Grindin'
NF Lyrics

Oh yeah, oh yeah
An upbeat affirmation of confidence and determination

Just let me work, just let me work
A request to be allowed to focus on hard work and dedication

I'm out here grindin'
Acknowledging the demanding and persistent nature of the work being done

Yeah, I'm out here grindin'
Reinforcing the previous line with greater emphasis

I told 'em, that I'm out here grindin'
Asserting the hard work in a public forum to inspire and encourage others

I'm out here grindin', hey hey
A confident, repeating affirmation of the ongoing work being done

You ain't never heard nothin' like this, let me work, show me where the mic is
Expressing the uniqueness and quality of the work being done, while requesting access to the microphone

I'm on stage, black shirt, and my Tims
Describing the performer's attire and presence on stage

You know how I do it, I ain't playin' with you
Asserting the performer's confidence and seriousness in the endeavor

I've been grindin', anybody tryin' to sleep on me
Acknowledging the hard work and dedication, while also recognizing the skepticism of others

Better do somethin' with your eyelids, I hear a lot of whinin'
An admonishment to anyone not willing to put in the effort, while deriding those who complain instead of acting

But I don't hear a lot of rhymin', woo
An implication that the performer is focused on the music and lyrics, rather than idle talk

Everybody got opinions, let it go into my ear and then I block that
Acknowledging the abundance of opinions and criticism, while refusing to let it affect the work being done

Put me on stage, I'ma rock that, sayin' you the best? Stop that, phony, I am not that, yeah
Confidently asserting the ability to perform and succeed, while dismissing those who would claim superiority without basis

What are y'all doin' out here? What are y'all doin' out here?
Asking a rhetorical question to those not working as hard, perhaps to encourage them to strive for more

Maybe you should spend a little less time with the women on your arms And a little bit more with your career
Suggesting that those not working hard enough are perhaps focused on the wrong things in life, in need of re-prioritization

I ain't saying I'm the best but I should be in the top 10
Asserting that the performer is skilled and dedicated enough to be recognized as one of the best

Give me a list of names, I'ma top them
Confidently asserting the ability to surpass the achievements of others

I'm just playing with ya, I don't care where the top is
Qualifying the previous statements as a show of confidence, rather than arrogance, while emphasizing motivation isn't based on rank

Leave me at the bottom, let me work for it
Stating a willingness to start at the bottom and work hard to achieve success

You ain't never gonna find another rapper in the game And tell me that he works more, tell me that he works more, nah
Asserting self as a rare, hardworking rapper

You might see me with my hoodie up, I ain't leaving 'til I finish
Revealing a personal detail of the performer's dedication to completing work

This industry ain't nothing but a box, but I ain't gon' climb in it
Acknowledging the limitations placed on the performer by the music industry, but rejecting complacency or mediocrity

You put me inside a room full of rappers, come back in 5 minutes I'ma be the only one still alive, with a note on my chest saying that, "I did it"
Metaphorically warning that the performer's hard work and dedication is greater than that of any other rapper, implying a willingness to fight for success

You do it for fame, we are way different
Distinguishing oneself from those who prioritize fame over hard work

Y'all are looking weak, we ain't cooking in the same kitchen
Distinguishing oneself from those who are not working hard, implying that success will only come from hard work

Everybody got a shirt with a stain in it
Jokingly referencing the flawed nature of people, showing a bit of humor in the otherwise serious lyrics

Some of us'll never wear it out though, let me get it
Acknowledging that some people will never get rid of their flaws, while suggesting that the performer could still make use of what they have

I guess that I don't understand
Admitting ignorance or misunderstanding of a situation

This wasn't part of my plan
Acknowledging that plans can change or be disrupted

Some of these people, they're thinking 'cause they heard the name That they really know who I am
Acknowledging that some people may not fully understand or appreciate the performer's work, possibly due to a superficial perception

Bring the beat down
An instruction to change the music

I got no time for these Hollywood people
Rejecting those who prioritize attention over hard work

I'd rather give time to my fans
Preferring to work for and with fans who appreciate hard work and dedication

You'd rather chill with these women that like you for money But I'd rather chill with my fam, yeah
These lyrics may be interpreted in different ways, but at their core, they seem to express a preference for spending time with family and loved ones, rather than superficial relationships

Yeah, I see the mic but you looking like a pilot
Teasing someone else for their appearance or demeanor

What's the point of a plane if you don't know how to fly it?
Posing a rhetorical question regarding practical skills and abilities

Rise of the underdog, I don't like none of y'all
Asserting a position of defiance or non-conformity, while rejecting others

I'm not like one of y'all
Affirming a sense of individuality or uniqueness

I'm from the jungle, I run with the son of God
A potentially religious reference, asserting that the performer is part of a divine or spiritual lineage

Yeah, what is you running for?
Asking a rhetorical question to someone who may be lazy or unproductive

They should be running from me Most of my family, we don't even speak
Acknowledging strained or difficult relationships with family members

I'm getting married in 22 weeks And they still haven't said "Hi" or wanted to meet, huh?
Describing a personal situation of estrangement or neglect from family members, with the suggestion that they may be focused more on surface-level issues or concerns

I'm not the type to complain
Asserting that the performer does not like to complain or wallow in negativity

If we don't get it, we try it again
A statement of perseverance and tenacity in the face of difficulty or obstacles

And I'd die for the gang, misfit my blood
Possibly a reference to a group of friends or collaborators, with the implication that the performer is devoted to them

They don't like us and we question they mom like "Why did, why did you allow your kid to like bad music?"
A playful jab at those who do not enjoy the performer's music, with the implication that they may be misguided or mistaken

Promise I do it
Making a serious commitment to hard work and progress

I'm tryna give you my everything
An expression of willingness to devote oneself fully to the work

I don't care what they are doing
Rejecting the values of others, in favor of a singular focus on hard work and achievement

I'm tryna do what they couldn't do
Asserting an ambitious goal to surpass the achievements of others

Laugh at the rappers you look up to
Deriding the values or preferences of some, while asserting an individual point of view

Don't waste time with the centerfolds
Suggesting that some things are unimportant or frivolous, while hard work and dedication is more valuable

I'm alive, it's a miracle, freestylin' since middle school
Celebrating the performer's life and vitality, while acknowledging a long history of commitment to hard work and music

I will battle the principal, wear all black like a funeral
Possibly a metaphorical statement of defiance, indicating a willingness to stand up against authority and established norms

I'm doing me, I don't live for you
Asserting a sense of individuality or independence, while rejecting the expectations or opinions of others

Grindin'
A final affirmation or declaration of the performer's hard work and commitment

(Grindin') Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
A final, rhythmic repetition of the main theme or message of the song

I'm out here, I'm out here grinding
Repeating the message of the opening lines, with greater emphasis and confidence

All I, all I, all I do is work
Reiterating that hard work and dedication are central values to the performer

All I, all I, all I do is grind
Repeating the message of the earlier lyrics, with greater emphasis on the nature of the work being done