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It’s a nice change too for a lot of us who are going through similar things to what Nate has. His music grabbed my attention because I related due to my clinical depression and similar personality to Nate, I’m far from the point he is at, but hearing that he has found hope and can see the light at the end of the tunnel is encouraging when I was losing hope and beginning to believe the light at the end of the tunnel didn’t truly exist. Him sharing his journey up to this point gives me hope that with enough work I can follow a similar path to recovery.
Btw, on that last chorus, there are 31 cinematic punches, it represents how he’s lived under this darkness for 31 years, also on the first song hope, he says “30 years of” 31 times. it’s pretty cool, NF is a brilliant artist
That's a great catch, thanks for sharing! When I heard Hope for the first time i cried at the 30 years part because I could relate so much. Love this extra insight.
Running is honestly my favorite NF song, it hits close to how my life is currently and the song just feels as if he took my thoughts and put them into a song, first time listening to it I cried my eyes out. I love this song.
What I love (almost) the most about this song is how general it is. Pretty much everyone can relate, whether they need to run from their self-sabotaging emotions, a toxic person in their life, or literally anything in between. It is an incredible thing NF does in his music, which is to generalise his problems using metaphors so intelligently, which is often not appreciated as much, after all we have to relate, we all know the logo, this is real music.
Yes, I totally agree with everything you just stated. For me, it isn’t running exactly from my emotional baggage/trauma. It’s not letting my toxic father impact the rest of my life and it’s about me making my own choices and not letting him guard me from the light anymore and fighting back against that.
The end hits like a punch. The song builds like you have something coming, that you are preparing for.. you reach the escalation, maybe a fight before the downfall.. and then the crash to the point "I'm done." and it smooths out to an end. It's so matter of fact, without needing to yell at you.
One of my favourite songs on the album, I love how he's gonna start fighting his fear instead of running from it and letting it derive him for his whole life
From WHY: "Me and pride had made a pact that we don't need no help Which feels like I'm at war inside myself but I forgot the shells" Here he is saying it's time for him to let go of pride and learn to love himself again. This song had me in full blown tears man.
It’s also a response to trauma I think “Traumas they surround me. I wish you’d just love me back.” Vs “I love you to death but I can’t spend the rest of my life in this darkness. I’m done”
@@sandiraymond1761 Me too! I always thought that song was sung from his childhood self also, theres a few lines that make me think so. Like maybe a personified inner child that is latched onto that trauma he experienced early in life, yknow? Like the line “why haven’t you found me yet?” obv ties into The Search and how Nathan basically promised his childhood self in the song Nate that he was trying to “search to find us both some answers”. Also the line “say youre there when I feel helpless, if that’s true why don’t you help me?” which again in the song Nate he says “I’ll be here for you if things get worse”. So it’s basically an accusation from his childhood self that he’s not being honest 🤔 Also the line “watch them laugh at all my secrets” I think is his childhood self saying basically “you write all this music and put all this pain I’ve been through in it and watch these people reacting to it who basically just mock the trauma I’ve experienced” etc lol I could go on idk I’ve thought that about the song Trauma for a few years now. Does that make sense to anyone else or is it just me? 🤣 that’s why I think running has to be a direct response, from his adult present day self. We kinda hear that back and forth in the song Hope with the “my album” arguing about which one wrote it, and then the arguing again at the end. But I think he’s specifically arguing with his own inner child. Also sorry my reply is long 😂
@@michellereed2070 ok great! Glad to hear someone else understands my ranting 😭 I thought maybe I was reaching too deep into it but it’s NF so I think this is definitely a possibility for those two songs
I seriously love this song so much. This song fights for my #1 favorite on this album with Mistake. It's truly so beautiful and I can't wait to see him sing it in concert in July, it's gonna be amazing. ❤
Makes you wanna cry from happy tears for NF he’s come so far from his dark side I’m so happy for him I love that man he’s so talented he saved my life I don’t know what my life would be without nfs music
Something I didn't hear until a few listens in... The doubling up of the vocals in verse 2 is very similar to how he had the dark Nate talking in Hope. And those are the only 2 times we hear old Nate on the whole record: when old Nate wants it to be his album again, but hopeful Nate takes the reins for the record; and then the very end when hopeful Nate realizes that after processing his thoughts out on this album, there is actual happiness on his horizon, and old Nate can't be around anymore for that to happen. You really hear old Nate almost speechless when it's just "I.... I.... I...." When he comes in during the second verse. Then you hear old Nate echoing every other line, but mostly the negative things like "Hate Myself" etc...
I am so glad you caught that! I have wondering if the exact same thing about those lines. I want to print the lyrics and highlight the times we can hear the double voice and see if that theory holds up! He is so good!!
I feel like I “Grew up” with NF. I was around for his old stuff, and in a dark place. Even listening to his old stuff it made me have hope, in just knowing I wasn’t alone. Flash forward today, I’m doing better than ever. His new stuff feels great too. ❤
Just coming back to this video. My favorite thing about this song is the rap verse. It starts a little softer while he's explaining that he doesn't want Fear to leave but he needs him to, and as the verse continues it's like NF is blocking out any rebuttal Fear could make. He doesn't stop and allow counter arguments and as the verse crescendos NF is speaking more in finality than wants. The verse starts with him not wanting to but needing to, and ends with "I'm not going to spend the rest of my life". The language is very different in he's not saying "I don't want to spend the rest of my life" but rather he isn't. He refuses to. The verse reads and sounds to me like he gained the confidence through talking it out with himself. The more he spoke the more honest with himself he became, the more he drowned out the voice of fear and allowed NF to make the uninfluenced decision which he has struggled to do because he was never able to silence Fear until that verse. Then the chorus comes in to state he's not going to spend the rest of his life running and on the drop for the chorus it gives the feel of the slamming of a door. The build up, the final decision has been made and he threw fear out of his house and closed the door for good. The drop into the chorus is NF slamming the door leaving fear outside and for once in such a long time the constant voices, memories, and darkness weren't standing right behind Nate. The beginning of the chorus is so soft it's like he turned around and realized the house is finally quiet. He walks through the house without screams, cries, and judgement or feelings of fear or anxiety. It's just him with quiet peace and he doesn't really know what that feels like. It's new to him. So the beginning of the chorus being so soft makes complete sense because that lack of production mimics the feeling of not knowing what to do or how to act in the house. Then a few moments go by and NF finally realizes as he's walking through his house that he won. He won't ever have to deal with Fear again. He won't have to be tethered to fear making his house so chaotic. And the acoustic guitar softly comes in as he's realizing this new feeling isn't bad, it's unknown but he starts becoming emotional that it's finally over. He can start to think again and the feeling of relief and excitement start to build as the guitar builds. And an explosion of emotion, tears of joy, peace, happiness, and hope flood throughout his body like nothing he ever remembers feeling before as they are uninfluenced by fear now. And that's when the chorus explodes with those emotions coming out and all of the layers of production representing all of these new powerful emotions that he might have experienced before, but it was always weighed down by the feeling of negativity and the expectation that happiness will be temporary and something bad will undoubtedly follow. He finds that those thoughts don't come in and the emotions are allowed to be felt at their full capacity. Finally after all of it he walks over to the book and closes it shut, lays down, turns off the light to go to sleep in his new Fear-less house and simply states calmly, "I'm done". Which goes back to the verse speaking about the decision and it's finality. He will never let him back in, he owns all of the power for who is allowed to enter his house, and that book is closed. The acoustic comes back and I can picture NF waking up, grabbing a blank book or blank canvas, and as the acoustic plays out the rest of the song, he just begins to write in a brand new, completely blank book for the first time in so many years. This song is the ultimate finale to an unbelievable album because of the painting it paints while I listen to it. And he accomplishes that through the changes between a softer voice and softer production, to these grand and powerful build ups, into the soft again. What he says, how he says it, even down to hearing the screams in the final chorus so faintly in the background almost like they're Fear screaming to be let back in but to Nate it's just so quiet and is totally drowned out by the production and how much it builds over those screams. For me personally, when I close my eyes and listen to this song, it just plays out a movie so vividly with such an amazing story that has an ending to a decade long series.
Knox, you bring all the special things out in music in these break downs. I really respect your interpretations and your point of view considering the mastery you apply to your own music and lyrics.
The reason I love this song so much, is precisely because we can't exactly tell who or what Nate refers to in this song. My personal take is that he is talking to his pride and the other side of NF that has been represented thus far. The same exact one that got him to where he is now. Although grateful for what that Nate has achieved, he also realises the hurt / negative side that it brings him. Going back to what I originally said, I absolutely love the fact that you can sing this song yourself and relate it to anything around you. Whether it is the side of yourself that you hate, or if it is a person that doesn't bring anything to your life. Side note: What NF refers to in the song could also be his pain. NF in 'Change' talks about how, "I don't do drugs, I'm addicted to the pain though. Yeah, I been on it for a while, dunno how to put it down." Instead of letting his pain control his life and hurt him, he needs to face it and let go of it.
It is definitely fear I think. Since mansion he's used imagery around the feeling of drowning, and in this he says he can't allow him (fear) drown them both
6:02 agree completely. You simply CANNOT HAVE Pride, without also having Fear. They go hand in hand. Fear IS Pride's shadow. It's like they hate each other, but need each other. Pride can completely separate you from Fear when you're at your highs. Which makes sense, you just stand on the opposite side the shadow's at. But it can also drown you in that Fear every mistake you make. Too Prideful to admit that it's okay to make them. So you grow more afraid of making mistakes and less capable of growth.
This song made me cry. When he said "I love you but not enough to allow you to continue to drown the both of us, you're holding me back, you're pulling me down you're making me hate myself".
I appreciate how you point out how well crafted this song is, in addition to it touching our emotions and spirit. As I listen to this song, I’m inspired to search for my “exit ramp” and look for better.
Always appreciate your breakdowns especially of NF! You are able to not only recognize but also appreciate the musical brilliance of Nate! Keep it up man
This song is so impactful and powerful. Especially for all of us who have followed Nathan for years and know the musical journey. The Search ending for the song Trauma in my opinion was always a song sung from Nathan’s childhood self or inner child. The part of his mind that latches onto that trauma and pain from his earlier life. “Traumas, they surround me. I wish you’d just love me back.” So for this song to end out the album HOPE just hits so hard man. It’s a direct response to Trauma. “I love you to death, but I can no longer stand aside and watch you sabotage the two of us. I love you to death, but I can’t spend the rest of my life in this darkness. I’m done.” Ugh it hits right to my soul…
Bro I always look forward to seeing your vids and seeing the way you appreciate all of music lyrics rhythms flow production jus always been great to watch you get better with each vid phenomenal breakdown GoAt bro been watching 3 yrs now
RUNNING is probably my favorite song on the whole album just because of how customizable it is to each separate person’s life, and the things that they are going through at that time in their life, and it doesn’t just talk about one place and time in your life. It’s very broad and is compatible with so many different things in life. But For me, it isn’t running exactly from my emotional baggage/trauma. It’s not letting my toxic father impact the rest of my life and it’s about me making my own choices and not letting him guard me from the light anymore, also fighting back against that and getting out of the toxic household with him and creating my own personality in this new world that I will explore.
As a recovering addict this man’s music has helped me so much. He talks about mental health and the way we see ourselves has helped me in so many way’s I thank god everyday for this music. Music is my therapy it carries me thru each and everyday. I don’t what I would do without music it has saved me in so many ways. God bless to everyone
The fact that he is describing himself in this song. And I went through a toxic breakup not long before this album came out. I'd choose NF over my ex anyday! He knows when to drop the album at the best times of my life! Just like God's timing. Nfs record releases always comes at the most perfect time!
Omg i cant believe u reacted to this!!!! Im going through a situation that is EXACTLY like this song. This song is literally the thing i needed to realize i needed to walk away from someone i loved deeply, but at the complete cost of myself. And that its ok to find myself again. No one in my world had heard of this song, so i was stoked u reacted to it!
“Tryin’ to convince me that I’m the, real issue” Is a super powerful part I feel because it’s there that really shines to me he was talking to fear, because it’s like a carried response to dark Nate in Hope & THEN as you were counting syllables right there, I even said out loud, “Awww Nate’s dancing with us” if you go back and watch that part & not focus on the technical aspect or even the words and just the syllable sounds I think you’ll feel the waltz, I get that a lot when I watch you break down syllables in your reactions. Once again Great reaction & catching things that we may not. For me, Nate was helping you with this one, because I just noticed the dance right now, watching your breakdown. 👏
I can't wait for this, top 3 songs in the album imo. Always do amazing breakdowns of songs and can't wait to see what you have to offer this time. Also the beginning is very very similar to a Dean Lewis song with the guitar, I can't remember the song name though
I listened to a number of different UA-camrs giving reactions. Each comes from a different way. I love to hear you give insight into the production. Of course, because you also do this! Job well done 👍❤
Finally! Above anyone else, I have been waiting for YOU to react to this song, and it's finally happening! Also, what in the blinking lights is going on the background right now?
Man I've been waiting for you to react to this!! I love how you breakdown songs! Plus man I gotta say I finally started listening to your music and damn bro! Idk why but i listen to drive slow at least once a day now and you are a hella dope artist and I just wanted you to know that. Lol. Also I absolutely love this song too!!! Like heavy beautiful but so much needed!
@@KnoxHill thats awesome! And shit lol I just got started listening to your music so I have alot to catch up on! Plus you react to alot of artists i listen to! its been a crazy ride over the years watching your videos here and now. Honestly your already dope at what you do so just keep on doin it bro!💯✌🖤
This is such a powerful song. I feel it deep in my soul. This song speaks to my own story even though it is about his own feelings inside. To me, it is about leaving my narcissist mother and never speaking to her again. It actually feels positive to me because it helps me realize that I made the right decision to leave and to move on. Happiness is on the horizon and I can feel the light now. I held on too long to her hoping I could be there for her, but I knew that I couldn't do it anymore. I wish her well and can no longer stand aside and watch her drag the both of us down to the darkness that we were living in together. It was so dark in there that I couldn't even see myself. Finally, I am free.
Bro you are a master at breaking down music. Seriously appreciate this song even more after your reaction. Wish other reactors would take notes. Hail the king! Honestly appreciate what you do.
Remember this is his therapy. We’ve all gotta heal sometime, and realizing you are almost done healing or healed tend to force separation from therapy. He did say he didn’t want to be 40 and rapping. Could be a goodbye letter to rap.
Nate has been on the search for the seven letters, “Freedom.” But running isn’t freedom. Freedom is refusing to run, and I would argue in this case, standing still trusting in God amidst the hardship and trauma. Makes me even more excited for the next album.
I'm late to the party, but Knox I look forward to your breakdowns of not only the message but also the production and theatrical buildup in the music. I have been waiting patiently for you to react to Mistake. Please, please make this one your next react. I need it.
I really like your interpretation of him addressing his fear and or past self in this song, I'd like to share my interpretation as well.. though I might be projecting tbh. My mother always struggled with addiction - she still does to this day - and we all know that's been the same case with nates mom.. Personally, I feel like the song might very well be addressed to not only his mom, but also said addiction. A lot of the things he says, I've said to my mother or about her addiction. Some examples are: "Spent my whole life in your shadow" & "I can't spend the rest of my life in this darkness" - an addiction becomes this huge dark entity, consuming all the addicted person has & leaving nothing for their loved ones either.. I've lived my whole live in the shadow of my mothers addiction and so did my sister. "I wish you well but I can no longer stand aside and watch you sabotage the two of us", "I love you but not enough to allow you to continue to drown the both of us" & "Don't wanna leave, but that's what I need, I ain't got a choice" - That's pretty much exactly what I said to my mother, when I moved out at age 16. "I wish you the best, but I'm not interested in giving you more of my life, I've already given you too much" - I have waisted so much of my energy, time and life, trying to help my mother. Help her out of that addiction. Help her be happy. Help her be a mother. To the point that I became not only my own, but also her parent. I've given her all of me and got nothing but pain in return.. Up until the point that I finally was able to say "I'm done". So, that's how I interpret the song. Thank you to anyone reading this, I hope you have a great day/ night (& sorry for any grammar or spelling errors, English is not my first language.)
Hey Knox! I just wanted to say, you’ve changed how I look at music. Now instead of listening to beats and vibing to some rap. I have become a fan of lyricism and experimental music with an artic and meaningful message. I really appreciate you man. And you’ve kinda inspired me to attempt music 😁 Also, a small tidbit. You should react to Eminems infinite track.
I 1st heard this song on Mothers Day. Different perspective, my daughter no longer speaks ro me, and i no longer speak to my mother. I am breaking the cycle of years of generational trauma, so my daughter has a better life than i have, and this has been met with rejection and ostrasization and her replacing me with my own mother. It brought me undone and to ground zero in 5 seconds flat. I listened to it on repeat, and sobbed uncontrollably. Fuck me it was tough.
This is why I love your reactions man. The breakdowns are always on point! Idk if you have reacted yet but I'd like to see you react to Till The Day I Die - Toby Mac feat NF. Early fire lyrics from Nate!
What else should we react to? Comment below!! Also - THE FIRST 1,000 PEOPLE to use this link will get a FREE TRIAL Of Skillshare!! (it's worth giving it a shot!): skl.sh/knoxhill04231
do let em pray
Do Motto by NF too!
Start over by flame ft-Nf
did you notice in hope the map he carries around is from his song the search?
nf - bullet
I love the way NF isn't scared to let his fans know how he is moving on from his past. Always fight your fears, and never fear them.
It’s a nice change too for a lot of us who are going through similar things to what Nate has. His music grabbed my attention because I related due to my clinical depression and similar personality to Nate, I’m far from the point he is at, but hearing that he has found hope and can see the light at the end of the tunnel is encouraging when I was losing hope and beginning to believe the light at the end of the tunnel didn’t truly exist. Him sharing his journey up to this point gives me hope that with enough work I can follow a similar path to recovery.
Btw, on that last chorus, there are 31 cinematic punches, it represents how he’s lived under this darkness for 31 years, also on the first song hope, he says “30 years of” 31 times. it’s pretty cool, NF is a brilliant artist
Yes, on Hope track
Great catch, that's dope.
That's a great catch, thanks for sharing! When I heard Hope for the first time i cried at the 30 years part because I could relate so much. Love this extra insight.
Oh wow that is crazy!
Wow I wouldve never caught that, thanks!
Running is honestly my favorite NF song, it hits close to how my life is currently and the song just feels as if he took my thoughts and put them into a song, first time listening to it I cried my eyes out. I love this song.
same brother, I hope you got his message.
Same
What I love (almost) the most about this song is how general it is. Pretty much everyone can relate, whether they need to run from their self-sabotaging emotions, a toxic person in their life, or literally anything in between. It is an incredible thing NF does in his music, which is to generalise his problems using metaphors so intelligently, which is often not appreciated as much, after all we have to relate, we all know the logo, this is real music.
Yes, I totally agree with everything you just stated. For me, it isn’t running exactly from my emotional baggage/trauma. It’s not letting my toxic father impact the rest of my life and it’s about me making my own choices and not letting him guard me from the light anymore and fighting back against that.
For me it's my addiction to booze
The end hits like a punch. The song builds like you have something coming, that you are preparing for.. you reach the escalation, maybe a fight before the downfall.. and then the crash to the point "I'm done." and it smooths out to an end. It's so matter of fact, without needing to yell at you.
Exactly what I was thinking.
One of my favourite songs on the album, I love how he's gonna start fighting his fear instead of running from it and letting it derive him for his whole life
From WHY:
"Me and pride had made a pact that we don't need no help
Which feels like I'm at war inside myself but I forgot the shells"
Here he is saying it's time for him to let go of pride and learn to love himself again. This song had me in full blown tears man.
It’s also a response to trauma I think
“Traumas they surround me. I wish you’d just love me back.”
Vs
“I love you to death but I can’t spend the rest of my life in this darkness. I’m done”
@Black Cat Brewz oooo good catch. That phrase from Trauma punches my gut every single time, no matter how many times I've listened.
@@sandiraymond1761 Me too! I always thought that song was sung from his childhood self also, theres a few lines that make me think so. Like maybe a personified inner child that is latched onto that trauma he experienced early in life, yknow?
Like the line “why haven’t you found me yet?” obv ties into The Search and how Nathan basically promised his childhood self in the song Nate that he was trying to “search to find us both some answers”.
Also the line “say youre there when I feel helpless, if that’s true why don’t you help me?” which again in the song Nate he says “I’ll be here for you if things get worse”. So it’s basically an accusation from his childhood self that he’s not being honest 🤔
Also the line “watch them laugh at all my secrets” I think is his childhood self saying basically “you write all this music and put all this pain I’ve been through in it and watch these people reacting to it who basically just mock the trauma I’ve experienced” etc lol I could go on idk I’ve thought that about the song Trauma for a few years now. Does that make sense to anyone else or is it just me? 🤣 that’s why I think running has to be a direct response, from his adult present day self. We kinda hear that back and forth in the song Hope with the “my album” arguing about which one wrote it, and then the arguing again at the end. But I think he’s specifically arguing with his own inner child. Also sorry my reply is long 😂
@@blackcatbrewz That makes complete sense you me, so you're not alone in your thoughts! I think you're absolutely correct about the correlations!! 🙃💜
@@michellereed2070 ok great! Glad to hear someone else understands my ranting 😭 I thought maybe I was reaching too deep into it but it’s NF so I think this is definitely a possibility for those two songs
This song hits me right in my soul each time! One of his best!! ❤
I seriously love this song so much. This song fights for my #1 favorite on this album with Mistake. It's truly so beautiful and I can't wait to see him sing it in concert in July, it's gonna be amazing. ❤
I agree. My twin brother just went to prison. I played Mistake, through the phone, and he said he can relate to that song a lot.
Also can’t wait for July!!
@@micahmcdonald7145 I'm seeing him in concert, too! In Philly. My first ever concert, actually.
This is legitimately my favorite NF song of all time and the album is a 10
Makes you wanna cry from happy tears for NF he’s come so far from his dark side I’m so happy for him I love that man he’s so talented he saved my life I don’t know what my life would be without nfs music
Something I didn't hear until a few listens in... The doubling up of the vocals in verse 2 is very similar to how he had the dark Nate talking in Hope. And those are the only 2 times we hear old Nate on the whole record: when old Nate wants it to be his album again, but hopeful Nate takes the reins for the record; and then the very end when hopeful Nate realizes that after processing his thoughts out on this album, there is actual happiness on his horizon, and old Nate can't be around anymore for that to happen. You really hear old Nate almost speechless when it's just "I.... I.... I...." When he comes in during the second verse. Then you hear old Nate echoing every other line, but mostly the negative things like "Hate Myself" etc...
I am so glad you caught that! I have wondering if the exact same thing about those lines. I want to print the lyrics and highlight the times we can hear the double voice and see if that theory holds up! He is so good!!
This song hits near home♥️ perfect outro to the album
I feel like I “Grew up” with NF. I was around for his old stuff, and in a dark place. Even listening to his old stuff it made me have hope, in just knowing I wasn’t alone. Flash forward today, I’m doing better than ever. His new stuff feels great too. ❤
Just coming back to this video. My favorite thing about this song is the rap verse. It starts a little softer while he's explaining that he doesn't want Fear to leave but he needs him to, and as the verse continues it's like NF is blocking out any rebuttal Fear could make. He doesn't stop and allow counter arguments and as the verse crescendos NF is speaking more in finality than wants. The verse starts with him not wanting to but needing to, and ends with "I'm not going to spend the rest of my life". The language is very different in he's not saying "I don't want to spend the rest of my life" but rather he isn't. He refuses to. The verse reads and sounds to me like he gained the confidence through talking it out with himself. The more he spoke the more honest with himself he became, the more he drowned out the voice of fear and allowed NF to make the uninfluenced decision which he has struggled to do because he was never able to silence Fear until that verse.
Then the chorus comes in to state he's not going to spend the rest of his life running and on the drop for the chorus it gives the feel of the slamming of a door. The build up, the final decision has been made and he threw fear out of his house and closed the door for good. The drop into the chorus is NF slamming the door leaving fear outside and for once in such a long time the constant voices, memories, and darkness weren't standing right behind Nate. The beginning of the chorus is so soft it's like he turned around and realized the house is finally quiet. He walks through the house without screams, cries, and judgement or feelings of fear or anxiety. It's just him with quiet peace and he doesn't really know what that feels like. It's new to him. So the beginning of the chorus being so soft makes complete sense because that lack of production mimics the feeling of not knowing what to do or how to act in the house.
Then a few moments go by and NF finally realizes as he's walking through his house that he won. He won't ever have to deal with Fear again. He won't have to be tethered to fear making his house so chaotic. And the acoustic guitar softly comes in as he's realizing this new feeling isn't bad, it's unknown but he starts becoming emotional that it's finally over. He can start to think again and the feeling of relief and excitement start to build as the guitar builds. And an explosion of emotion, tears of joy, peace, happiness, and hope flood throughout his body like nothing he ever remembers feeling before as they are uninfluenced by fear now. And that's when the chorus explodes with those emotions coming out and all of the layers of production representing all of these new powerful emotions that he might have experienced before, but it was always weighed down by the feeling of negativity and the expectation that happiness will be temporary and something bad will undoubtedly follow. He finds that those thoughts don't come in and the emotions are allowed to be felt at their full capacity.
Finally after all of it he walks over to the book and closes it shut, lays down, turns off the light to go to sleep in his new Fear-less house and simply states calmly, "I'm done". Which goes back to the verse speaking about the decision and it's finality. He will never let him back in, he owns all of the power for who is allowed to enter his house, and that book is closed. The acoustic comes back and I can picture NF waking up, grabbing a blank book or blank canvas, and as the acoustic plays out the rest of the song, he just begins to write in a brand new, completely blank book for the first time in so many years.
This song is the ultimate finale to an unbelievable album because of the painting it paints while I listen to it. And he accomplishes that through the changes between a softer voice and softer production, to these grand and powerful build ups, into the soft again. What he says, how he says it, even down to hearing the screams in the final chorus so faintly in the background almost like they're Fear screaming to be let back in but to Nate it's just so quiet and is totally drowned out by the production and how much it builds over those screams. For me personally, when I close my eyes and listen to this song, it just plays out a movie so vividly with such an amazing story that has an ending to a decade long series.
This is my favorite song NF has ever done. I love so many others but this hits a different spot for me personally. Thanks for covering this one😊
Knox, you bring all the special things out in music in these break downs. I really respect your interpretations and your point of view considering the mastery you apply to your own music and lyrics.
The reason I love this song so much, is precisely because we can't exactly tell who or what Nate refers to in this song. My personal take is that he is talking to his pride and the other side of NF that has been represented thus far. The same exact one that got him to where he is now. Although grateful for what that Nate has achieved, he also realises the hurt / negative side that it brings him. Going back to what I originally said, I absolutely love the fact that you can sing this song yourself and relate it to anything around you. Whether it is the side of yourself that you hate, or if it is a person that doesn't bring anything to your life.
Side note: What NF refers to in the song could also be his pain. NF in 'Change' talks about how, "I don't do drugs, I'm addicted to the pain though. Yeah, I been on it for a while, dunno how to put it down." Instead of letting his pain control his life and hurt him, he needs to face it and let go of it.
It is definitely fear I think. Since mansion he's used imagery around the feeling of drowning, and in this he says he can't allow him (fear) drown them both
@@Moleoflands Why would he say he loves fear to death? I don't think that is right
Hey Knox, I'm glad you've got yourself a sponsor. Much deserved! Keep up, 1mil is on the way
6:02 agree completely. You simply CANNOT HAVE Pride, without also having Fear. They go hand in hand. Fear IS Pride's shadow. It's like they hate each other, but need each other.
Pride can completely separate you from Fear when you're at your highs. Which makes sense, you just stand on the opposite side the shadow's at. But it can also drown you in that Fear every mistake you make. Too Prideful to admit that it's okay to make them. So you grow more afraid of making mistakes and less capable of growth.
This song made me cry. When he said "I love you but not enough to allow you to continue to drown the both of us, you're holding me back, you're pulling me down you're making me hate myself".
NF is a genius! Masterful. Deep. Real!!
I appreciate how you point out how well crafted this song is, in addition to it touching our emotions and spirit. As I listen to this song, I’m inspired to search for my “exit ramp” and look for better.
Great reaction! This is my first time hearing this and it's beautiful! You can feel the hope in the music.
Favorite NF song by far!
Always appreciate your breakdowns especially of NF! You are able to not only recognize but also appreciate the musical brilliance of Nate! Keep it up man
This song is so impactful and powerful. Especially for all of us who have followed Nathan for years and know the musical journey.
The Search ending for the song Trauma in my opinion was always a song sung from Nathan’s childhood self or inner child. The part of his mind that latches onto that trauma and pain from his earlier life.
“Traumas, they surround me. I wish you’d just love me back.”
So for this song to end out the album HOPE just hits so hard man. It’s a direct response to Trauma.
“I love you to death, but I can no longer stand aside and watch you sabotage the two of us. I love you to death, but I can’t spend the rest of my life in this darkness. I’m done.”
Ugh it hits right to my soul…
I love that you can hear the emotion in his voice it’s similar to how could you leave
Things that make my day better
My #1 NF music
My #2 Knox Hill’s NF music breakdowns.
Bro I always look forward to seeing your vids and seeing the way you appreciate all of music lyrics rhythms flow production jus always been great to watch you get better with each vid phenomenal breakdown GoAt bro been watching 3 yrs now
Hands down one of my favorite songs on the album.
By far my favorite song by NF ever. Could be my favorite song by any artist
his singing is on a whole new level. my fave song ever
RUNNING is probably my favorite song on the whole album just because of how customizable it is to each separate person’s life, and the things that they are going through at that time in their life, and it doesn’t just talk about one place and time in your life. It’s very broad and is compatible with so many different things in life. But For me, it isn’t running exactly from my emotional baggage/trauma. It’s not letting my toxic father impact the rest of my life and it’s about me making my own choices and not letting him guard me from the light anymore, also fighting back against that and getting out of the toxic household with him and creating my own personality in this new world that I will explore.
As a recovering addict this man’s music has helped me so much. He talks about mental health and the way we see ourselves has helped me in so many way’s I thank god everyday for this music. Music is my therapy it carries me thru each and everyday. I don’t what I would do without music it has saved me in so many ways. God bless to everyone
The fact that he is describing himself in this song.
And I went through a toxic breakup not long before this album came out.
I'd choose NF over my ex anyday! He knows when to drop the album at the best times of my life!
Just like God's timing. Nfs record releases always comes at the most perfect time!
This song still makes me tear up. Even more so when I lost my friend to his demons
Your reactions to NF are the best!
I watched a ton of reactions and you are the only one who keeps analysing every tiny special.❤
U said it right the first time! It's HOPE Vs the Darkness aka fear, doubt, anger, regret...etc
Omg i cant believe u reacted to this!!!! Im going through a situation that is EXACTLY like this song. This song is literally the thing i needed to realize i needed to walk away from someone i loved deeply, but at the complete cost of myself. And that its ok to find myself again. No one in my world had heard of this song, so i was stoked u reacted to it!
I need your "Bullet" reaction .... that's a fire and underrated song
“Tryin’ to convince me that I’m the, real issue”
Is a super powerful part I feel because it’s there that really shines to me he was talking to fear, because it’s like a carried response to dark Nate in Hope & THEN as you were counting syllables right there, I even said out loud, “Awww Nate’s dancing with us” if you go back and watch that part & not focus on the technical aspect or even the words and just the syllable sounds I think you’ll feel the waltz, I get that a lot when I watch you break down syllables in your reactions.
Once again Great reaction & catching things that we may not. For me, Nate was helping you with this one, because I just noticed the dance right now, watching your breakdown. 👏
Nate is finally letting go to his prideful/fear driven self and this song perfectly reflects that
I like how the last 2 words at the end of the album are “I’m done”
@ 10:40 When he said "You make me Hate Myself", it sounded like it was the same vocal take or filter on his voice from "Hate Myself" Is it a callback?
Given NF's reputation... Would not be surprised.
This is by far my favorite on the album and the perfect outro for him!!!
I was waiting for you to react to this song wanted to see what you think about it for me. This is my favorite song of the album.
"that crackling" in the song to me sounds like footsteps from someone running
I can't wait for this, top 3 songs in the album imo. Always do amazing breakdowns of songs and can't wait to see what you have to offer this time. Also the beginning is very very similar to a Dean Lewis song with the guitar, I can't remember the song name though
The moment we've all been waiting for 🙌😍
The crackling really sounds like its a live guitar and they kept the room audio, similar to what he did when he did his collab for that chasing demo
I listened to a number of different UA-camrs giving reactions. Each comes from a different way. I love to hear you give insight into the production. Of course, because you also do this! Job well done 👍❤
Finally! Above anyone else, I have been waiting for YOU to react to this song, and it's finally happening!
Also, what in the blinking lights is going on the background right now?
I totally felt that this song was most impactful because I get goosebumps every time I listen to it.
It reminds me of that song by Sinead O'Connor, nothing compares to you. With the way the sound is. I love this one
My favourite one on the album ❣️
Prefect way to end the album 🥰🔥
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 nothing but hits from the best artist on the planet
this song hits so hard as someone who is in recovery and the addiction
Man I've been waiting for you to react to this!! I love how you breakdown songs! Plus man I gotta say I finally started listening to your music and damn bro! Idk why but i listen to drive slow at least once a day now and you are a hella dope artist and I just wanted you to know that. Lol. Also I absolutely love this song too!!! Like heavy beautiful but so much needed!
Comments like this are exactly why I do what I do 🙏 Thanks for giving the music a chance and for supporting on all levels - it really means a lot bro!
@@KnoxHill thats awesome! And shit lol I just got started listening to your music so I have alot to catch up on! Plus you react to alot of artists i listen to!
its been a crazy ride over the years watching your videos here and now. Honestly your already dope at what you do so just keep on doin it bro!💯✌🖤
I am so happy you did RUNNING!!! This is my top favorite song in the album!
I just "broke up" with my toxic parents. After 50 years. This song is my Freedom Anthem...
easily one of my favorite outro tracks to an album
Another job well done Sir! Thank you. Love this and "Mistake."
Yessss I’ve been waiting for this since the song was released!!
This song has moved my soul and I feel I can face my past self.
❤damn this went straight through me, great breakdown Knox ♥️🇿🇦🥂
Really like your breakdowns as well as your music. Greetings from holland
Just to let you know, Knox, the instrumental on this song is a sample of another song, called Running by Munn
WOW
This is such a powerful song. I feel it deep in my soul. This song speaks to my own story even though it is about his own feelings inside. To me, it is about leaving my narcissist mother and never speaking to her again. It actually feels positive to me because it helps me realize that I made the right decision to leave and to move on. Happiness is on the horizon and I can feel the light now. I held on too long to her hoping I could be there for her, but I knew that I couldn't do it anymore. I wish her well and can no longer stand aside and watch her drag the both of us down to the darkness that we were living in together. It was so dark in there that I couldn't even see myself. Finally, I am free.
I think the tinnitus-like sound after the build up is really cool!
Bro you are a master at breaking down music. Seriously appreciate this song even more after your reaction. Wish other reactors would take notes. Hail the king! Honestly appreciate what you do.
the intro sounds similar to "waves" by Dean Lewis
I was thinking the same thing, also a very powerful song. I'm not mad about it though
@KnoxHill He’s not running. He’s done running. He’s gonna walk the rest of his life in #HOPE. With nothing to fear. 🔥reaction 😎
Remember this is his therapy. We’ve all gotta heal sometime, and realizing you are almost done healing or healed tend to force separation from therapy.
He did say he didn’t want to be 40 and rapping. Could be a goodbye letter to rap.
Nate has been on the search for the seven letters, “Freedom.” But running isn’t freedom. Freedom is refusing to run, and I would argue in this case, standing still trusting in God amidst the hardship and trauma. Makes me even more excited for the next album.
Ohhh I couldn’t wait for this reaction !!!💪😃😃🥰
Congrats on 1 million
I'm late to the party, but Knox I look forward to your breakdowns of not only the message but also the production and theatrical buildup in the music. I have been waiting patiently for you to react to Mistake.
Please, please make this one your next react. I need it.
I really like your interpretation of him addressing his fear and or past self in this song, I'd like to share my interpretation as well.. though I might be projecting tbh.
My mother always struggled with addiction - she still does to this day - and we all know that's been the same case with nates mom..
Personally, I feel like the song might very well be addressed to not only his mom, but also said addiction. A lot of the things he says, I've said to my mother or about her addiction.
Some examples are:
"Spent my whole life in your shadow" & "I can't spend the rest of my life in this darkness" - an addiction becomes this huge dark entity, consuming all the addicted person has & leaving nothing for their loved ones either.. I've lived my whole live in the shadow of my mothers addiction and so did my sister.
"I wish you well but I can no longer stand aside and watch you sabotage the two of us", "I love you but not enough to allow you to continue to drown the both of us" & "Don't wanna leave, but that's what I need, I ain't got a choice" - That's pretty much exactly what I said to my mother, when I moved out at age 16.
"I wish you the best, but I'm not interested in giving you more of my life, I've already given you too much" - I have waisted so much of my energy, time and life, trying to help my mother. Help her out of that addiction. Help her be happy. Help her be a mother. To the point that I became not only my own, but also her parent. I've given her all of me and got nothing but pain in return.. Up until the point that I finally was able to say "I'm done".
So, that's how I interpret the song.
Thank you to anyone reading this, I hope you have a great day/ night (& sorry for any grammar or spelling errors, English is not my first language.)
My favorite track from the record. And great reaction as always
Hey Knox!
I just wanted to say, you’ve changed how I look at music. Now instead of listening to beats and vibing to some rap. I have become a fan of lyricism and experimental music with an artic and meaningful message. I really appreciate you man. And you’ve kinda inspired me to attempt music 😁
Also, a small tidbit. You should react to Eminems infinite track.
Finally! I waited to long for this. My favorite song from nf ever!!!!!❤
KNOX INN
SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD PLACE FOR THÈ YACHT HEADS
TO STAY A FEW WEEKS
&GRABBITTNFT
YACHTIES
When I first heard this I said out loud: “what in the James Bay is this?!” 😂 I love it. Favorite song on the album!
I was really looking forward to your reaction of this one. Ny favourite from the whole album
NF is Legendary
I 1st heard this song on Mothers Day. Different perspective, my daughter no longer speaks ro me, and i no longer speak to my mother. I am breaking the cycle of years of generational trauma, so my daughter has a better life than i have, and this has been met with rejection and ostrasization and her replacing me with my own mother. It brought me undone and to ground zero in 5 seconds flat. I listened to it on repeat, and sobbed uncontrollably. Fuck me it was tough.
Oh I have been waiting for you and this one.
I can relate to this song 1000 percent
about time bro, been waiting for this
I am thankful that you exist otherwise i would Not bei listening to NF and now He is one of my favorite rapper/singers
NF is the Greatest Of All Time.
Love this song can’t wait for Mistake!
This is probably my favorite song on this album, and listening to it, I almost thought that he was talking about the old Nate🤷🤷
Love love love this song. ❤
I love this song so much.
He found the map to hope. The one he was searching for in The Search.
Hoping for the Let'em Pray breakdown soon.
This is why I love your reactions man. The breakdowns are always on point! Idk if you have reacted yet but I'd like to see you react to Till The Day I Die - Toby Mac feat NF. Early fire lyrics from Nate!