The music video was released with the release of the track, NF plays the role of many ordinary jobs including a janitor, a trashman, and a fast food worker, then finishes the video off with him pursuing his career of being a rapper.
On June 26, 2019, NF posted a snippet of a new music video that would be releasing on June 27, 2019, at 12 PM EST.
“When I Grow Up” was officially RIAA certified gold with 0.5 million units on January 16, 2020.
When I Grow Up
NF Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take a seat, let me tell you my ridiculous dreams
I wanna rap, yeah, I know it's hard to believe
And I can tell you're already thinkin' I will never succeed
But I'm okay with it, I admit the lyrics are weak
I been workin' on 'em, I'll be good eventually
I understand you gotta crawl before you get to your feet
But I been running for a while, they ain't ready for me, ah
I know this probably isn't really realistic
And honestly, I might not ever make a difference
But that don't make a difference, I'ma have to risk it
I been crunchin' numbers, you ain't gotta be a mathematician
And see the odds ain't rootin' for me
I can't lie though, it's kinda how I like it to be
The underdog, yeah, you probably think you know what I mean
But what I'm saying is they ever push me, I'm gonna swing, yeah
I could go to college, get in debt like everybody else
Graduate and probably get a job that doesn't pay the bills
That don't make a lot of sense to me, forget the Happy Meals
I don't like the dollar menu, I would rather make a meal
Huh? Make a mil'? Nah, I said make a meal
Home-cookin', get the grill, how you want it? Pretty well?
Everything I see is overdone to me, I'm not Adele
But I'ma get a record deal and say hello to mass appeal
When I grow up, I just want to pay my bills
Rappin' 'bout the way I feel, oh yeah
I just want to make a couple mil'
Leave it to the fam in the will, oh yeah
I just want to sign a record deal
Maybe buy a house up in the hills, oh yeah
Might not be the best in my field
But I guarantee that I'ma die real
When I grow up
Yeah, ayy
When I grow up
Yeah, yeah, ayy
I'ma make 'em notice me, rhymin' like it's poetry
Everything I oversee, I just like to overthink
Mockin' me, you pay the fee, no return and no receipts
Those of you that don't believe, quiet, you don't know a thing
Quiet when I'm tryna sing, quiet when I'm making beats
Quiet when I'm tryna think, sorry, I don't mean to scream
I just feel like no one really gets me and it's sad to see
'Cause someday I'ma grow up and show all of you it's meant to be, yeah
Anybody wanna hear me rap? (No)
Come on, let me play a couple tracks (no)
Come on, I can spit it really fast (no)
You think I should throw this in the trash? (No)
Tricked you, haters, go away before I hit you
I am not a beggar or a kiss-up
You don't understand? Well, I forgive you
I am not a quitter, you ain't really think that, did you?
Maybe someday I could even be up on the radio
Have a tour bus and maybe even play a couple shows
Everybody in the crowd singin' every word I wrote
Tellin' me that I am not the only one that feels alone
Huh? You feel alone? Yeah, I kinda feel alone
Wonder if that feelin' ever goes away when you get old
Will I ever make it as an artist? I don't really know
Might not make a lot of dough, I'ma have to try it, though
When I grow up, I just want to pay my bills
Rappin' about the way I feel, oh yeah
I just want to make a couple mil'
Leave it to the fam in the will, oh yeah (yeah)
I just want to sign a record deal
Maybe buy a house up in the hills, oh yeah (okay)
Might not be the best in my field (ayy)
But I guarantee that I'ma die real (ayy, oh)
When I grow up, I just want to pay my bills (woo)
Rappin' about the way I feel, oh yeah (yeah, the way I feel)
Yeah, I just want to make a couple mil' (ayy)
Leave it to the fam in the will, oh yeah (to the fam in the will)
I just want to sign a record deal (woo)
Maybe buy a house up in the hills, oh yeah (a house up in the hills)
Yeah, I might not be the best in my field (ayy)
But I guarantee that I'ma die real
When I grow up
(When I grow up)
The song "When I Grow Up" by rapper NF talks about his dreams and aspirations as a young artist. In the first verse, he admits that his lyrics aren't strong yet, but he's working on them and believes he'll eventually get better. He declares his desire to become a rapper, even though he acknowledges that it may be difficult to make it in the industry. He takes the position of an underdog who's determined to succeed no matter the odds against him. In the second verse, NF outlines his plan not to go to college like everyone else but instead to make a living as a rapper. He challenges listeners who doubt his abilities and promises to make it big and be true to himself no matter what.
Furthermore, throughout the song, the rapper expresses his frustration about not being understood by those around him. He feels like people don't "get" him and that he's misunderstood. He doesn't want to conform to society's expectations of what he should do and who he should be. Instead, he wants to be true to himself and pursue his dream of being a rapper, even though it may not be the most practical or sensible choice.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, when I grow up, you know what I wanna be?
As a child, I dream about what I want to do when I grow up.
Take a seat, let me tell you my ridiculous dreams
Let me share with you the unrealistic aspirations I have.
I wanna rap, yeah, I know it's hard to believe
I want to pursue a difficult career in the music industry as a rapper.
And I can tell you're already thinkin' I will never succeed
I sense your doubt and skepticism about my abilities to achieve my dreams.
But I'm okay with it, I admit the lyrics are weak
I acknowledge that my current lyrical skills are not the best, but I'm comfortable with it as I continue to work on improving.
I been workin' on 'em, I'll be good eventually
I commit to putting in the effort and time to develop my skills and become a successful rapper someday.
I understand you gotta crawl before you get to your feet
I recognize that success is not achieved overnight and it takes time, patience, and consistency to work your way up.
But I been running for a while, they ain't ready for me, ah
I feel like I've been constantly pushing myself and honing my craft, and I'm ready to take on the music world.
I know this probably isn't really realistic
I understand that my dreams may seem far-fetched and unattainable to others.
And honestly, I might not ever make a difference
I recognize that my music may not have a significant impact on the world, but that won't deter me from pursuing my passion.
But that don't make a difference, I'ma have to risk it
I'm willing to take a chance and risk failure in pursuit of my dreams.
I been crunchin' numbers, you ain't gotta be a mathematician
I've been putting in the work and effort behind the scenes to prepare for my future success.
And see the odds ain't rootin' for me
I'm aware that the odds are not in my favor, but I won't let that stop me from trying.
I can't lie though, it's kinda how I like it to be
The idea of being an underdog and proving others wrong motivates me and excites me.
The underdog, yeah, you probably think you know what I mean
People may assume they understand what it means to be an underdog, but for me, it's a unique and personal experience.
But what I'm saying is they ever push me, I'm gonna swing, yeah
If anyone tries to bring me down or challenge me, I'll fight back and not give up on my dreams.
I could go to college, get in debt like everybody else
I could pursue a more traditional path of going to college and racking up debt, but that doesn't align with my passions and goals.
Graduate and probably get a job that doesn't pay the bills
Even if I went to college and got a job, there's no guarantee it would pay enough to support myself.
That don't make a lot of sense to me, forget the Happy Meals
Living a life that doesn't align with my passions and goals doesn't make sense to me, even if it means giving up simple pleasures like fast food.
I don't like the dollar menu, I would rather make a meal
I prefer to create my own opportunities and make a living doing what I love, instead of settling for less.
Huh? Make a mil'? Nah, I said make a meal
I'm not necessarily aiming to become a millionaire, but I want to make a living doing what I love and supporting myself financially.
Home-cookin', get the grill, how you want it? Pretty well?
I want to create my own success and make a name for myself, and I am confident in my abilities to do so.
Everything I see is overdone to me, I'm not Adele
Many things in the music industry seem overproduced and lacking in authenticity to me, and I want to create music that is more genuine and true to myself.
But I'ma get a record deal and say hello to mass appeal
Despite my determination to remain authentic and true to myself, I still hope to achieve mainstream success and recognition in the music industry.
When I grow up, I just want to pay my bills
My primary goal is to be able to support myself financially doing what I love.
Rappin' 'bout the way I feel, oh yeah
My music will be a reflection of my thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
I just want to make a couple mil'
While fame and fortune aren't my only goals, I still hope to make a decent living doing what I love.
Leave it to the fam in the will, oh yeah
I want to take care of my loved ones and ensure their future financial security.
I just want to sign a record deal
I hope to achieve recognition and success in the music industry by securing a record deal.
Maybe buy a house up in the hills, oh yeah
I dream of achieving financial success to the point where I have the resources to live in a luxurious setting.
Might not be the best in my field
While I'm not the most talented or skilled rapper out there, I am still determined to succeed and make a name for myself.
But I guarantee that I'ma die real
I will remain true to myself and never compromise my authenticity, even in the face of fame and success.
I'ma make 'em notice me, rhymin' like it's poetry
I have a unique style and approach to rap that sets me apart from other artists, and I am confident in my ability to gain recognition for it.
Everything I oversee, I just like to overthink
I tend to overanalyze and overthink everything I do, even when it comes to my music.
Mockin' me, you pay the fee, no return and no receipts
Those who doubt or criticize me will have to face the consequences of their actions, without any chance for redemption or reconciliation.
Those of you that don't believe, quiet, you don't know a thing
Those who doubt me don't understand my experiences and passions, and therefore have no right to judge or criticize me.
Quiet when I'm tryna sing, quiet when I'm making beats
I need space and silence to work on my music, and those around me should respect that and not interrupt me.
Quiet when I'm tryna think, sorry, I don't mean to scream
I get easily frustrated and overwhelmed when my creative process is interrupted or disrupted, and I apologize for any outbursts that may occur.
I just feel like no one really gets me and it's sad to see
I often feel misunderstood and alone in my pursuit of my dreams, which is a depressing and isolating experience.
'Cause someday I'ma grow up and show all of you it's meant to be, yeah
Despite the doubt and skepticism of others, I remain confident in my abilities and committed to achieving my dreams, and I hope to one day prove them wrong.
Anybody wanna hear me rap? (No)
I know there will be those who don't appreciate or understand my music.
Come on, let me play a couple tracks (no)
Despite the lack of interest or enthusiasm from others, I still want to share my music and hope to change their minds.
Come on, I can spit it really fast (no)
I am confident in my abilities as a rapper and want to showcase my skills to others, even if they don't appreciate it.
You think I should throw this in the trash? (No)
I won't let anyone discourage me or make me doubt myself or my abilities.
Tricked you, haters, go away before I hit you
I won't let anyone bring me down or harm my confidence or motivation.
I am not a beggar or a kiss-up
I won't compromise my authenticity or dignity for the sake of achieving success or recognition.
You don't understand? Well, I forgive you
I understand that not everyone will appreciate or understand my music or my ambitions, and I won't hold it against them.
I am not a quitter, you ain't really think that, did you?
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I remain committed to my dreams and won't give up or quit.
Maybe someday I could even be up on the radio
I hope to achieve mainstream success and recognition for my music, even if it may seem like a lofty and unrealistic goal.
Have a tour bus and maybe even play a couple shows
I dream of the opportunity to travel and perform my music for fans across the world.
Everybody in the crowd singin' every word I wrote
I hope to achieve a level of success and popularity where my fans know and appreciate every word and lyric of my music.
Tellin' me that I am not the only one that feels alone
I hope to connect with my fans on a personal and emotional level, and let them know they are not alone in their struggles and feelings.
Huh? You feel alone? Yeah, I kinda feel alone
Despite my confidence and determination, I still struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness in pursuit of my dreams.
Wonder if that feelin' ever goes away when you get old
I hope that as I grow older, my feelings of loneliness and isolation will subside and be replaced with greater confidence and fulfillment.
Will I ever make it as an artist? I don't really know
Despite my dreams and ambitions, I remain uncertain about my future success and recognition in the music industry.
Might not make a lot of dough, I'ma have to try it, though
While commercial success and money are not my primary goals, I still hope to be financially stable and secure doing what I love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Nate Feuerstein, Tommee Profitt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@NIKKI-1979
NF is amazing. Pleas take his journey
2023 Updated NF Journey List
🎶 This is for anyone new who may want to take the NF journey as we call it because he intertwines his music like marvel movies. All of his albums are like a connected series.
He also hides eggs in his videos which he co-directs and co-produces.
For example in his “When I Grow Up” song there were four hidden eggs in that song: 1. A black balloon by the trash cans (black balloon represents his burdens per search single) 2 In the burger joint he grabbed at receipt that had the date and time of when his song time was being released. 3. He had outcast written on his name tag in the janitor scene which references his Outcast song. 4. He had his moments album CD in car scene
Another example is in the search song he had cage in background he rapped in from his outcast song. Search single also connects to Hope. In Hope he has the “map to hope”.
The black smile you will see painted on his mouth is explained in his therapy session song.
Here is the song order:
MANSION ALBUM:
1. All I have (VIDEO)- Will connect to his Suffice single from Hope album.
2. Intro (VIDEO) (Connects to Outro)
3. Mansion- will connect to Intro 3. Fear moved in. Also connects to paid my dues. Anger lives in basement Lastly it connects to Hope single.
4. Wake Up (VIDEO) connects to Intro 2 and Outro.
5. Paralyzed- Connects to Let you down and Trauma
6. Wait (VIDEO)
7. Notepad (VIDEO) He explains why he does not cuss in his music🎶
THERAPY SESSION ALBUM:
1. Intro 2 (VIDEO) He calls out his song wake up and has names of all songs written on walls from this album. You will also see references to his intro song as well.
2. Therapy Session (VIDEO) Very important song. Explains his black smile he paints on his mouth.
3. I just wanna know (VIDEO)-Will connect to Outro video.
4. How could you leave us-(VIDEO) Please have tissues nearby. Will connect to his Mama single.
5. Real song- (VIDEO) * He pays homage to Lil Wayne in this song by using his famous line feed me rappers or feed me beats but adding feed me both of them 🔥* Also connects to Outro video.
6. Grindin’ ft. Marty (VIDEO)
7. Oh Lord-* This song gets referred to in returns song two albums later.* Great song
8. Statement He pays homage to eminem and drake in this song (hype song)
Warm Up -(VIDEO) Single released between albums. (hype song)
Epiphany- collab with futuristic. (VIDEO) He pays homage to meek mill.
PERCEPTION ALBUM:
1. Outro (VIDEO) pay attention to the video. It is like avengers endgame how he connects tons of previous videos materials in this. connects to Wake up, therapy session, intro 1, real single, and I just wanna know single.
2. Green Lights-(VIDEO) * Please pay attention to what he has written on the notepad at the end
3. Intro 3 (one of his best songs) *This connects to mansion single. Remember fear. reference. Connects to hope single
4. Outcast (VIDEO)- will connect to clouds video.connects to Hope single
5. Know- He pays homage to eminem and 21 pilots (hype)
6. Destiny (hype)-Mansion single is mentioned in this song.
7. One hundred (hype)
8. Let you down (VIDEO) please watch to the very very end! Plots twist. Connects to hope single.
9. If you want love (VIDEO)
10. Remember this- 💎 Gems all over this track!
Single: No Name. (VIDEO) This gets connected in leave me alone song an album later. connects to Motto as well with the VIP part.
Single: Why- (VIDEO) *NF pays big homage to Big Sean as he uses his flow from bounce back in this and mentions Big Seans name and his album I decided. (This isnt nates flow he says)
Also he has a ton of eggs like Dont mess with real music written on walls. Pay attention to all writing on the walls* connects to Motto as well
SEARCH ALBUM
Whole album should be listened to. Below is mainly the journey songs and hype songs:
1 The search (VIDEO) He pays homage to kanye west. (Cant tell me nothing by kanye and he puts his hands on his head like kanye did in video) this also connects to outcast re the cage in background) connects to Hope single as well-map to hope
2. When I grow up (VIDEO) He pays homage to Adele. (To me he also did to snoop in opening scene with kids saying what they wanted to be when they grow up) Hidden eggs in this connects to Motto (the fan sipping the drink)
3. Leave me alone (VIDEO) * This connects to no name single.*
4. Change- this song is mentioned in his search single.
5. Nate- He mentions all his past albums.
6. Time (VIDEO) Song for his wife.
7. Returns- (hype song) one of his best for flow switches and word play- connects to oh lord single
8. Only – I feel like part two of this is Just like you from clouds mixtape.
9. Let me go- connects to Hope
10. Interlude then I hate myself song. In running he mentions Hate Myself.
11. I miss the days
12. No excuses (hype song)
13. Options (hype song) connects to clouds video with the ref scene
14. Trauma singing only song. Amazing. Connects to Search Intro Single.
Paid My Dues (VIDEO)
It was to the awful article rolling stones put out because the writer was a big chance the rapper fan and was pissed NF took number one spot. Over 400 people bashed that writer in the comments lol
Chasing -demo he did with a fan. This was very nice of him to do. This also will connect to the whole theme of Clouds Mixtape.
CLOUDS THE MIXTAPE-
1. Clouds (VIDEO) * This connects to outcast single turn the music up and options singles* connects to hope single
2. Lost ft Hopsin (VIDEO) connects to hope single (reins) also connects to search theme with black balloons (burdens)
3. Story (VIDEO) This is one of his best for story telling singles!
4. That’s a Joke (pays homage to J Cole from no role modelz)
5. Just like you (connects to Hope single where his older self is giving him wrong directions)
6. Prideful-Connects to Lost as he speaks about pride in that single.
7. Drifting (connects to Hope single)
8. Trust ft Tech N9ne- To me this connects to running single from Hope. As he mentions “if you have never been afraid then why you running?”
HOPE ALBUM
1.Hope- (video) connects to Drifting, Lost Ft Hopsin, Mansion single, Outcast, let you down, search single (map to hope), let me go, just like you, and why.
2.Motto-(video) connects to when i grow up (same fan sipping drink) no name, happy, and why singles.
3. Happy. Connects to Motto.
4. Mama-Connects to How could you leave us single.
5. Suffice-Connects to All I have single. He even uses a line from this single as well in this.
6. Careful Ft Cordae- Pays homage to J Cole.
7. Turn my back- Shouts out Kanye, Drake, Eminem, Dr. Dre, J Cole, Kendrick, Cordae, Big Sean, 6LACK. Shouts out God’s Plan by Drake as well in this.
8. Bullet- The whole song is written for his wife.
9. Running. Very important song. Connects to Hope intro single. He is speaking to the dark side of him. Hope is taking the reins!
(The whole album is amazing so please listen to the rest of the music when you can. Nothing else is a call back to his older music)
There are many good songs not on this list like Dreams and you’re special etc.
At some point take the time and go back through and listen to them all. 🖤
@24kjordn24
MGK: Anybody wanna hear me rap?
Audience: NO!
MGK: C'mon let me play a couple tracks!
Audience: NO!
MGK: C'mon I can spit it really fast!
Audience: NO!
MGK: You think I should throw this in the trash?
Audience: ...YES!
@CRTimo
Other kids : "I wanna be a...."
Little NF : "i'm gonna be a wapper"
@alicalovesherson7190
Not wanna. Gonna
@zer8960
I wanna be a waffle
@zickcool7275
@@zer8960 Made my day
@yungxdrez
Lol that was cute
@Error-yn9ek
Dead
@sbev3317
When all the other kids say ‘I wanna be’ and tiny NF is saying ‘I’m GONNA be’ 🔥
@HYDROMUSIC592
thats a copied comment but totally relatable
@obamareloadsyt629
BTS lover fuck
Off
@user-oj4nu3qf4w
kat ğjj