Rihanna

Lyrics

[Intro: Ester Dean]
Na-na-na, come on
Na-na-na, come on
Na-na-na-na-na, come on
Na-na-na, come on, come on, come on
Na-na-na-na, come on
Na-na-na, come on
Na-na-na-na-na, come on
Na-na-na, come on, come on, come on
Na-na-na-na

[Verse 1: Rihanna]
Feels so good being bad (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
There's no way I'm turning back (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Now the pain is my pleasure 'cause nothing could measure
(Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Love is great, love is fine (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Out the box, outta line (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
The affliction of the feeling leaves me wanting more
(Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)

[Chorus: Rihanna]
'Cause I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it
Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me
'Cause I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it
Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me
[Post-Chorus: Rihanna & Ester Dean]
Na-na-na, come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it (Na-na-na)
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it

[Verse 2: Rihanna]
Love is great, love is fine (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Out the box, outta line (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
The affliction of the feeling leaves me wanting more
(Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)

[Chorus: Rihanna]
'Cause I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it
Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me

[Post-Chorus: Rihanna & Ester Dean]
Na-na-na, come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it (Na-na-na)
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it
[Refrain: Rihanna]
S-S-S and M-M-M
S-S-S and M-M-M

[Bridge: Rihanna]
Oh, I love the feeling you bring to me
Oh, you turn me on
It's exactly what I've been yearning for
Give it to me strong
And meet me in my boudoir
Make my body say, "Ah-ah-ah"
I like it, like it

[Chorus: Rihanna]
'Cause I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it
Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me
'Cause I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it
Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But chains and whips excite me

[Post-Chorus: Rihanna & Ester Dean]
Na-na-na, come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it (Na-na-na)
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it
Come on, come on, come on
I like it, like it
[Refrain: Rihanna]
S-S-S and M-M-M
S-S-S and M-M-M
S-S-S and M-M-M
S-S-S and M-M-M

Oh, let's talk about one of the most controversial songs in pop culture history - Rihanna's "S&M." Brace yourself, because we're diving deep into the world of sex, sadomasochism, bondage, and BDSM fetishes. Released as the fourth single for her album "Loud," this track caused quite a stir with its provocative lyrics and risqué music video.

In a 2010 interview with Spin magazine, Rihanna shed some light on the meaning behind the sexual lyrics. She clarified that they should not be taken too literally, but rather as a metaphorical expression to silence the critics. According to Rihanna, it's all about embracing your true self and not letting the opinions of others affect you. It's a rebellious anthem, a way of saying, "I am who I am, and I won't apologize for it."

Now, let's get to the elephant in the room. We cannot discuss "S&M" without mentioning its controversial music video. Rihanna took things to the next level by appearing fully nude in the video, which caused an immediate ban in multiple countries and even got flagged on YouTube for its mature content. The video, though now removed, stunned and divided audiences, with some praising Rihanna for her boldness and others criticizing her for pushing the boundaries too far.

About S&M

"S&M" is a song that rebels against societal norms and embraces sexuality as a form of empowerment. Rihanna's lyrics take on a metaphorical approach, urging listeners to be unapologetically themselves despite the judgment they may face. It's a daring and provocative ode to liberation, encouraging individuals to own their desires and indulge in their fantasies.

This track's release in 2010 caused quite a sensation. The lyrics have sparked debates about censorship and artistic freedom, with some arguing that the song crossed boundaries and others claiming it was an expression of sexual liberation. "S&M" certainly pushed the envelope, challenging societal norms and sparking conversations about taboo subjects.

The music video accompanying "S&M" took the controversy to new heights. Rihanna shed her inhibitions and clothing to deliver a visually explicit portrayal of sexual imagery. The video was a sensory explosion, filled with vivid visuals, vibrant colors, and provocative scenes. But more than just titillation, the video served as a fierce statement against censorship and an affirmation of personal freedom.

This unforgettable visual feast, however, faced pushback from various countries and platforms. Due to its bold content, the video was banned in several nations, leaving a mark on the cultural landscape. YouTube also flagged it for mature content, demonstrating how "S&M" became a touchstone for discussions on appropriate depictions of sexuality in mainstream media.

As with any intense and boundary-pushing piece of art, "S&M" had its fair share of critics and admirers. Some hailed Rihanna's fearlessness and considered the song a liberation anthem for sexual expression. Others condemned it as promoting unhealthy representations of intimacy. Regardless of personal opinions, "S&M" sparked conversations and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.

In the end, "S&M" showcases Rihanna's artistic evolution and fearlessness in tackling controversial subjects. It highlights the power of music and visual storytelling to challenge societal norms, provoke thought, and ignite conversations. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that "S&M" remains one of the most provocative and memorable songs of the 2010s.

• Release Date: November 12, 2010
• Artist: Rihanna