TURN MY BACK
NF Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

Overall Meaning

In NF's "Turn My Back," he talks about his determination to make it on his own. He asserts that he doesn't need anyone to show him the way or to tell him what to do. Though he mentions several artists who he admires, he also says he doesn't need their help or a label's help to get where he wants to go. He boasts about his success and what he can afford to do, and he implies that those who once doubted him are now trying to jump on the bandwagon. However, he also stresses that he puts his faith in God and that ultimately, his fate is in his own hands alone.


One of the recurring themes in this song is self-sufficiency. NF states on several occasions that he doesn't need anyone else's help to achieve his goals and that he is perfectly capable of doing it all himself. He asserts his independence and individuality in the lines "My fate in my own hands / Hand it over to you, no chance." At the same time, there is a sense of resentment towards those who doubted him or turned their backs on him in the past. He is proud of his success and doesn't need anyone else to come along for the ride.


Another recurring theme in "Turn My Back" is faith. NF is a Christian rapper, and he frequently references God in his music. Here, he speaks of the need for grace, love, and faith, and indicates that these things are essential to his success. He also talks about putting his trust in God, rather than in any other person or entity, and suggests that this is one reason why he has been able to come as far as he has. The themes of self-reliance and faith merge in this song, as NF champions the idea that he can only succeed if he relies solely on himself and on the divine forces that guide his actions.


Line by Line Meaning

Aye, yeah
An informal greeting or acknowledgment to set the tone.


On even on my off days
Even when I'm not at my best, I still strive for success.


Right even when I'm off-base
I stay committed to my path, even when I diverge from it.


Life, live it like tomorrow ain't promised to me, gotta get it today
Embrace each day fully, as if it were my last; act without delay.


Why wait, too late
Procrastination is not an option; time is precious.


Never heard it, always on time, my way or the highway
I don’t listen to critiques; I pursue my path with determination.


Mind state not safe, need grace, need love, need God, need faith
My mental state feels unstable, and I crave spiritual and emotional support.


Betrayed, cut ties, first time, first take, worst case, wordplay
After experiencing betrayal, I've severed connections, navigating through the mess of life with clever expression.


My home, my stage, my place, less you, more Ye
I claim my own space; I prioritize my identity over external influences.


More Drake, more Em, more Dre, more Cole, more Kendrick
I aspire to the levels and impact of renowned artists in the industry.


More names Cordae, Sean, 6lack, my list, my names, my picks, my taste
I acknowledge other talented artists, showcasing my refined understanding of the music scene.


My fate in my own hands
I take responsibility for my future and destiny.


Hand it over to you, no chance
I refuse to relinquish control to anyone else.


Wanna get the job done right, I do it myself, oh yeah
If I want to achieve quality, I take the initiative myself.


I am what they wanna be, who they wanna see, the big man
I embody the success and image that others aspire to achieve.


God's plan, got a problem with the boy take it up with Him then
I credit my success to a higher power; any criticism should be directed there.


Iconic, who want it?
I have reached a status of prominence; who dares to challenge that?


Heard that you was looking for the smoke, huh?
I’ve heard some people are seeking confrontation or competition.


Catch me on bad day an you might find it
Interacting with me on a difficult day might lead to unexpected trouble.


Fine dining, flying private
I’ve reached a level of luxury that affords me exclusive experiences.


Couple things that I could easily afford to do
There are many lavish options available to me without strain.


A couple things that you don't know a thing about
I have experiences that are beyond your comprehension.


You might've read about it, heard about it, thought about it, dreamt about it
You may be familiar with my lifestyle, but you don't know it firsthand.


Played it out inside your head
You envision my life based on your imagination rather than reality.


But what I'm doing for a living isn't something I was taught
My career path is unconventional and not learned in a traditional manner.


You either got it or you don't got it, and you don't got it
Talent is innate, and it’s clear that you lack the necessary skills.


I'm the co-signer, you the broke artist
I validate success, while you struggle to make a name for yourself.


I'm the captain and you in coach flying
I lead and have achieved the highest status, while you remain in a subordinate position.


I'm the lead roll, you in the background, yeah
I am the main focus in this industry, while you remain unnoticed.


I'm the star player, you the mascot, yeah
I am the central figure of success, whereas you play a supporting role.


I'm the future, you the past, old-timer
I represent innovation and progress while you belong to bygone eras.


I'm the truth and you the bold-face liar
I stand for authenticity while you embody deception.


I'm the CEO and you the customer
I hold the power in this industry while you consume what I create.


I'm the front man and the ghost, ghost writer
I am the visible figure of my artistry, while also producing unseen work.


I'm the creator, I'm the director
I am the mastermind behind the artistry, shaping my own vision.


I'm the hit maker, I'm the empire
I generate success and influence as a titan in the industry.


I'm the shot caller, I'm the showstopper
I dictate the direction and create memorable moments in my field.


I'm the real one, you the fake knockoff
I represent genuine talent, contrasting with those who imitate.


Jawdropper, headliner
I captivate attention and stand out as a premier talent.


Topgunner, head honcho
I am a leader, recognized as a top contender in my domain.


Eyecatcher, real stunner
I possess a charisma that draws people in and leaves a lasting impression.


Y'all got it? New topic
Are we clear? Let’s change the subject.


Ye's documentary was inspirational to me
The story of another artist’s journey deeply motivated and influenced my own.


I love watchin' lames try to keep stars in the dark just 'cause they afraid of ya
I find it amusing when insecure individuals try to stifle talented people out of fear.


Funny how they switch up quick when they realize that your name buzzin'
It’s ironic to see how quickly people change their attitudes when they notice your rising fame.


Funny how they all wanna hop on board when they see the wave comin'
It’s amusing how everyone wants to support you once they see you gaining momentum.


Funny how they wouldn't put me on the tour
It’s ironic that I was overlooked for opportunities in the past.


Now they hit me up and say, 'I hope you doing well. We should do a tour or somethin'
Now, those who ignored me before are reaching out, pretending to want collaboration.


Man, stop
I am uninterested in the insincerity of their sudden interest.


We ain't doing nothin', got my own thing going, that's the way I like it
I prefer to focus on my own projects without their involvement.


Too many cooks in the kitchen, that's a problem I ain't never gotta worry 'bout
I value my independence and avoid complications from excessive collaboration.


Twelve people on a song, man, to each his own, but for me that's a little wild
While collaboration is valid, having too many voices dilutes my vision.


Got enough people in my business, I don't need another hand dippin' in the pot
I am already dealing with many opinions, and I don’t want more interference.


I don't need nobody showin' me the ropes
I’m self-sufficient and don’t require guidance from others.


I don't need you tellin' me to do my job
I am fully capable of executing my responsibilities without external input.


I don't need to hear you say that I'm the GOAT
I’m confident in my abilities; I don’t need validation anymore.


I don't need you askin' me to switch the style
I fiercely maintain my unique approach and don’t want pressure to conform.


I don’t you need you laughin' when I tell a joke
I don’t rely on others' approval for my humor; I create for myself.


I don't you fakin', tryin' to crack a smile
I can sense insincerity, and I don’t appreciate forced reactions.


I don't need you, I don't need you
I am affirming my independence from any unnecessary reliance.


I don't need you telling me it's been a while
I’m aware of time; I don’t need reminders from you.


I don't need the label breathin' down my neck
I seek creative freedom without external pressure from my record label.


I don't need the venue tellin' me it's loud
I don’t want anyone dictating how I should perform or express myself.


I don't you talking when I'm tryin' to rap
Disruptions while I’m performing are unwelcome; I need focus.


I don't my name comin' out your mouth
I am wary of people speaking about me without genuine understanding.


I don't need you usin' me to get respect
I reject being a stepping stone for your own gain.


I don't need a picture with you for some clout
I refuse to engage in superficial connections for the sake of popularity.


I don't need you, I don't need you
Reiterating my stance on independence from unwanted influences.


I don't need you telling me you got some doubts
I don’t want to hear your insecurities projected onto me.


Worry 'bout yourself, yeah
Focus on your own life instead of interjecting into mine.


I don't need your help, yeah
I can manage alone; I do not require assistance from you.


What's your name, what's your name, what's your name?
Questioning the significance and recognition of those who doubt me.


Doesn't ring a bell
Indicating a lack of familiarity or concern for their opinion.


Every time I look down and your number pops up on the cell
Noticing your attempts to contact me on my phone.


Shake my head, threatenin' me tryina to get me to respond, well
I dismiss your attempts for confrontation, understanding your ulterior motives.


If you really knew me you would know that
If you understood who I am, you would recognize my boundaries.


That's the quickest way to make me turn my back on you and
Trying to pressure me into compliance is how you lose my loyalty.




Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Walowac, David Arthur Garcia, Nate Feuerstein

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@PoGdAb

"Im the future, you the past, OLD TIMER"
-
"Twelve people on a song," FRIDAY night cypher had 12 people on it, and EMINEM was on it..
-
"I don't need to hear you say im the GOAT"
-
-"whats your name, whats your name , whats your name? "
referring to Em's "My name is" and he asked/said it 3 times just like Eminem when he said my name slim shady 3 times,.. but yea you think im reaching still

-
And if u still think its a reach, at the end he says this. "Shake my head, threatenin' me tryin' to get me to respond"

considering Em throw a shot at him on the Ringer "NFin'g recovery clone of me"

lol.. clear smart subliminals from NF here



All comments from YouTube:

@Kam-i5o

Nf has completely mastered rap on a whole new level like fr

@Roo-mt2rk

Thank you for working so quickly šŸ™šŸ»

@JoshuaMontgomery-j9c

That's truly god inside of him.

@farajalambert2263

NF mannnn dudes just blows my mind each time

@Kam-i5o

Nf has completely master minded rap

@Swonder444

Dude only been around for bout 300 years but Killin it! (Not literally)

@kateenaclemens

Your music is my healing process ā¤

@Sus_cat_

Thanks for the lyrics, I heard Em’s name and I froze cuz I thought NF just dissed him again.. FEW šŸ˜…

@Yammi03

Never dissed EM before… you’re lost my guy.

@Sus_cat_

@@Yammi03 he has, it was in his song Motto I’m pretty sure. it wasn’t like a BIG diss but it was an Em diss nonetheless.

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