A few weeks ago, after six years of not releasing any music, Rihanna returned with her new single, “Lift Me Up,” a tribute to late actor Chadwick Boseman that was recorded for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Now, the pop superstar is already back with another new song, “Born Again,” her second track made for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther follow-up, which opens in theaters everywhere today. The song plays during the end credits of the highly anticipated film.
“Born Again” was written by The-Dream, who previously penned Rihanna hits like “Umbrella” and “Birthday Cake.” Co-produced by The-Dream and Wakanda Forever composer Ludwig Göransson, the anthemic ballad finds Rihanna doing whatever it takes to defend her loved ones and the place she calls home. In the film, that place is the fictional East African country Wakanda.
On the first verse, Rihanna vows to bravely fight for Wakanda and the people who call it home until the very end.
I’d give my heart to this place
I’d give my soul or whatever it takes, never run away
I’ve got enough angels to storm the gates, I’m not afraid
The country has become a part of who she is on the chorus.
So until those rivers run out
It runs through me
Wherever you are, I’ll be there
That shared devotion to Wakanda is what keeps the spirit of the original Black Panther—played by late actor Chadwick Boseman—alive.
We carry on (We carry on)
Born again
On the second verse, Rihanna has no regrets when it comes to fighting for the country and people she loves–she’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
And I’d relive this just to see your face again
I know that you’d do the same, born again
Though Rihanna is back to releasing new music, there’s still no word on when her long-awaited ninth album–the follow-up to 2016’s ANTI—will arrive. Until a date is confirmed, you can read all the lyrics to “Born Again” on Genius now.
