Podcast Summary: Michael Knowles REACTS To "Fear" By NF

Podcast: The Michael Knowles Show
Host: Michael Knowles (The Daily Wire)
Episode: Michael Knowles REACTS To "Fear" By NF
Date: November 14, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Michael Knowles listens to and reacts to the song "Fear" by NF (misheard at points as "Oomph"). Knowles uses the song as a springboard to analyze its lyrical themes, particularly their resonance with Christian concepts of sin, free will, suffering, and grace. He offers a rare positive review of a contemporary pop/hip-hop piece, seeing it as a powerful work of Christian art.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. First Impressions & Musical Style

• [01:30] Michael Knowles introduces the segment jokingly as a “hip hop cultural maven wonder.”
• He playfully mispronounces the artist's name saying "Oomph" and refers to the song as “American Mumford and Sons.”
• Quote: "This is like an American Mumford and Sons, but not today. I'm desperate, which I like." (Michael Knowles, 02:11)

2. Lyrical Themes & Religious Undertones

• Knowles pauses the song at times to break down the lyrics and imagery.
• He identifies allusions to "Hello darkness, my old friend" from Simon and Garfunkel, noting NF's folksy, modern twist.
• Dissects the interplay between struggling with inner darkness (“sin crouching at the door”) and the temptation to self-medicate with pills.

3. Symbolism: Water & Fire

• [04:19] Knowles highlights a powerful lyric about washing hands in church (water as baptism) versus holding a gas can (fire/destruction).
• Quote: “Is it the water that will save him, or is it the gasoline that's going to burn everything down?” (Michael Knowles, 04:19)
• He expands on the Christian symbolism, seeing it as a question of redemption or self-destruction.

4. Free Will, Sin, and Blaming God

• Knowles reflects on the age-old question of personal responsibility versus divine providence.
• He notes that while blaming God for suffering appears "ridiculous," the issue is more complicated, involving "mysteries... of Will and Grace."
• Quote: “Who's to blame here? What's the relationship between Will and Grace? ... How much freedom do I really have?” (Michael Knowles, 04:19)

5. The Climax of the Song

• Various lyrics are read aloud ("Is this what you want now...").
• Knowles echoes the desperate plea, emphasizing existential and spiritual emptiness.
• [07:26-08:01] Timestamps encapsulate a crescendo of pleading with God regarding suffering and purpose.

6. Final Impressions: Artistry & Message

• [09:18] Knowles is impressed by the song’s depth for a pop record.
• He identifies it squarely as a work of authentic Christian art, superior to much of mainstream Christian music.
• Quote: "I don't listen to a lot of pop music, but this song is without question a kind of work of Christian art. And it's much, much better than, like, any modern Christian music. It's quite good, actually." (Michael Knowles, 09:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is like an American Mumford and Sons, but not today. I'm desperate, which I like.” (02:11)
• “Is it the water that will save him, or is it the gasoline that's going to burn everything down?” (04:19)
• “Who's to blame here? What's the relationship between Will and Grace? ... How much freedom do I really have?” (04:19)
• “I don't listen to a lot of pop music, but this song is without question a kind of work of Christian art.” (09:18)

Important Timestamps

• [01:30] – Michael Knowles begins reaction and introduces the song.
• [02:11] – Early reactions: musical and lyrical observations.
• [04:19] – In-depth symbolic analysis (water, gasoline, responsibility, free will).
• [07:26-08:01] – Climax: desperate questioning within the song.
• [09:18] – Final verdict: assessment of the song’s artistic and spiritual value.

Tone & Approach

• Knowles maintains a thoughtful, often introspective tone, mixing his trademark wry humor with earnest theological inquiry.
• He rarely offers praise for modern pop, making his conclusion that "Fear" by NF is “quite good” and genuinely Christian in its depth a standout moment for regular listeners.

Summary

Michael Knowles, diverging from his usual political and cultural discourse, conducts a deep-dive lyrical and philosophical analysis into NF's "Fear." He applauds the song's candid treatment of inner demons, use of Christian symbolism, and willingness to engage with profound existential questions. Knowles’s verdict is enthusiastic: he deems the song a compelling artifact of modern Christian artistry, offering listeners both a new way to hear pop music and a meaningful meditation on faith and free will.