Rihanna

Lyrics

[Intro]
Sak pasé!

[Verse 1]
I didn't mean to end his life, I know it wasn't right
I can't even sleep at night, can't get it off my mind
I need to get out of sight 'fore I end up behind bars
What started out as a simple altercation
Turned into a real sticky situation
Me just thinking on the time that I'm facing
Makes me wanna cry

[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause I didn't mean to hurt him
Coulda been somebody's son
And I took his heart when
I pulled out that gun
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
Man down
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
Man down

[Chorus]
Oh, mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down
In Central Station
In front of a big ol' crowd
Oh, why?
Oh, why?
Oh, mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down
In Central Station
[Verse 2]
It's a twenty-two, I call her Peggy Sue
When she fits right down in my shoes
What you expect me to do if you're playing me for a fool?
I will lose my cool and reach for my firearm
I didn't mean to lay him down
But it's too late to turn back now
Don't know what I was thinking
Now he's no longer living
So I'm 'bout to leave town, ayy-uh

[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause I didn't mean to hurt him
Coulda been somebody's son
And I took his heart when
I pulled out that gun
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
Man down
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
Man down

[Chorus]
Oh, mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down
In Central Station
In front of a big ol' crowd
Oh, why?
Oh, why?
Oh, mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down (Would you hear me now?)
In Central Station
[Bridge]
Look, I'd never thought I'd do it
Never thought I'd do it
Never thought I'd do it, oh gosh
Whatever happened to me?
Ever happened to me?
Ever happened to me?
Why did I pull the trigger, pull the trigger
Pull the trigger, boom
And end a nigga, end a nigga life so soon?
When mi pull the trigger, pull the trigger
Pull it pon' you
Somebody tell me what I'm gonna, what I'm gonna do? Eh
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
Mi say wah man down
A weh mi say
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
When mi went downtown
'Cause now I am criminal, criminal, criminal
Oh Lord, oh mercy, now I am a criminal
Man down
Tell the judge please gimme minimal
Run outta town, none a dem can see mi now, see mi now

[Chorus]
Oh, mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down
In Central Station
In front of a big ol' crowd
Oh, why?
Oh, why?
Oh, mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down
In Central Station

When it comes to powerful female voices in the music industry, Rihanna easily makes the list. With her captivating sound and meaningful lyrics, she has taken the world by storm. One of her most impactful songs to date is “Man Down”. This reggae influenced track tells the story of a woman pushed to her limit after experiencing abuse at the hands of a man. Not only is the song catchy, but it also carries a strong message about the dangers of domestic violence.

About Man Down

Released in 2011, “Man Down” features a distinct reggae beat that draws listeners in and accentuates the emotions of the lyrics. The song has its roots entrenched in Rihanna's Barbadian heritage, which is made apparent through her use of reggae dialect. This helped to solidify her standing as an artist who is deeply connected to her roots.

While the song itself is catchy and upbeat, its message is a potent one. It tells the story of a woman who has been pushed to the brink of desperation after suffering abuse at the hands of a man. In the song, the woman retaliates by shooting her abuser, which provides a look into the twisted cycle of abuse that many people unfortunately find themselves trapped in.

Throughout the song, Rihanna's emotional depth and raw talent shines through. Her ability to convey the emotions and agony of the situation is nothing short of astounding. Her powerful voice, mixed with the reggae beat, creates a haunting and melancholic atmosphere that feels both urgent and devastating.

One of the most striking things about "Man Down" is its accompanying music video. Directed by Anthony Mandler, it adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the song. The video shows Rihanna acting out the lyrics of the song, as she is shown crying in a train station, followed by scenes of her attempting to evade her abusive attacker. Eventually, she snaps and shoots him before fleeing the scene.

With its powerful message and potent combination of reggae and pop, "Man Down" is a standout track in Rihanna's impressive portfolio. Not only is it an excellent song, but it also highlights the importance of bringing domestic violence and its devastating effects to light.

Rihanna's powerful voice and impassioned delivery make "Man Down" a memorable and emotional experience, leaving a significant impact that few songs can match. This is an artist who understands the power of music and knows how to use it to send a vital message that can change the world.

Final Thoughts

"Man Down" is a song that is both beautiful and transformative, shedding light on one of the world's most significant issues. Rihanna has shown herself to be a true artist, using her talents to craft a powerful message that resonates with listeners around the world. Her ability to connect with her roots and use her heritage to create something meaningful is a testament to her artistic talent and depth.

It’s clear that "Man Down" is more than just a song; it's a call to action that reminds us of the importance of standing up against domestic violence and fighting for a safer world.

• Release Date: November 12, 2010
• Artist: Rihanna