Rihanna has collected many hits throughout her career. So much so, that she can take a sprawling break from releasing music altogether and not lose an ounce of her star power (of course, having a wildly successful clothing and make-up line helps to keep your name out there in the meantime).
Though she had spawned a few name-making tracks before, the one to argue her status as a pop icon came in 2007, with “Umbrella.”
The track stayed atop the US Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks running and clinched two Grammy nominations. It’s still one of the first songs to think of when you say Rihanna. But, what is “Umbrella” all about? Find out below.
Why Did Rihanna Write Umbrella
According to co-writer Terius “The-Dream” Nash, “Umbrella” was pitched to him as a metaphor for the protection that is given to one by God.
This loyalty is summed up in the chorus: “When the sun shines, we shine together / Told you I’ll be here forever / Said ‘I’ll always be your friend’ / Took an oath, I’ma stick it out ’til the end.”
The catchy hook came to Nash by accident, as he recorded the song demo in just one take. “I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, what is that beat?’ Then Tricky starts putting some chords over it, and immediately the word popped into my head: umbrella,” the lyricist told Blender. “I ran over to the vocal booth and started singing. The first verse was written in 60 seconds.”
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics to Umbrella are metaphorical and maybe open to many interpretations. Some people think it’s about sex, while others interpret that Rihanna is willing to protect and take care of her partner.
But most interpretations are to the latter where the principle metaphor of the song is to deal with the concept of support. Rihanna croons many times, “You can stand under my umbrella,” meaning to be supported and taken care of by Jay-Z. “You can run into my arms.
It’s okay, don’t be alarmed. Come into Me,” further reinforces the protective nature of the song.
The Role of Jay-Z in the Song
Notably, Jay-Z came in as a contributive artist in “Umbrella”. He was not only the featured artist in the song but he did a lot in the production of the song.
His contribution helped make the song the success it is today. He even incorporated “Umbrella” in his concerts showing how significant the song was.
Final Thoughts
In general, “Umbrella” by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z is a monumental pop song that has left a footprint in the realm of music history.
The lyrics stand to touch and resound with the listeners today, and for it speaks that they are by the side, standing one by the other and offering one another protection and friendship like an umbrella.
The song is successful, proving the commitment and hard work of Rihanna, Jay-Z, and everybody who worked on the song. And that in itself will make the message of the song one that will always be there for inspiration and lifting of people from one generation to the next.
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