Lift Me Up by Rihanna

Trust me: Rihanna is NOT controversial. Not even her latest hit, Lift Me Up featured in the movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Hear me out! This is far from a mediocre comeback. This brilliant, calming song is far from boring.

Amid mixed reviews of awesome-to-boring for Rihanna's first solo hit song in 6 years, here is a review of Lift Me Up that may give you a new perspective and let the song warm its way into your heart in a peaceful, loving context.

Lift Me Up is the lead single for the soundtrack of Marvel blockbuster's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. It's co-written by Panther writer-director Ryan Coogler and now viral Nigerian singer, Tems.

It's slow, yes, but it's not boring. It's a soft ballad. It's a prayer, it's a hymn, and most importantly Lift Me Up is a tribute to all those lost (not just to Chadwick Boseman). Some fans have even called it a lullaby. To decry this song as generic shows a lack of appreciation for the subtleties of the lyrics and melody.

Neurodivergence and Music

Neurodivergence is a buzzword that is inclusive of autism (and so much more) and is a fascinating dive into the evolution of human psychology and neurology.

Bilateral stimulation can be achieved by songs like Lift Me Up by Rihanna. This stimulation is so beneficial for neurodivergent individuals as it is calming and reduces anxiety.

Go check out TikTok (here's an article for you to find out What the Heck is TikTok?) and find bilateral stimulation music for calming anxiety and soothing the soul. The alternating tonalities (bilateral alternating left and right brain stimulation using headphones) and you will understand the power of the song Lift Me Up.

As a neurodivergent individual, myself, I listen to this song over and over again and it's so calming. It calms my brain. It calms my emotions, it makes me ... still. Do you know how to "be still?"

Meditation and "Being Still"

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

The song Lift Me Up is calming. If you let it grow on you and warm its way into your heart, you will become "still." Be still in your heart. Be still in your mind. Be still in your entire Being. This song is a meditative experience.

We live in a world that is frenetic and anxiety ridden. If you are bored with this song, perhaps you would benefit from slowing down? Perhaps you would experience a sense of being "still," and a sense of peace and calm after letting this song permeate your soul?

The Lyrics for Rihanna's Song, Lift Me Up

The lyrics are powerful for healing. Wounded hearts can find encouragement and the promise of hope. Importantly, survivors of trauma who are working toward normalcy and deep healing can find hope, peace, comfort, and great relaxation in this song.

The lyrics for Lift Me Up are also meant to be a tribute to the dearly departed by those grieving and yearning for loved ones.

These lyrics are deceptively simple. Pay attention to these words: "safe," "hold me," and "I need love." So comforting. So safe, so healing!

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

[Chorus]

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

In conclusion, I encourage you to let this song grow on you. You deserve a chance to relax -- if even for a few minutes. Find your inner calm and ease into a sense of being loved and protected. This is powerful!

Breathe deeply. Slow down. Listen to this song to give you a sense of connectedness to yourself, to others, to God/Creator/Source Energy, and to the benevolent energy of the Universe. This energy has your back. This song lets you know that we are all connected, and we will all be okay.

Leave a comment to let me know how this song affects you. Let me know if you are moved by this song emotionally or if you are bored out of your mind. Enquiring minds want to know!