Lift Me Up
Producer
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
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
About
Rihanna returns from a music hiatus with “Lift Me Up,” the lead single from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever movie soundtrack, titled Wakanda Forever: The Album released in 2022. This marks Rihanna’s first solo release since her eighth album ANTI in January 2016. Rihanna announced the song via Twitter two days before its release, after Marvel teased it the day before.
The record was written alongside Ludwig Göransson and Ryan Coogler, who composed the movie’s score and directed the film, respectively, as well as Nigerian rising artist Tems, as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa, the protagonist on the original Black Panther.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
Chadwick Boseman passed away in 2020 from colon cancer. His passing shocked the world after he became a figure for black people all around the globe since playing King T'Challa/Black Panther. His sudden loss marked the cast, crew and everyone involved in the films. Tems, one of the writers of the track, opens up with Variety about how his passing inspired the lead track for the film sung by Rihanna.
After speaking with Ryan 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.
– Tems for Variety
- 1.Lift Me Up
