DRIFTING
NF Lyrics

Drifting
NF is in a state of limbo, unsure of the direction his life is heading.

Watchin' the world go 'round World go, yeah (world go, yeah)
NF is observing the world around him, feeling somewhat disconnected from it.

Listening To unfamiliar feelings and unknown sounds Unknown sounds, unknown sounds
NF is experiencing new emotions and circumstances that he is not familiar with.

Slippin' through my fingertips (ayy), lingerin' Shoulda, woulda, coulda, where'd I put the pen? (Woah) Make a list of all my failed attempts, runnin' out of space again Highlight all the things I wish I never said (stop)
NF is reflecting on past mistakes and missed opportunities, feeling regretful about them.

If feeling makes you stronger, I'm the weakest That would mean that I would have to separate from my beliefs
NF struggles with expressing his emotions as he feels they are in opposition to his beliefs.

It's not a secret, I'm a puzzle, got a lot of missin' pieces Underneath this strong persona I put on's a kid that's screamin'
NF has a complex personality, but there is a part of him that feels lost, just like a child.

Aren't these waters so deceivin'? (So deceivin') They look different, don't they? Well, at least that's how they seem to me 'Cause we just drift and drift and drift Until we see something that we define as peaceful
NF comments on the deceptive nature of life, where things may seem fine but often are not, and we continue to wander aimlessly until we find something that brings us peace.

Grab the needle, shoot reminders in my veins That people leave you while I'm driftin'
NF uses syringes as a metaphor for the need for reminders to keep him grounded in reality, as he feels people abandoned him while he drifted away from them.

Lots of gossip, I've been watchin' you How you're talkin' to yourself is rude Driftin', I'm in the same boat as you Sinkin', dreamin', screamin' for some truth
NF sees others struggling with the same issues as he is, and encourages them to speak kindly to themselves, while also shouting for some answers.

And (my, my) escalator's broke, I'll take the stairs, I guess Climb until I'm outta breath, questioning my every step (whoa) My train of thought is leading me to different tracks Positive that where I'm at is not where I should stay and that's (why)
NF is forced to take the long and hard way up, analyzing every decision he makes as he tries to find his way to a place that suits him better.

Told you look into the mirror and say, "I love you" Convince yourself that no one in the world would ever want to Passin' by the people that have been there to support you From the get-go, disrespectful, drive you mental Might get stressful when I'm driftin'
NF tells his listeners to practice self-love, but also acknowledges that drifting makes it hard to see and accept support from others, which can be mentally exhausting.

I see you in the distance Askin' me why I'm so distant, I'm convicted I'm convinced that I predict that all my wishes on my wish list won't be heard
NF's lack of direction has caused distance between him and others, and he is convinced that his dreams will never come true, making him feel even more disconnected.

'Cause I'm committed to the lie that feeling safe is unrealistic When I'm driftin'
NF recognizes that his fear of feeling safe and anchored to a place or person is what is keeping him in a state of uncertainty.

Ignorant to my ignorance Tell me I'm worth it, God Give me the faith to rise and help me diversify To take a step forward, immersed in my belligerence, amplified The feelings and words collide Intensified by living a life deprived I'd rather be burned alive Than go back to thinkin' I'm insignificant (insignificant) Every impotent moment debated can trigger it God is my witness definitive
NF prays for guidance, admitting that he does not know what he is missing. He asks for strength and courage to accept his faults and weaknesses so he can grow and change.

Holdin' my head up, there isn't an innocent bone in my body But that's what gives me the energy lacked To renovate, have to innovate, past intimidates Can't remain afraid
NF acknowledges his faults but accepts that they fuel him to change his current state. He tries to forget the intimidation from his past and move towards innovation without fear.