Rihanna

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Russian Roulette album cover

Russian Roulette

Rihanna

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Take a breath, take it deep
"Calm yourself", he says to me
If you play, you play for keeps
Take the gun and count to three
I'm sweating now, moving slow
No time to think, my turn to go

[Chorus]
And you can see my heart beating
You can see it through my chest
Said I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving
I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (Trigger, trigger, trigger)

[Verse 2]
Say a prayer to yourself
He says, "Close your eyes
Sometimes it helps"
And then I get a scary thought
That he's here, means he's never lost

[Chorus]
And you can see my heart beating
Oh, you can see it through my chest
Said I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving
Know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger
[Bridge]
As my life flashes before my eyes
I'm wondering, will I ever see another sunrise?
So many won't get the chance to say goodbye
But it's too late to think of the value of my life

[Chorus]
And you can see my heart beating
No, woah, you can see it through my chest
Said I'm terrified but I'm not leaving, no
Know that I must pass this test
And you can see my heart beating
Oh, you can see it through my chest
Now I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving, no, no
Know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (Trigger, trigger, trigger)

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Russian Roulette, a ubiquitous pop hit by Rihanna, carries a heavy message behind its seemingly light and catchy tune. The song debuted in 2009 as part of Rihanna's fourth studio album "Rated R" and quickly became a worldwide commercial success. However, what many fans might not know is that the song carries a deep and significant message. In this article, we will take an in-depth dive into the meaning behind Russian Roulette.

About Russian Roulette

The lyrics of Russian Roulette paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous and hazardous relationship between two individuals. Rihanna uses the metaphor of a deadly game to describe the unbearable pain and danger that comes with being with someone who is no good for you. "And you can see my heart beating/You can see it through my chest/I'm terrified/But I'm not leaving, no," sings Rihanna, trying to convey the feeling of being powerless but also not wanting to walk away.

While the lyrics of Russian Roulette are straightforward enough, the music video that accompanies the song brings a new level of complexity to its meaning. The video shows Rihanna and her partner playing a literal game of Russian Roulette, with the winner being the one who survives. In the end, Rihanna emerges as the winner, bringing to mind the idea that she has overcome the hazardous game of love with her partner.

There is no doubt that Russian Roulette is one of Rihanna's most introspective pieces of work. Many believe that the song is an autobiographical portrayal of her turbulent relationship with Chris Brown. The two had a highly publicized and often violent relationship that came to an end in 2009, the same year that Rated R was released. In a way, Russian Roulette serves as a tribute to the strength and resilience that Rihanna found within herself in the aftermath of her highly-publicized split with Brown.

The symbolism and metaphors used in Russian Roulette are powerful, and their message is hard to ignore. The song paints a bleak picture of a tumultuous and hazardous love affair, but it also sends a message of hope and resilience. As Rihanna sings "Take a breath/Take it deep/Calm yourself," she encourages listeners to find their inner strength and take control of their lives, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.

Conclusion

As a content writer and music expert, it's clear that Russian Roulette is much more than just a pop hit. It's a message of hope, strength, and resilience that we can all learn from. By using powerful metaphors and symbolism, Rihanna has created an instant classic that will stand the test of time. Its message is as relevant today as it was over a decade ago when the song was first released.

If you haven't listened to Russian Roulette yet, then we highly recommend that you do. It's a truly powerful song that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

  • Release Date: October 27, 2009
  • Artist: Rihanna