Time

"Time" is a deeply personal and vulnerable exploration of the complexities of a long-term relationship strained by mental health issues and personal insecurities. The song is widely interpreted as a direct address from NF (Nate Feuerstein) to his wife, Bridgette. It delves into the cyclical nature of conflict, regret, and reconciliation. The core message is an admission of fault and a promise of change, acknowledging the pain he causes while pleading for the patience—the 'time'—needed to work through his issues. The lyrics candidly portray the artist's internal battles with depression, anxiety, and self-doubt, and how these struggles manifest in his relationship, causing him to push his loved one away. However, beneath the turmoil is a powerful theme of unwavering commitment. The chorus acts as a recurring vow that no matter how bad their fights get, their bond is strong enough to survive. It's a song about recognizing one's own flaws and their impact on a partner, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience of a love that is willing to endure the process of healing.

The song unfolds as a raw, introspective conversation, seemingly addressed to a significant other, likely his wife. It begins by acknowledging the strain and difficulty within the relationship, admitting to being a 'difficult person' and a 'stress case,' especially when engrossed in his work. He recognizes that his partner doesn't deserve the anxiety his mental state causes. The narrative delves into the painful dynamics of their arguments, describing moments where he says hurtful things he doesn't mean, like suggesting he'd be 'better alone.' This, he confesses, is just his pride talking, a defense mechanism that emerges when he feels vulnerable. He paints a self-portrait of a man who is a 'definition of a wreck,' someone who makes mistakes he wishes he could erase and who tends to push his partner away out of fear.

The chorus serves as the song's emotional anchor, a plea for patience and a promise of commitment. Despite the intense fights where they might break down and go to bed angry, he holds onto the unwavering belief that their foundation is strong and everything will ultimately be alright. He vows to wait and to change, repeating the crucial need for 'time.'

In the second verse, the perspective shifts slightly to acknowledge his partner's steadfastness. He reflects on their shared struggles, noting they are two passionate people who aren't afraid to speak their minds, which can lead to conflict. He describes himself as perpetually over-analyzing everything, caught in a cycle of depression and searching for a better version of himself. He deeply appreciates his partner for being there through his worst moments, recognizing the burden his internal 'weight' places on their connection. He admits to having numerous regrets and apologizes for the stress he has caused, reaffirming his profound love. The song is a testament to a love that endures despite personal flaws and mental health struggles, built on a foundation of mutual commitment and the hope that time will allow for healing and growth.

"Time" was released on July 12, 2019, as the third single from NF's fourth studio album, The Search. The song was written by Nate Feuerstein (NF) and his primary collaborator, Tommee Profitt. Profitt also produced, mixed, mastered, and engineered the track, a common setup for much of NF's work, which often involves a small, tight-knit creative team. The album The Search itself is a continuation of the introspective and raw themes from his previous records, delving deep into NF's mental state following his mainstream success with the album Perception. "Time" fits squarely within this narrative, offering a more specific focus on how his personal struggles affect his marriage. He married Bridgette Doremus in 2018, and the song is considered a direct reflection of the challenges and commitment within their relationship. The music video, co-directed by NF and Patrick Tohill, was released simultaneously and plays a significant role in the song's narrative, visually representing the themes of conflict and reconciliation in reverse.

NF's approach to rhyme and rhythm in "Time" is complex and dynamic. The verses are characterized by a dense, multi-syllabic rhyme scheme with frequent use of internal rhymes, creating a relentless, driving pace that mirrors the feeling of a racing, anxious mind. For example, in the line, "I'm a stress case, drive you up the wall when I'm workin' / Actually, I'm probably worse when I'm not, you don't deserve it," the rhyme and assonance create a connected, tumbling flow. The rhythm of his lyrical delivery is often syncopated against the steady beat, adding to the tension. In contrast, the chorus slows down dramatically. The rhyme scheme becomes simpler (AABB), and the rhythm is more straightforward and melodic. This rhythmic shift is crucial; it transforms the song from a frantic confession into a heartfelt plea, making the central message of needing "time" more impactful and memorable. The interplay between the fast, aggressive rhythm of the verses and the slow, melodic pace of the chorus defines the emotional arc of the song.

"Time" showcases several of NF's signature stylistic techniques:

• Musical Contrast: The song's structure creates a stark contrast between the verses and the chorus. The verses feature NF's characteristic rapid-fire, breathless rap delivery, conveying anxiety and tension. The chorus, however, shifts to a more melodic, sung delivery, which is delicate and pleading, creating an emotional release and emphasizing the song's vulnerable core.
• Cinematic Production: True to producer Tommee Profitt's style, the track has a cinematic quality. It opens with a swell of violins and is built around a melancholic piano melody, giving it a dramatic and emotionally resonant feel that elevates it beyond a standard hip-hop track.
• Raw Vocal Delivery: NF's vocal performance is intensely emotional and raw. His delivery is not just about technical skill but about conveying authentic feeling, from the aggressive frustration in the verses to the fragile hope in the chorus. This honesty is a key part of his appeal.
• Literary Devices: The lyrics utilize hyperbole, such as "I love you to death," to emphasize the depth of his feelings despite the conflict. He also employs direct address and rhetorical questions to create an intimate, conversational feel, as if the listener is overhearing a private, heartfelt apology and plea.

"Time" was a significant commercial success and further solidified NF's position as a major artist in the mainstream hip-hop scene who focuses on emotionally substantive content. The song peaked at number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it his second-highest charting single at the time. It also performed well on various other charts, including reaching number 19 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track has received numerous certifications, including being certified 2x Platinum in the United States by the RIAA and in Canada, and 2x Platinum in Australia. The release was part of the album The Search, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Culturally, "Time" is often cited by fans and critics as a prime example of NF's vulnerability and his willingness to tackle subjects like mental health and relationship struggles with unflinching honesty. It resonates deeply with his fanbase, which values his 'real music' approach, and it strengthened his reputation for creating cinematic and emotionally heavy music videos that are integral to the song's narrative.

The song and its accompanying music video employ powerful symbolism to convey its message:

• Reversed Timeline (Music Video): The most prominent symbolic element is the music video's reverse chronology. It starts with a heated argument and the couple separating, then rewinds through the relationship's decay, back to happier moments like moving in together. This visual metaphor powerfully illustrates the song's central theme: looking back at the journey to understand the present and the desire to undo the pain and go back to better times.
• The House: The house in the video represents the relationship itself. Initially, it's a place of shared dreams and happiness. As the video progresses in reverse, we see it become a tense, fractured space, symbolizing how their shared life has been impacted by conflict.
• Pride as a Defense: The lyric, "That's just the pride talkin', isn't it?" serves as a metaphor for the ego's defense mechanisms. It's an admission that the hurtful things he says, like claiming he's 'better alone,' are not his true feelings but a shield he erects when feeling vulnerable or wrong.
• Definition of a Wreck: When NF calls himself the "definition of a wreck if you look into my soul," he uses a metaphor to describe his internal state of chaos and emotional turmoil, a recurring theme in his music.

The most significant recurring element in "Time" is the title word itself, which anchors the central plea of the chorus: "I just need... Time." This repetition emphasizes that the solution to their problems isn't simple or immediate but requires patience and a process of change. The entire chorus, "Even if we both break down tonight / And you say you hate me, and we go to bed angry / I know everything will be all right / I'll be here waiting, I promise I'm changing / I just need time," acts as a powerful, recurring motif. It functions as a mantra of commitment, a promise that is repeated to provide reassurance amidst the turmoil described in the verses. This repetition drills home the song's core theme: that love and faith in the relationship persist despite the immediate anger and pain. The concept of being a 'difficult person' or a 'wreck' is also a recurring motif, linking back to the broader themes of mental health and self-awareness prevalent throughout NF's discography.