HomeRihannaSong Meaning of "What Now" by Rihanna

Song Meaning of “What Now” by Rihanna

Song Details

  • Album Release Date: 2012
  • Genre: pop

Song Meaning of “What Now” by Rihanna

“What Now” by Rihanna is a powerful and emotive song about heartbreak, despair and confusion. It is a raw representation of the feelings of being lost and broken after a difficult relationship, as Rihanna sings “My heart is numb, my head is spinning around”. The song speaks to the deep fatigue that often follows a violent love affair, where one’s heart is too damaged to feel anything anymore, and one is left asking “what now?”.

The lyrics of the song describe a period of loss, grief and disorientation, where Rihanna questions herself and her ability to move forward. Though she still has moments of pain and sadness, there is an endearing strength in the chorus of the song – “Nothing at all but I’m not gonna cry/ I’m gonna keep on tryin’, oh I’m gonna fly” – where Rihanna’s determined perseverance and refusal to give in to despair shine through.

Overall, the song has an empowering message of resilience and hope in the aftermath of a breakup. Despite feeling like their world has ended, the listener is encouraged to take heart, pick up the pieces and find a way forward. The key takeaway is that heartbreak does not have to define a person, and with enough strength and courage, one can eventually find their way to healing.

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