NF, also known as Nathan Feuerstein, is a rapper and singer well-known for his honest lyrics and emotional songs. He gained attention with his album Mansion and rose to fame with Perception, which topped the Billboard 200 chart.

His hit single Let You Down reached multi-platinum status and brought him global recognition. NF’s unique style mixes rap with powerful melodies, and he has built a strong fan base through his raw, relatable music and consistent success in the charts.

About the Song

When I Grow Up is a song about chasing dreams and proving others wrong. He talks about wanting to be a rapper since he was young and how people didn’t believe in him.

The song has strong beats and powerful words that show his passion and determination to succeed, no matter what others say.

When I Grow Up Lyrics by NF

Verse 1

Yeah, when I grow up, you know what I wanna be?
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’ve 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, ahh
I know this prolly 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’ve been crunchin’ numbers, you ain’t gotta be a mathematician
To 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 prolly 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 prolly 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

Chorus

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)
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

Post-Chorus

Yeah, ayy
When I grow up
Yeah, yeah, ayy

Verse 2

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 ya; haters, go away before I hit ya
I am not a beggar or a kiss-up
You don’t understand? Well, I forgive ya
I am not a quitter, you ain’t really think that, did ya?
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 singing 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

Chorus

When I grow up
I just wanna pay my bills
Rappin’ about the way I feel (Oh, yeah)
I just wanna make a couple mil’
Leave it to the fam in the will (Oh, yeah)
(Leave it to the fam in the will)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I just wanna sign a record deal
Maybe buy a house up in the hills (Okay, oh, yeah)
Might not be the best in my field (Ayy, ayy, yeah)
But I guarantee that I’ma die real
When I grow up
I just wanna pay my bills (Woo)
Rappin’ about the way I feel (Oh, yeah)
(Yeah, the way I feel)
Yeah, I just wanna make a couple mil’ (Ayy, couple mil’)
Leave it to the fam in the will (Oh, yeah, to the fam in the will)
I just wanna sign a record deal (Woo)
Maybe buy a house up in the hills (Oh, yeah)
(House up in the hills)
Yeah, I might not be the best in my field
But I guarantee that I’ma die real
When I grow up
When I grow up

Similar Songs Like When I Grow Up

If you relate to When I Grow Up, these songs share deep emotions, raw honesty, and intense personal storytelling.

• The Search: It is a deep song about fighting inner thoughts and searching for peace while dealing with the pressure of fame.
• Intro III: A strong and emotional song where NF talks to his inner voice, showing his battle with fear and pain.
• No Name: NF raps about staying true to himself and growing as an artist without chasing popularity or fame.
• Leave Me Alone: This is a bold track about dealing with anxiety and fame, and asking the world to give him space and peace.

Similar Artists Like NF

These artists bring emotional depth and raw lyricism, tackling real-life struggles with powerful storytelling and dynamic flows.

• Logic
  Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
  Top Album: Under Pressure (2014)

• Hopsin
  Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
  Top Album: Knock Madness (2013)

• Witt Lowry
  Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
  Top Album: I Could Not Plan This (2017)

• Tom MacDonald
  Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
  Top Album: Gravestones (2020)

Frequently Asked Questions

Has When I Grow Up Charted?

Yes, the song charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and received positive reviews for its raw, relatable message.

How does NF Address Critics and Doubters in the Song?

NF responds to critics by acknowledging their doubt but remains determined to prove himself and follow his own path.

How does NF Describe Success in When I Grow Up?

He defines success as paying his bills, staying true to himself, and making music that showcases his real feelings, not just fame or money.