Released: 2010
Alright, let’s dive into “S&M” by Rihanna, a track that’s as provocative as it is catchy. With its pulsing beat and bold lyrics, Rihanna explores themes of love, desire, and the complexity of pleasure and pain. This isn’t just a song; it’s a declaration of empowerment and owning one’s sexual agency.
The chorus is where the song really hits its stride, with phrases like “Feels so good being bad” and “Now the pain is for pleasure.” Here, Rihanna is flipping the script on conventional notions of love and relationships, suggesting that there’s a thrilling aspect to exploring what society often labels as “taboo.” The repeated lines “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me” serve as a bold affirmation of her comfort with BDSM, while also playing off the old adage that words can never hurt us—a clever way to underline the consensual and pleasurable aspects of these experiences despite societal judgments.
Rihanna’s repeated “na-na-na” and the lines “I like it, like it,” aren’t just catchy hooks; they’re her throwing down the gauntlet in the face of any criticism, embodying her own desires without apology. Through these, she’s also emphasizing how personal and subjective pleasure is, challenging anyone to question her choices.
When Rihanna spells out “S, S, S and M, M, M,” it’s clear she’s not shying away from the song’s subject matter—S&M stands for Sadism and Masochism, parts of a broader range of BDSM activities. This section of the song is almost like a celebratory anthem, embracing these aspects of her sexuality with pride, far removed from any sense of shame or judgment.
The bridge, where she sings about the excitement and joy her partner brings her, “Oh, I love the feeling you bring to me, oh, you turn me on,” adds a layer of personal connection and intimacy amid the broader thematic exploration of sex and power dynamics. It’s a moment that’s both vulnerable and asserting—a nuanced balance that’s not easy to achieve.
In “S&M,” Rihanna isn’t just delivering another pop hit; she’s making a statement about freedom, consent, and the multifaceted nature of human desire. It’s a powerful reminder that at the end of the day, the narratives we craft about love, sex, and pleasure are ours to define. With “S&M,” Rihanna boldly claims her narrative, inviting listeners to rethink theirs without fear or judgment.
