It’s official: Rihanna is back with new music!
The 34-year-old singer has dropped her first new single in almost half a decade with “Lift Me Up” which is from the upcoming film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Before this track, Rihanna’s last new single as a lead artist was “Lemon” with N.E.R.D which she released almost exactly five years ago.
“Lift Me Up” is the lead track from the Wakanda Forever soundtrack. It was created as a tribute to the life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman, who was the original star of the Black Panther franchise. Chadwick passed away back in August 2020 following a battle with colon cancer.
Songwriter Tems said in a statement:
“After speaking with [director Ryan Coogler] and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them.
Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
Rihanna’s last album, Anti, was released in January 2016. Fans are excited that this new track may be the lead up to her new era of music.
Rihanna is also headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2023.
Read the “Lift Me Up” lyrics right here:
[Chorus]
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me close
Safe and sound
[Verse 1]
Burning in a hopeless dream
Hold me when you go to sleep
Keep me in the warmth of your love
When you depart, keep me safe
Safe and sound
[Chorus]
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me close
Safe and sound
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me safe
Safe and sound
[Verse 3]
Burning in a hopeless dream
Hold me when you go to sleep
Keep me safe
We need light, we need love
[Chorus]
(Lift me up) Lift me up in your arms
(Hold me down) I need love, I need love, I need love
(Keep me close) Hold me, hold me
(Safe and sound) Hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
(Lift me up) Hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
(Hold me down) Hold me, hold me
(Keep me safe) We need light, we need love
