"Hope" is split into two parts. The song begins with "plucky" piano chords before segueing into staccato stringed instruments and a pulsing echo of voices in the background,[1] and features tempo changes and crescendos.[2] Lyrically, the song deals with NF overcoming his internal conflicts,[1][3] as he raps about topics such as faith, fatherhood, pain and success,[2] especially on trusting one's gut and being authentic while still holding onto the best qualities of oneself. In the second part, he reflects on his past self and focuses on being a voice of reason without giving up the qualities of who he once was.[1]
Critical reception
Wonderland gave a positive review of the song: "'Hope' is dramatic and cinematic, expertly crafted in its build up to a rousing climatic. NF brings the nuanced delivery and thoughtful lyricism that we have grown to love from him."[4]
Music video
The official music video, released on the same day as the song, was directed by NF and Patrick Tohill. It opens with NF stranded on a wooden raft in the middle of an ocean and in an all-white outfit,[1][2][5] rapping as he finds his way to the shore. Later, a clone of himself clothed entirely in black misguides NF around the island before mocking him and pushing him through the roof of an abandoned mansion.[1][5] Wandering through, NF confronts a different version of himself in every room he enters, each of them representing NF during a particular era of his musical career. He is eventually transported to a mountain top, looking lost as he raps.[1][2]
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 8. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 8. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved February 27, 2023.