The song showcases NF’s signature blend of introspective lyrics and hard-hitting beats, as he reflects on his journey from obscurity to fame. In between lines, he addresses how he does not follow the trend of mainstream music from signing with record labels and making pop-like music to gain fame and win awards as he does not want to compromise his artistic vision or change his style to please others.
The central point of “MOTTO” can also be reflected in other songs from NF. In “WHY," he says:
"‘Let You Down’ goes triple platinum, yeah, okay, okay, I guess."
The boy standing outside of the building and on the red carpet is a callback to NF’s track “When I Grow Up”. In the music video of the song, NF was performing for two people, of which one of them is the same boy seen on the red carpet. Both of them are seen slurping a drink and wearing a grey shirt. It is speculated that this is a shoutout to NF fans, implying that they have been listening to NF since the beginning, and is now still with him now.
MOTTO
NF Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 GodYeah, 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
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)
In the song MOTTO by NF, the artist talks about the pressures he feels to conform to the music industry's expectations. He speaks about how he could easily compromise his music and create "radio songs" and do "a bunch of features" to increase his popularity. However, he chooses to stick to his values and not change his style to fit the industry. The lyrics also detail how he's not concerned with awards and accolades, and that he's content with making the music he loves rather than chasing fame.
Furthermore, NF emphasizes that he doesn't care about the superficial aspects of the industry such as award shows and appearances. Instead, he cares about being true to himself and his values as an artist. He mentions how people misunderstand the joy he finds in simple things like buying CDs and going through their cases. The line "one man's inconvenience is another's joy" highlights how people have different perspectives and preferences.
Overall, "MOTTO" is a commentary on the music industry and how it pressures artists to conform, compromise their art, and chase fame. NF's motto is to remain true to his values and not fix what isn't broken. He chooses contentment over fame and values artistic creativity over commercial success.
Line by Line Meaning
I could write a record full of radio songs
I have the ability to create a record filled with radio-friendly music.
Do a bunch of features that my label would love
I can collaborate with several artists to create music that my record label would prefer.
Do a bunch of features that I don't even like
I could collaborate with artists to create music that does not reflect my artistic preferences.
Just to build up the hype, yeah
The aim is to artificially create excitement around my music.
I could sell my house and move out to LA
I am capable of moving to Los Angeles and giving up my current residence.
Get inside of rooms with the biggest of names
I can get in the same room as the biggest names in the music industry.
Hire fifty people just to give me advice on the way I should write
I can employ fifty individuals to teach me how to write better.
Oh God
A way of expressing exasperation while contemplating these actions.
Yeah, sounds like a nightmare, if you ask me
All of those actions sound like a terrible, stressful experience according to myself.
Yeah, went from my bedroom to the big leagues
From humble beginnings, I have made it to the mainstream music industry.
You know how many times that I was told things
I have been told countless times that my music would not work or gain success by others.
Wouldn't work, but worked out, having cold feet
Despite being told that my music may fail, it all worked out in the end, even though I was nervous about it.
Didn't keep me from success, but delayed it some
Although it didn't stop me from achieving success, being hesitant slowed down the process.
I used to be the guy who'd kill to get a number one
I was once obsessed with getting a number one hit single.
I had to hear, "That song's a hit" before I thought it was
I needed the validation of others to believe that my music was successful.
But nowadays, I don't really give a- (what?)
I do not care anymore about what others think of my music.
Might catch me at the award show
I might attend an awards ceremony.
Eatin' popcorn in the back row
I could be sitting at the back eating popcorn.
Catchin' Z's with my hat low
I may even fall asleep while wearing a hat.
No nominations, but it's cool though
Even if I was not nominated, I would still be content.
You might see me in the same clothes
I may wear the same clothes on different occasions.
I had on last week, am I ashamed? No
I have no shame in wearing the same clothes multiple times.
Yeah, you heard the sayin'
You are familiar with the phrase
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it", that's my motto
My mantra is not to change anything that is not broken.
Got my feet propped up
Resting with my feet in an elevated position.
Leave my shirts untucked
I do not tuck in my shirts.
I'm the boss, so what?
I am the boss, and this is how I choose to present myself.
I do what I want
I have the freedom to do whatever I want.
You got the trophy, that's great
Winning a trophy is good for you.
I'm happy for you, no hate
I am genuinely pleased with your achievement.
Still got a smile on my face
I remain cheerful and content.
Chillin' in the back like, "Ayy"
I could be sitting at the back, relaxing and minding my own business.
Yeah, you might see me in the same clothes
It's possible you will see me wearing the same clothes.
Whoa-whoa
An expression used to indicate excitement or surprise
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Nate Feuerstein, Tommee Profitt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jesusisking3814
If you die tonight, do you know where you're going? Did you know that Jesus Christ is THE Truth, the life and the only way to Heaven?
Revelation 20:15 ''Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.''
Through Jesus Christ, God offers you a FREE gift – forgiveness. All you need to do is repent, turn away from your sins and evil ways,
from now on put your faith completely in Jesus Christ and be obedient to Him.
Biblical explanation of the Gospel:
God doesn’t want anybody in hell, but you must understand why
we deserve hell and why those who refuse to live under His authority will go
there. He gave us the law (Ten Commandments) not to make us righteous, but
rather to show us our sin (Romans 3:20). God gave us free will and since Adam
sinned in the garden, sin is the nature of our flesh and we ALL have sinned. (Romans 3:23)
The law demands death to those who sin (Romans 6:23). Since we have all sinned, we all deserve hell.
Revelation 21:8 says that all liars will go to hell. Yes, even if you have lied once in your life, you are sentenced to hell - that's how
high God's standards are of moral perfection because God is holy and righteous, there is not one sin in Him.
For someone to be justified before holy God they have to be sinless, that's why everyone need Jesus Christ
- for He lived a sinless life, died on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day.
None of us are good in God’s eyes, because for God good means moral perfection. We all
have broken God’s commandments, we all have sinned in our lives so none of us
are good. ‘’For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is
guilty of breaking all of it.’’ (James 2:10). Our carnal mind is hostile to God; it does not submit
to God's moral law and it never will (Romans 8:7). We hate the thought of God for the same reason a criminal
hates a policeman - we know we have sinned against God and are guilty of it and we don't want to be damned.
No good works will ever save you. You can't earn salvation by good works, because God will judge us for our sin.
Good News is that Jesus Christ lived a perfect, holy, sinless life and He died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
He was buried and He was raised from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’’ (John 3:16)
We aren’t saved by our good works, but only by the grace of God through faith in Christ.
''For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -
not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Jesus said ‘’it is finished’’ (John 19:30) just before He died on the cross, which means He paid the fine for our sins
(past, present, future) to be forgiven only IF we repent and trust in Him.
This is how you can get saved from sin and hell - repent of your sins and trust in Jesus Christ. Get to know Him
by reading God's Word.
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Luke 11:13)
''What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!'' (Romans 6:15)
''Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out'' (Acts 3:19)
Repentance is a turning away from sin and all evil works, and it always results in changed behavior (Luke 3:8).
Biblically, a person who repents does not continue willfully in sin.
While sorrow from sin is not equivalent to repentance, it is certainly an element of scriptural repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Do not play a hypocrite. ''God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.
If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.'' (1 John 1:5-6)
(John 3:3) Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
If you have repented and have genuine faith in Jesus Christ then you will receive the gift of Holy Spirit and be born-again spiritually.
When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance
until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36)
''You will know them by their fruits'' (Matthew 7)
If you have been truly born-again with the Holy Spirit and He has regenerated your heart, you will desire righteousnes -
to do what is good and righteous in God's eyes, to seek God everyday in His Word and prayer, to strengthen your relationship with God.
You will no longer desire to willfully continue living in sin but will want to obey God out of your love for Him because of His amazing grace
revealed to us through the death and resurrection of His Son.
''Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.'' (2 Corinthians 5:17)
''For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.'' (Eph 2:10)
You will have a testimony - of what your life had been before and how has it changed now when you have surrendered it to Lord Jesus Christ.
As a declaration and affirmation of your faith in Jesus Christ, get baptised in water because He commanded us to do so.
In John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.''
''Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'' (Matthew 28:19)
''Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.'' (Acts 2:41)
''And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also - not the removal of dirt from the body,
but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,'' (1 Peter 3:21)
''We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that,
just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.'' (Romans 6:4)
''Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God,
who raised him from the dead.'' (Colossians 2:12)
Please get right with God and get to know Jesus Christ personally today before it’s too late, because there’s not much time left!
"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’’ (Mark 13:32)
Get to know Christ through God's Word - Bible. At first I recommend reading Gospel of John and book of Romans. God bless you!
Jeremiah 29:13 - ''You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.''
@jesusisking3814
If you die tonight, do you know where you're going? Did you know that Jesus Christ is THE Truth, the life and the only way to Heaven?
Revelation 20:15 ''Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.''
Through Jesus Christ, God offers you a FREE gift – forgiveness. All you need to do is repent, turn away from your sins and evil ways,
from now on put your faith completely in Jesus Christ and be obedient to Him.
Biblical explanation of the Gospel:
God doesn’t want anybody in hell, but you must understand why
we deserve hell and why those who refuse to live under His authority will go
there. He gave us the law (Ten Commandments) not to make us righteous, but
rather to show us our sin (Romans 3:20). God gave us free will and since Adam
sinned in the garden, sin is the nature of our flesh and we ALL have sinned. (Romans 3:23)
The law demands death to those who sin (Romans 6:23). Since we have all sinned, we all deserve hell.
Revelation 21:8 says that all liars will go to hell. Yes, even if you have lied once in your life, you are sentenced to hell - that's how
high God's standards are of moral perfection because God is holy and righteous, there is not one sin in Him.
For someone to be justified before holy God they have to be sinless, that's why everyone need Jesus Christ
- for He lived a sinless life, died on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day.
None of us are good in God’s eyes, because for God good means moral perfection. We all
have broken God’s commandments, we all have sinned in our lives so none of us
are good. ‘’For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is
guilty of breaking all of it.’’ (James 2:10). Our carnal mind is hostile to God; it does not submit
to God's moral law and it never will (Romans 8:7). We hate the thought of God for the same reason a criminal
hates a policeman - we know we have sinned against God and are guilty of it and we don't want to be damned.
No good works will ever save you. You can't earn salvation by good works, because God will judge us for our sin.
Good News is that Jesus Christ lived a perfect, holy, sinless life and He died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
He was buried and He was raised from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’’ (John 3:16)
We aren’t saved by our good works, but only by the grace of God through faith in Christ.
''For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -
not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Jesus said ‘’it is finished’’ (John 19:30) just before He died on the cross, which means He paid the fine for our sins
(past, present, future) to be forgiven only IF we repent and trust in Him.
This is how you can get saved from sin and hell - repent of your sins and trust in Jesus Christ. Get to know Him
by reading God's Word.
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Luke 11:13)
''What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!'' (Romans 6:15)
''Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out'' (Acts 3:19)
Repentance is a turning away from sin and all evil works, and it always results in changed behavior (Luke 3:8).
Biblically, a person who repents does not continue willfully in sin.
While sorrow from sin is not equivalent to repentance, it is certainly an element of scriptural repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Do not play a hypocrite. ''God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.
If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.'' (1 John 1:5-6)
(John 3:3) Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
If you have repented and have genuine faith in Jesus Christ then you will receive the gift of Holy Spirit and be born-again spiritually.
When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance
until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36)
''You will know them by their fruits'' (Matthew 7)
If you have been truly born-again with the Holy Spirit and He has regenerated your heart, you will desire righteousnes -
to do what is good and righteous in God's eyes, to seek God everyday in His Word and prayer, to strengthen your relationship with God.
You will no longer desire to willfully continue living in sin but will want to obey God out of your love for Him because of His amazing grace
revealed to us through the death and resurrection of His Son.
''Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.'' (2 Corinthians 5:17)
''For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.'' (Eph 2:10)
You will have a testimony - of what your life had been before and how has it changed now when you have surrendered it to Lord Jesus Christ.
As a declaration and affirmation of your faith in Jesus Christ, get baptised in water because He commanded us to do so.
In John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.''
''Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'' (Matthew 28:19)
''Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.'' (Acts 2:41)
''And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also - not the removal of dirt from the body,
but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,'' (1 Peter 3:21)
''We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that,
just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.'' (Romans 6:4)
''Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God,
who raised him from the dead.'' (Colossians 2:12)
Please get right with God and get to know Jesus Christ personally today before it’s too late, because there’s not much time left!
"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’’ (Mark 13:32)
Get to know Christ through God's Word - Bible. At first I recommend reading Gospel of John and book of Romans. God bless you!
Jeremiah 29:13 - ''You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.''
@HiRezTV
SHEESH....confident NF hits different...
@SaveItForTheLost
As with you. 🙏
@kDel316
Facts. Love his humor.
@Ike.V
2+2=5 is such a banger!! Keep it up Rez!
@DivineMarsh
Facts
@TheDripFish
yo huge fan,keep up the great work
@crypttherapper
I love the callback to the "When I Grow Up" guy at the end. This was fun to watch my man!
@m.ycubing3105
I saw that too! Love the intertwining videos and clues, can’t wait for you reaction!
@mikeellis9176
Waiting patiently for your reaction video
@ProModsPerformance
EXCITED FOR THE REACT MY GUY