bell

Every time I look down and your number pops up on the cell
Shake my head, threatenin' me tryina to get me to respond, well
If you really knew me you would know that
That's the quickest way to make me turn my back on you and

---

MISTAKE

I feel like I'm at standstill waiting for you to tell me I'm ok
If time heals, tell me why do I kill myself
Tryna show you I'm not a mistake
I've got qualities that I'm not proud of
I've made promises that I walked out on
I've had days I feel I don't deserve love
So think what you think, just don't call me a

Mistake, might of made some
Can't argue with that, but I ain't one
Even though I sometimes get afraid of
Having to face the wrath of an anxious me
I get it 'cause I actually
Feel the same sometimes I think
I might be a lost cause who turns off
'Cause the way I read
Into what I've been through
You'd think I'm mental
But it pays off though when the rent's due
I pursue what I love and if it goes
South and falls down just know
I'll stand on my own two feet
Don't you see
Those that oppose on me
Most won't leave
Thinkin' I might retreat
Show my teeth quick if you turn on me 'cause

I feel like I'm at standstill waiting for you to tell me I'm ok
If time heals, tell me why do I kill myself
Tryna show you I'm not a mistake
I've got qualities that I'm not proud of
I've made promises that I walked out on
I've had days I feel I don't deserve love
So think what you think, just don't call me a
Just don't call me a
Just don't call me a

Mistake 'cause I'm not one
Misplaced but I found a
Lot of resentment
Causes a mess when you let it get to the place of
No confidence
Struggle with it, that's obvious
But not enough to make me second guess
If I'd die for the ones I love
So don't you get confused
Thinking if you
Bring me down I'ma just choose
To let myself get used
I don't live like that
I feel trapped
I might lash out
I gotta watch my back
Cross my path, especially with ill intent
You'll regret you ever took that task
If and when this thing could all go bad
Don't you act like no one warned you yet 'cause

I feel like I'm at standstill waiting for you to tell me I'm ok
If time heals, tell me why do I kill myself
Tryna show you I'm not a mistake
I've got qualities that I'm not proud of
I've made promises that I walked out on
I've had days I feel I don't deserve love
So think what you think, just don't call me a
Mistake

---

LET EM PRAY

Delegating isn't one of my strong suits
I've seen it take a toll and be harmful
I've seen what it can do when I got both of my arms full
But still to continue to pile more on my back though
I learned at a young age if you wanna do something impactful
Then you gotta be willing to sacra-
-Fice and really go after it
With everything that you have
'Cause if you don't it ain't never gon' happen
Listen

Gotta prevail
Gotta excel
Think I hit my peak? Nah, I just started climbin' the hill
Kill or be killed
Well if that's the way that you feel
I hope you know you 'bout to get the raw end of the deal
I need to meditate
I ain't got no room to grow, I would never say
Conversations with the Lord should be everyday
Reconnectin' with my core get my head on straight
Prayin' on my downfall, let 'em
Pray

Resumé
Check the resumé
Set the pace, I don't hesitate
Yeah just get it done let me demonstrate
Demonstrate, demonstrate
Let it soak in, let it resonate
Blood, sweat, and tears on the 808s
See 'em prayin' on my downfall
Let 'em pray

Let 'em pray
Let 'em, let 'em pray
See 'em prayin' on my downfall
Ay, let 'em pray
Yeah let 'em, let 'em pray
Let 'em, let 'em pray
See 'em prayin' on my downfall
Let 'em pray

Sentimental
Influential
Every step I've ever taken in the wrong direction
Helped me get to where I am today
And led to monumental moments in my life
That I would not have got to Experience
If I'da let the mi-
-Stakes that I made
Rob me of my full potential
Life will test you
Don't forget to
Remember the fundamentals

I gotta get back to those
Be surprised what you find when you climb out your comfort zone
I get uncomfortable
When I get too comfortable
You corner me and that's all she wrote
I'm in a headspace I ain't never been before
You don't bring nothin' to my life then I exit yours
Let's get right to it, yeah, I ain't with the back and forth
You either with me or against me, a easy choice

The momentum buildin'
I can feel it
My resilience cannot hide it, can't conceal it
Made me suffer some but also made me brilliant
Pass my brilliance down and teach my children
Life is precious, life is treacherous, life is filled with
Dead-end roads, keep on pushin'
Keep on healin'
See you prayin' on my downfall
Go on, keep on prayin'
God ain't listenin' to ya

Resumé
Check the resumé
Set the pace, I don't hesitate
Yeah just get it done, let me demonstrate
Demonstrate, demonstrate
Let it soak in, let it resonate
Blood, sweat, and tears on the 808s
See 'em prayin' on my downfall
Let 'em pray

Let 'em pray
Let 'em, let 'em pray
See 'em prayin' on my downfall
Ay, let 'em pray
Let 'em, let 'em pray, yeah
Let 'em, let 'em pray, aye
See 'em prayin' on my downfall
Let 'em pray

---

RUNNING

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 coming 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

I'm done running 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

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
I'm done

I wish you the best, but I'm not interested
In giving 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
Rubbing my face in it and treating me like I'm less than you, tell the truth
You know I'd 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 enough to allow you to continue to drown the both of us, you're
Holding me back, you're pulling me down, you're making 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 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 scarificed enough for you?
Hate seeing you cry, but I think it's time to let go and say our goodbyes
Yeah, I'm gonna miss you, but I am not gonna spend the rest of my life running

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

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 spent the rest of my
Life in this darkness, I'm done
I'm done