The pop and R&B diva Rihanna has long been renowned for her evocative and dramatic songs. “What Now,” one of her biggest hits, is a shining illustration of her amazing gift for writing songs that connect with listeners. In this piece, we shall go deeper into the significance and sources of inspiration for Rihanna’s songs.
Introduction
On her 2012 album “Unapologetic,” Rihanna released the song “What Now.” Rihanna, Olivia Waithe, Parker Ighile, and Nathan Cassells contributed to the song’s composition. The song was a smash hit worldwide and even received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance. The song is popular among listeners because of its tragic and realistic lyrics.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “What Now” are emotional and powerful, and they tell the story of someone who is struggling to move on from a past relationship. The song begins with the lines:
[Intro]
I was good on my own, that’s the way it was
That’s the way it was
You was good on the low for a faded fuck
On some faded love
Shit, what the fuck you complainin’ for?
Feelin’ jaded, huh?
Used to trip off that shit I was kickin’ to you
Had some fun on the run though, I give it to you
[Chorus]
But baby, don’t get it twisted
You was just another nigga on the hit list
Tryna fix your inner issues with a bad bitch
Didn’t they tell you that I was a savage?
Fuck your white horse and a carriage
Bet you never could imagine
Never told you you could have it
You needed me
[Verse 1]
You needed me
To feel a little more and give a little less
Know you hate to confess
But baby, oh, I’m relentless
I’m a savage, yeah
Hitting savage, yeah
We got a tragedy
I needed you to stay, but I let you go, babe
[Chorus]
But baby, don’t get it twisted
You was just another nigga on the hit list
Tryna fix your inner issues with a bad bitch
Didn’t they tell you that I was a savage?
Fuck your white horse and a carriage
Bet you never could imagine
Never told you you could have it
You needed me
[Verse 2]
You needed me
You been rollin’ around, shit I’m rollin’ up
Light and roll it up
Break it down like a pound, shit was never us
Shit was never us
That’s the real on the real, are you serious?
How you feel? How you feel?
Used to trip off that shit I was kickin’ to ya
Had some fun on the run though, I give it to ya
[Chorus]
But baby, don’t get it twisted
You was just another nigga on the hit list
Tryna fix your inner issues with a bad bitch
Didn’t they tell you that I was a savage?
Fuck your white horse and a carriage
Bet you never could imagine
Never told you you could have it
You needed me
[Verse 3]
Playin’ with a bitch like me
Gas it up, fuck up your sheets
Heart belongs to a player with the cheat code
Givin’ everybody heart attacks
Tryna sell the story, I’m the bad guy
Tryna make a good girl gone bad
I could be your heartkiller
Stupid, crazy, stupid
[Chorus]
But baby, don’t get it twisted
You was just another nigga on the hit list
Tryna fix your inner issues with a bad bitch
Didn’t they tell you that I was a savage?
Fuck your white horse and a carriage
Bet you never could imagine
Never told you you could have it
You needed me
[Outro]
Ooh, oh, you needed me
To feel a little more and give a little less
Know you hate to confess
But baby, oh, I’m relentless.
These lines show the singer’s uncertainty about what to do next, as she struggles to come to terms with the end of her relationship.
What It Means
The words “What Now” can be applied to many situations, leaving the song’s meaning open to interpretation. Rihanna’s personal life, particularly her on-again, off-again relationship with Chris Brown, is frequently viewed as being reflected in the song.
Many fans think Rihanna’s inability to move on from her turbulent relationship with Brown is reflected in the song’s lyrics, “What Now.” The song’s lyrics, which refer to the singer’s former abusive relationship with Brown, imply that she might still be dealing with its fallout.
The Inspiration
Rihanna said her inspiration for “What Now” came from her experiences in an MTV News interview. She uttered:
“I desired a ballad and wanted to write a significant song to move listeners and be well-known. I simply thought “What Now” was the ideal music. Everyone can relate to it since it was intimate, genuine, and personal.”
The singer continued by describing how her struggles with love and relationships served as inspiration for the song, saying:
“I believe that everyone has experienced the “What now? What shall I do now? What comes next for me? I aimed to encapsulate that emotion in the music.”
The Music Video
In the 2013 music video for “What Now,” Rihanna is seen in a gloomy, sinister scene, surrounded by flickering lights and other foreboding objects. The video’s eerie images effectively capture the song’s lyrics‘ intense emotional content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rihanna’s “What Now” is a strong and passionate song that has connected with listeners worldwide. The song’s meaning is up for debate, although the lyrics describe a person having difficulty moving past a previous love. Whether you interpret the song as a window into Rihanna’s private life or as a universal warning about heartache
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