In the same way that the first glimmer of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer immediately brings tears, the first notes in “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna do the same. The exclusive single was released on October 28, and while we can’t stop crying over the stunning lyrics and even more breathtaking melody, we also can’t stop replaying it.
In addition to the stunning single, Rihanna has also released an instrumental version, which is a bonus treat for us because instrumentals are what we listen to while writing. There’s so much heart and soul in the melody that when paired with the lyrics, it becomes the most heartwarming and heartbreaking tribute to Chadwick Boseman.
“Lift Me Up” by Rihanna is the kind of song that encompasses grief in a way in which we can all find some form of courage. We all hold people who’ve gone closely, but we all do it differently, too. What matters in the end? It’s love. Love, above all things, is the emotion that sticks with us, carries us through, anchors us, and keeps the memories of our loved ones who’ve passed in a higher plane.
Drowning in an endless sea
Take some time and stay with me
Keep me in the strength of your arms
Keep me safe
Safe and sound
The idea of drowning is often synonymous with grief and how it can often feel like a never ending battle to keep ourselves above the waters. Through these lyrics, it’s looking into the strength we can uncover through the love that we continue to outpour to honor the memories of our loved ones alive. And it’s solely through love that we can find this achievement while we keep their adoration with us and allow ourselves the time necessary to grieve however we feel is needed.
Listen to “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna below