Rihanna’s Lift Me Up: A Tribute, A Bereavement Song, and A Return to Music

A Tribute to Chadwick Boseman

Rihanna’s Lift Me Up is a song that carries a depth of emotion and a backstory that is as intriguing as it is poignant. Released on October 28, 2022, the song is part of the soundtrack for a superhero film, but its lyrics were not composed to speak to the film’s plot. Instead, the song serves as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, the star of the movie series, who passed away between the issuance of the highly successful first installment and its forthcoming sequel.

Lift Me Up Intention and Interpretation

The main writer of the song, Tems, intended Lift Me Up to serve as a bereavement song in general. This intention explains the ambiguity of the lyrics. Without knowing the song’s backstory, a listener might struggle to understand that the addressee is supposed to be someone who has passed away. The lyrics express a continued emotional dependency on a soul that is no longer part of the mortal plane, with phrases like “keep me in the warmth of your love,” “when you depart, keep me safe,” and “lift me up, hold me down.”

An alternate interpretation could be that the addressee is a living person who is also mourning the deceased, or perhaps a close friend of the narrator. In this interpretation, the singer is requesting that this person stay close during this time of bereavement.

Rihanna’s Return to Music

Rihanna, as you likely already know, is one of the most successful musicians in history on a number of fronts. Her ventures in the fields of fashion and beauty have kept her relevant, despite her sporadic musical activity since her most recent album, “Anti,” released in 2016. Lift Me Up marks her first solo single since Love on the Brain, from the aforementioned album.

Lift Me Up was released under Roc Nation, which Rihanna has been signed to since 2010, and Westbury Road, a label she personally founded around the same time. The song serves as the lead single from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: Music From and Inspired By,” the soundtrack to the second installment in Marvel’s Black Panther film series.

The Songwriters

In addition to Rihanna, the other credited writers of this song are Priscilla Renea, Ryan Coogler, Tems, and Ludwig Goransson. Out of this crew, Tems, being a Nigerian, is the only one actually from Africa, the continent where Black Panther is fictionally set. After the song’s composition, she and Rihanna shared a bit of love with each other over social media.

Comparing Lift Me Up to Rihanna’s Other Songs

Comparing Lift Me Up to Rihanna’s other songs, it is clear that she continues to evolve as an artist. Her earlier work, while also emotionally resonant, often focused more on themes of love and relationships. With Lift Me Up, Rihanna delves into the theme of loss and bereavement, showing her ability to tackle a wide range of human experiences in her music. The song’s success is a testament to her versatility as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lift Me Up is a powerful addition to Rihanna’s discography. It serves as a reminder of her immense talent and her ability to create music that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Rihanna or new to her music, Lift Me Up is a song that is sure to touch your heart. For more information about Rihanna and her music, visit her official website.

Rihanna Lift Me Up Lyrics

Chorus
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me close
Safe and sound

Verse 1
Burning in a hopeless dream
Hold me when you go to sleep
Keep me in the warmth of your love
When you depart, keep me safe
Safe and sound

Chorus
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me close
Safe and sound

Verse 2
Drowning in an endless sea
Take some time and stay with me
Keep me in the strength of your arms
Keep me safe
Safe and sound

Chorus
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me safe
Safe and sound

Verse 3
Burning in a hopeless dream
Hold me when you go to sleep
Keep me safe
We need light, we need love

Chorus
(Lift me up) Lift me up in your arms
(Hold me down) I need love, I need love, I need love
(Keep me close) Hold me, hold me
(Safe and sound) Hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
(Lift me up) Hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
(Hold me down) Hold me, hold me
(Keep me safe) We need light, we need love