RUNNING

The song 'RUNNING' is a powerful narrative about personal liberation and self-discovery. The lyrics are ambiguous and may seem to be a farewell to someone else, like a toxic relationship, but gradually we realize that, in fact, NF is saying goodbye to another version of himself, the one that is more pessimistic, fearful, and sabotaging. His verses from first to third person are a clear attempt to distance who he was from who he is trying to become, as if they were two completely different individuals.

The rapper feels that his identity and happiness are constantly being boycotted by destructive behavior, motivated by pure fear. The decision to 'it's time to let
my pride go and learn to love myself again' is a crucial step towards his emotional and mental recovery. NF recognizes that he has spent a long time hesitating and living in the shadow of all his fears and expectations, but he is now ready to seek the light and happiness he has always desired, as in the verses 'I'm ready, I can see the Sun, it's comin' up, there's happiness on the horizon' and 'I'm hopeful I can see the light, I've hesitated all my life, but I'm all done'.

The song also addresses the complexity of feelings involved in leaving behind a version of yourself that is the source of pain and self-sabotage, as in the line 'I know that you mean well, but when I fail, I don't need ya rubbin' my face in it and treatin' me like I'm less than you'. The singer expresses a desire to no longer allow his nature to undermine everything he can be: a man of integrity, courage, and loyalty. Thus, the lyrics reveal the internal struggle between fear and the need for self-preservation, highlighting the importance of recognizing when behavior becomes harmful and changes need to take place, however difficult they may be, for example, in the rhetorical question he asks himself in 'haven't I sacrificed enough for you?

In this way, 'RUNNING' is a courageous reflection on the importance of facing one's own fears and insecurities. NF admits that he has spent his whole life afraid of who he would be without that voice that binds and immobilizes him, but now he realizes that he needs to free himself from that shadow to discover his true self. The song, then, is an anthem of courage and determination, encouraging listeners not to settle for less than they deserve and to seek happiness and inner peace, even if it means making painful and frightening decisions.