The song “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna describes a tumultuous and intense relationship where the singer feels both emotionally hurt and deeply passionate, highlighting the addictive and all-consuming nature of love despite its challenges and pain.
Meaning of “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna
The song “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna creates a raw and emotional atmosphere, focusing on the complexities of love.
The chorus is the heart of emotional turmoil
In the chorus, Rihanna sings, “Must be love on the brain / That’s got me feeling this way.” Here, we feel the push and pull of a love that is both painful and irresistible. It’s like she’s caught in a whirlwind, where love inflicts wounds but also heals them; you can almost feel the conflicting emotions. The repetition of “love on the brain” hammers home the idea that this powerful emotion dominates her thoughts, like an unending loop in our minds. 💔
The verses paint a vivid picture of struggle
In the verses, we dive deeper into the story. Lyrics like “And I tried to buy your pretty heart, but the price too high” and “You love when I fall apart” tell us about the sacrifices and pain she endures. We see a relationship where one person holds all the power, leaving the other to grapple with their own vulnerability. The imagery of being “played like a violin” underscores the manipulation she feels, as if she is an instrument in someone else’s hands. 🎻
Rihanna also sings, “I’m fist-fighting with fire just to get close to you,” suggesting that love is a battle requiring effort and resilience. This line is powerful because it shows how love can be both destructive and captivating, making it a force that consumes you entirely.
Through “Love on the Brain,” Rihanna conveys a message of love’s complex nature—its ability to both uplift and destroy, to bind and to free.