When I Grow Up
by NF

Album: The Search (2019)
Charted: 78
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Most children grow up dreaming of becoming something like a police officer, teacher or athlete. NF aspired to be a rapper from an early age.

    On "When I Grow Up," he recalls how it made a lot more sense to him to become a rapper rather than going to college, getting into debt, then getting "a job that doesn't pay the bills."

    NF goes on to recount the fierce determination and love of music that made him pursue his career choice at all costs and despite the obstacles.
  • NF co-created the beat with his primary producer Tommee Profitt. The Michigan native worked on 13 of the Perception tracks, including the hit singles "Let You Down" and "Lie."

Comments: 1

  • Nathan Feuerstein from N/aOne cool fact about this song was it was one of the first songs that really meant something to me and had a connection to my life. This song gave me the courage to more or better music.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Janis Ian

Janis IanSongwriter Interviews

One of the first successful female singer-songwriters, Janis had her first hit in 1967 at age 15.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.