On the track, NF talks about the critics bashing his album The Search, his burdens, and internal battles. It continues the themes of "The Search", being lost and looking for hope.
Just hours before the release, NF posted a video on social media, teasing the release at 1 PM Eastern Time. The initials for the song and the drawing of Nate’s signature black smile were teased way back on December 14, 2017.
During the week ending December 7, 2019, “Paid My Dues” debuted and peaked at #1 on the US iTunes charts, beating the likes of “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd and “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I. It is the first time NF has held the #1 song ever.
The closest song before “Paid My Dues” was “The Search,” reaching the #5 spot earlier that year in the last week of July.
It also peaked at #1 on the Billboard Rap Digital Song Sales list the week of December 14, 2019. The closest song before it was “Let You Down” at #2.
It was used in various advertisements for the championship game facing LSU against Clemson on ESPN, most of which are unavailable to view now.
Another one that is now unavailable featured both “The Search” and “Options.”
In an Instagram live NF said:
"“PAY MY DUES” was supposed to just be a single. […] “PAY MY DUES” was not supposed to be on there and then I decided I’ll just put out a mixtape of some songs could have been on the record or wouldn’t have been on the record or whatever, I was like “I might as well put that one on there”. I love that song."
PAID MY DUES
NF Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tick, tick, tick, that's the sound before my head explodes
Quit, quit, quit, look at you up on your pedestal
Quick, quick, quick, here the critics come, it's time to go
I read your article, it kinda hurt me
I don't know who hired you
Or what your friends say in your circle
But the fact that you released it
Tells me two things are for certain
They get paid for trashing people
I get paid 'cause I stay working
Dropped 'The Search' and
They emerge up outta nowhere
To the surface, just to peep behind the curtain
Throwing salt at all my burdens
I'm aware I shouldn't give this my attention
Life's a journey, I should just stay on my path
And learn to laugh, you think they heard me?
Ears are burning, put 'em out
Quiet, quiet, look around
Why don't they find someone way more
Interesting to write about?
Us, we're kinda boring, aren't we?
All we do is whine and pout
It's confusing, so amusing
How I argue with myself
Hello
I spit it was ease so leave it to me
Doubted, but you better believe
I'm on a rampage, hit 'em, with the record release
Depending the week, I'm probably gonna have to achieve
Another goal, let me go and I'm over the beat
I go into beast mode like I'm ready to feast
I'm fed up with these thieves tryna get me to bleed
They wanna see me take an L, yep, see what I mean?
How many records I gotta give you to get with the program?
Take it for granted, I'm 'bout to give you the whole plan
Open your mind up and take a look at the blueprint
Debate if you gotta, but gotta hold it with both hands
Pick at the bars, you gotta be smart
You really gotta dig in your heart
If you wanna get to the root of an issue
Plus I'm in the middle, could be dark and be difficult
But they pay off at the end if it can help you to get to it, ayy
Paid my dues, made it through
Spread the news, I'm on the loose
Making moves, I need some room
Though he's cool, well, don't assume, don't assume, ayy
I'm the truth, oh, they want some proof? Here, don't be rude
Something new, even when I lose, I make it look cool
Do the show, then we hit the room, wife is looking, oh
What to do? I don't need the shades up to like the view
Yeah
It's time to get back in the swing of things
When my life crashes, I'm not the guy that'll flee the scene
I'll take ownership and own it and raise my hand if it's me
Just remember though, I'm only a man, I'm a human being
Don't the see, shoot the breeze I'd rather just stay discrete
People claim they're in your corner but leave you in times of need
They don't listen do they? (what?) They don't listen to anything
I'll accept advice if it's not presented ignorantly
Look, costs are high, they multiply
They cause divides and force the fight
The poison I been sipping on has quite the bite
It killed me twice, they rigged the lights
So y'all could see the parts of mine that aren't so bright
See, often I apologize and authorize the awful times
That pop up (Nate) like I'm right behind you
I'd advise you not to try and climb inside the mind like I do
Keep the rhyme book expedited, overnight it
Hold the tide in, hope the time is on my side
'Cause if it's not then I'll decide to override my own demise
I toe the line too close and I can improvise and empathize
But recognize the fact that I could jeopardize and wreck our lives
You better give me your attention, the undivided
Paid my dues, made it through
Spread the news, I'm on the loose
Making moves, I need some room
Though he's cool, well, don't assume, don't assume, ayy
Paid my dues, made it through
Spread the news, I'm on the loose
Making moves, I need some room
Though he's cool, well, don't assume, don't assume, ayy
The song "Paid My Dues" by NF is an anthem for overcoming obstacles and persevering in the face of criticism and adversity. In the first verse, the rapper addresses the media and critics, exposing their willingness to tear down others for their gain. He explains that their attacks may hurt, but they won't keep him from working hard and staying on his path. In the chorus and second verse, he declares his confidence and resilience amidst difficulties and progress, recognizing that his past struggles have contributed to his success.
Throughout the song, NF contrasts his own dedication to his craft with the superficiality and negativity of those who seek to undermine him. He stresses the importance of keeping one's focus on what truly matters and not allowing others' opinions or external factors to derail one's vision. The verses are intense and rapid-fire, reflecting the intensity of NF's emotions and drive to succeed.
Overall, "Paid My Dues" is a powerful testament to keeping perseverance through adversity and staying true to oneself despite outside pressures. The song showcases NF's unique hip-hop style, blending raw emotion with clever wordplay and intricate rhythms.
Line by Line Meaning
Clicks, clicks, clicks, they'll do anything to get a few
People are willing to go to extreme lengths just to gain online popularity and attention
Tick, tick, tick, that's the sound before my head explodes
The pressure is mounting, and it feels like my mind is about to implode
Quit, quit, quit, look at you up on your pedestal
You think you're better than everyone else, but you should step down from your high horse
Quick, quick, quick, here the critics come, it's time to go
The critics are ready to tear me down, so I need to leave before it gets worse
I read your article, it kinda hurt me
I came across your article, and it had a personal impact on me
I don't know who hired you
I'm not familiar with the person or organization that employed you
Or what your friends say in your circle
I have no idea what your acquaintances are saying within your social circle
But the fact that you released it
The mere act of publishing it
Tells me two things are for certain
Indicates that two things are clear
They get paid for trashing people
You earn money by spreading negativity about others
I get paid 'cause I stay working
I receive payment because I consistently work hard
Dropped 'The Search' and
Released my album 'The Search' and
They emerge up outta nowhere
Critics suddenly appear out of nowhere
To the surface, just to peep behind the curtain
To sneak a glimpse behind the scenes
Throwing salt at all my burdens
Adding insult to all the challenges I face
I'm aware I shouldn't give this my attention
I understand that I shouldn't devote my attention to this
Life's a journey, I should just stay on my path
Life is a process of growth, and I should focus on my own journey
And learn to laugh, you think they heard me?
And find humor in these situations, do you think they understood what I meant?
Ears are burning, put 'em out
People are gossiping and talking about me, but I need to ignore it
Quiet, quiet, look around
Shh, be quiet, observe your surroundings
Why don't they find someone way more
Why don't they choose to write about someone much
Interesting to write about?
more fascinating instead?
Us, we're kinda boring, aren't we?
We, in comparison, are quite dull, wouldn't you agree?
All we do is whine and pout
All we seem to do is complain and sulk
It's confusing, so amusing
It's perplexing, but also quite entertaining
How I argue with myself
I engage in internal debates and discussions
Hello
Hello
I spit it was ease so leave it to me
I effortlessly deliver my rhymes, so trust that I can handle it
Doubted, but you better believe
Some doubted me, but you should definitely believe in me
I'm on a rampage, hit 'em, with the record release
I'm dominating the music industry, striking hard with my album release
Depending the week, I'm probably gonna have to achieve
Each week, I likely have new goals to accomplish
Another goal, let me go and I'm over the beat
I set another target, let me surpass it with my flow
I go into beast mode like I'm ready to feast
I tap into my aggressive and determined mindset, like I'm prepared to conquer
I'm fed up with these thieves tryna get me to bleed
I'm tired of these people attempting to harm me and make me suffer
They wanna see me take an L, yep, see what I mean?
They want to witness me fail, yes, do you understand?
How many records I gotta give you to get with the program?
How many successful albums do I need before you understand my talent?
Take it for granted, I'm 'bout to give you the whole plan
Don't underestimate me, I'm about to reveal my entire strategy
Open your mind up and take a look at the blueprint
Expand your perspective and examine the detailed plan
Debate if you gotta, but gotta hold it with both hands
Feel free to discuss and argue if you must, but do so with full commitment
Pick at the bars, you gotta be smart
Analyze the lyrics meticulously, you need to be clever and insightful
You really gotta dig in your heart
You truly need to search within your heart
If you wanna get to the root of an issue
If you want to understand the core of a problem
Plus I'm in the middle, could be dark and be difficult
Furthermore, I find myself in a challenging and uncertain situation
But they pay off at the end if it can help you to get to it ay
But all the struggles will be worth it in the end, if it helps you reach your destination
Paid my dues, made it through
I've worked hard and earned my place
Spread the news, I'm on the loose
Let everyone know that I am unstoppable
Making moves, I need some room
Taking significant steps forward, I require space to grow
Though he's cool, well, don't assume, don't assume, ay
Although I may appear calm, cool, and collected, don't make assumptions about me
I'm the truth, oh, they want some proof
I'm authentic and genuine, oh, and they demand evidence
Fear it, don't be rude, something new
Be cautious of it, but don't dismiss it rudely, it's something fresh
Even when I lose, I make it look cool
Even when I experience setbacks, I handle them with grace
Do the show, then we hit the room
Perform on stage, then retire to our private space
Wife is looking, oh
My spouse is watching, oh
What to do? I don't need the shades up to like the view
What should I do? I don't need sunglasses to appreciate what I see
Yeah
Yeah
It's time to get back in the swing of things
It's time for me to return to my usual routine
When my life crashes, I'm not the guy that'll flee the scene
When my life falls apart, I won't run away from the aftermath
I'll take ownership and own it and raise my hand if it's me
I will accept responsibility and acknowledge my mistakes
Just remember though, I'm only a man, I'm a human being
But please remember, I'm just a human being with flaws
Don't they see, shoot the breeze I'd rather just stay discrete
Don't they understand? I'd rather avoid idle gossip and keep things private
People claim they're in your corner but leave you in times of need
Some individuals claim to support you, but abandon you when you require assistance
They don't listen do they? (what?) They don't listen to anything
They don't pay attention, do they? (what?) They don't listen to anything at all
I'll accept advice if it's not presented ignorantly
I'm open to accepting advice, as long as it's not conveyed in an arrogant manner
Look, costs are high, they multiply
The expenses are significant and keep increasing
They cause divides and force the fight
They create divisions and provoke conflicts
The poison I've been sipping on has quite the bite
The negativity that I've been consuming is extremely damaging
It killed me twice, they rigged the lights
It hurt me deeply, and they manipulated the situation
So y'all could see the parts of mine that aren't too bright
So everyone can witness my weaknesses and flaws
See, often I apologize and authorize the awful times
I frequently express regret and accept responsibility for the difficult moments
That pop up (Nate) like I'm right behind you
Those challenges arise suddenly, as if I'm right there with you
I'd advise you not to try and climb inside the mind like I do
I suggest you avoid attempting to understand my thoughts and emotions as I do
Keep the rhyme book expedited, over nighted
Ensure the delivery of my lyric book quickly, by overnighting it
Hold the tide in, hope the time is on my side
Keep my emotions in check, hoping that time will work in my favor
'Cause if it's not then I'll decide to override my own demise
Because if it doesn't, then I'll take control and prevent my own downfall
I toed the line too close and I can improvise and empathize
I pushed the boundaries too far, but I can adapt and understand others
But recognize the fact that I could jeopardize and wreck our lives
But acknowledge the reality that my actions could endanger and ruin our lives
You better give me your attention, the undivided
You should pay close attention to me, without any distractions
Paid my dues, made it through
I have worked hard and overcome challenges
Spread the news, I'm on the loose
Spread the word, I am unstoppable
Making moves, I need some room
Taking significant actions, I need space to grow
Though he's cool, well, don't assume, don't assume, ay
While I may seem calm and collected, don't jump to conclusions, don't assume, ay
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Edward Walowac, Nate Feuerstein, Tommee Profitt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CalebDavislfcandfcb
NF Drops a video
All the fans: “embrace it”.
@mr.cowell6025
Unoriginal
@ashtonbrown1063
yo i wish NF AND T-SLASHER DID A SONG TOGETHER
@memelegend4187
@UFC fighter you don't get the reference because you haven't heard leave me alone
@hereallydohatesandtho8304
Even if it is unoriginal, I'm still excited to see some of our own people trying to express their hype
@JohnSharpBowtiesRCool
@spiderlegend41 no lmao I said is hours ago
@ethanvalentine7092
"They get paid for trashin' people, I get paid cause I stay workin"
The grind never stops.
@jennifervina3110
yes
@rystyn
real truth brother
@BLAAAAA22223
Yo fam I be making music and got music videos to them can you let me know if the songs are good if not come back and let me know