WHO I WAS Lyrics – NF

WHO I WAS Lyrics Meaning

[Chorus: NF & mgk]
This part talks about how everything he cares about feels fragile, like it could disappear or burn at any moment. He’s reflecting on how he used to see himself one way, but now realizes that the person he thought he was isn’t really who he is anymore. It’s about recognizing loss, change, and the need to face reality, even when it hurts, and understanding that life can destroy what you care about but also push you to grow.

[Verse 1: mgk]
He begins by describing a feeling of being lost, like he’s stuck in traffic and searching for a home he’s never known. Life feels directionless, like following a GPS without an address, and he’s trying to rely on his heart even though it feels scattered and broken. He compares his emotions to his father’s ashes, suggesting that grief, loss, and the weight of past experiences shape him deeply. He talks about love that didn’t last, feeling empty after achieving success, and realizing that life often teaches hard lessons about what really matters. He is searching for a better path, a “highway” that doesn’t lead to destruction, and hopes for guidance in dark times.

He also shares his spiritual journey, explaining that he hid from God for decades but found acceptance and forgiveness when he returned. This reflects personal growth and a sense of hope despite mistakes. He reflects on how his personality has been split by trauma and hardship, yet the pain hasn’t made him numb. He recalls losing a best friend, feeling deep grief at the funeral, and carrying guilt for failed relationships, like a broken engagement. He left parts of his life behind, including opportunities for love, but he’s now confronting his past. Standing “in the fire” symbolizes facing his pain directly, trying to heal, and letting go of regret and old versions of himself, showing a journey of self-discovery and resilience.

[Chorus: NF]
Here, he emphasizes that the things he cared about deeply are now gone or damaged, and he’s realizing that the person he thought he was doesn’t exist anymore. The burning represents both the destruction of the past and the transformation of his identity.

[Bridge: NF]
He briefly acknowledges that the person he used to be is gone and that he’s moving through change.

[Verse 2: NF]
He describes struggling with controlling his emotions and often lashing out because he wasn’t taught how to manage feelings as a child. Seeing his own kids makes him reflect on patterns he fears they might inherit, like his father’s behavior or his own destructive cycles. He talks about failed relationships and moments where he overreacted, knowing that his temper has hurt the people he loves. He expresses regret about treating people poorly even when he truly loves them, showing self-awareness about his flaws and a desire to do better. This part highlights the struggle of breaking generational cycles and trying to navigate parenthood while confronting personal shortcomings.

[Break: NF]
He admits that he made mistakes and struggles with certain parts of himself.

[Outro: NF]
In the outro, he repeats that he knows he sometimes lashes out and has difficulty controlling his emotions. He reflects on the way he was raised and the patterns that have affected him throughout life. Looking at his children, he feels sadness and fear that they might repeat his or his father’s mistakes, but he is also aware of the need to break the cycle. This section shows his self-awareness, responsibility, and hope that he can change for the better. It’s a mix of regret, love, and determination to grow, emphasizing the ongoing effort to face his past, manage his emotions, and protect the next generation from repeating the same patterns.