Rina Sawayama

Lyrics

[Intro]
(Oh oh, oh oh)
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
Be, be, be, be

[Verse 1]
Irresponsible, tired of taking control
It's not impossible for us to have it all
Your gendered principles were so incompatible
But it's not impossible for us to have it all

[Pre-Chorus]
Let it be, know that we were never meant to be
One condition, at least, so you and I agree
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna be?

[Chorus 1]
I don't think about the future (It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together (Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Verse 2]
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
This love is just for show
One night and nothing more
Wreckless, but in control
Like girls, we run the world
So don't tell me it's impossible for us to have it all

[Pre-Chorus]
Let it be, know that we were never meant to be
One condition, at least, so you and I agree
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna be?

[Chorus 1]
I don't think about the future (It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together (Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine

[Chorus 2]
Can't you see that this is fading? (A love affair)
Baby, let's keep it out of our feelings (Baby, be fair)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Bridge]
And I don't wanna take this falling down, I'll be there
All I want is everything

[Chorus 1]
I don't think about the future (It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together (Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine

[Chorus 2]
Can't you see that this is fading? (A love affair)
Baby, let's keep it out of our feelings (Baby, be fair)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine

[Outro]
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope, turn to you but I hope
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope, turn to you but I hope you know

Valentine's Day is typically synonymous with romance, flowers, and heartfelt gestures, but Rina Sawayama's single "Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)" takes a bold departure from the conventional sentiments associated with the holiday. As her first single after signing with label 88rising, Sawayama stays true to her signature style influenced by 90s and 2000s R&B and pop. Released on Valentine's Day in 2018, this track serves as an anthem against outdated notions of monogamy, challenging the heteronormative commercialization of dating.

Inspired by her disdain for the holiday, Sawayama teamed up with the talented Clarence Clarity to create a song that explores the complexities of love. In her own words, she aimed to empower listeners to break free from the societal pressures and expectations that often accompany Valentine's Day. This refreshing perspective adds a unique layer to the track, making it a thought-provoking and empowering piece of music.

About Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)

"Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)" is an introspective and unapologetic anthem that challenges the status quo. Drawing on influences from 90s and 2000s R&B and pop, the song exhibits a fusion of nostalgic sounds with contemporary production techniques. The result is a meticulously crafted piece of music that seamlessly blends genres and captures the attention of listeners.

One of the standout aspects of "Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)" is its lyrical depth. Sawayama's introspective and thought-provoking lyrics explore the complexities of love and relationships. The song confronts the commercialization of Valentine's Day, shedding light on the unrealistic expectations imposed by society. It encourages listeners to question the traditional notions of romance and find empowerment in personal freedom instead.

Sawayama's vocal delivery is another highlight of this track. Her versatile and emotive voice effortlessly navigates between delicate vulnerability and powerful assertiveness. The dynamic range of her vocals adds an extra layer of depth to the already compelling lyrics, creating a truly captivating listening experience.

Accompanied by meticulous production, "Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)" shines in its seamless merging of different musical elements. The song incorporates elements of both R&B and pop, evoking a sense of nostalgia while still sounding fresh and contemporary. The fusion of groovy beats, catchy melodies, and unexpected sonic twists keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.

With her collaboration with Clarence Clarity, Sawayama showcases a masterful blend of their creative energies. The production is intricate, with layers of harmonies, synths, and percussions that create a rich sonic landscape. Sawayama's unique artistic vision is complemented by Clarity's expertise, resulting in a song that pushes boundaries and challenges the listener's expectations.

Thematically, "Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)" tackles the societal pressure to conform to heteronormative ideals of love and monogamy. Sawayama's lyrics encourage listeners to break free from these limitations and embrace their individuality. The song challenges the notion that one must be in a relationship to find fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of self-love and empowerment.

The release of "Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)" on Valentine's Day itself adds to the impact of the song. By subverting the traditional expectations of the holiday, Sawayama establishes herself as an artist who fearlessly uses her platform to express unconventional ideas and push the boundaries of pop music.

In a world where many artists shy away from addressing complex social issues, Rina Sawayama fearlessly tackles them head-on. "Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)" is more than just a catchy pop song; it's a powerful statement that encourages listeners to question societal norms and embrace their individuality. Through this track, Sawayama proves once again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and her thought-provoking approach sets her apart from her peers.

Whether you're looking for a song to empower you on Valentine's Day or simply searching for a vibrant and thought-provoking addition to your music library, "Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)" by Rina Sawayama is a must-listen. Its blend of nostalgic influences, introspective lyrics, and captivating production make it a standout track that showcases the artist's undeniable talent and unique perspective.

• Release Date: February 14, 2018
• Artist: Rina Sawayama