A few artists come to mind when thinking of music that makes you feel alive or like you can conquer anything. One of those stars is the trailblazer herself, Rihanna. Since her debut album, Music of the Sun, Rih has sold millions of records worldwide and is considered the wealthiest female musician with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion.
Rihanna’s success is partly due to her unwavering confidence. Getting caught up in daily societal pressures is easy, but these forces do not have to define you. The icon challenges her fans to dare to be different, choose their paths, and be unapologetic about it. Here are 11 lyrics in which she’s oozing so much confidence, it rubs off on all those tuning in.
Check them out below.
1. Needed Me: "F**k ya white horse and ya carriage."
On her eighth studio album, ANTI, Rihanna gave women listeners exactly what they needed. “Needed Me” is an anthem for people who do not believe in the narratives of hopelessness and someone saving them. Women are told they need a man to provide, take care of them, fix things, and save them from distress. But with this song, Rihanna shuts that whole rhetoric down.
2. Raining Men ft. Nicki Minaj: "All you need to know that I'm a 2 times 5 / Load it, cock it, aim it, baby, boom bye, bye."
It's girls' night, and you are looking for a song to get yourself and your crew in the mood to feel good. You’re looking your best and want the mindset to match – well, Rih and Nicki Minaj have the right song to play. “Raining Men” is a reminder for women to keep the standards high and to not let just any man have access.
3. Sex With Me: "You know I got the sauce... You know I'm saucy."
With this song's raw and direct lyrics, you cannot help but feel more confident in the bedroom. And when you are confident in the streets, it helps you feel the same way in the sheets. Being comfortable in your body has always been something Rih has advocated for in her music and businesses.
4. Hard: "They can say whatever, I'ma do whatever, no pain is forever."
Rated R brought the rock, pop, Hip Hop, and dancehall vibes all in one. With “Hard,” the perfect combination of the guitar and lyrics made people feel that they could soar to new heights, whatever that may look like. Whether it is in your career or personal life, Rihanna clarified that the "hard" persona will help you reach the top.
5. Cockiness (Love It): "Fair maiden Rihanna-gate, taking over your empire."
If you want to feel self-assured, take it up a notch and blast this song. “Cockiness (Love It)” is a clever play on words where you step into more of a dominant role, physically and figuratively. When you do feel a little cocky or have that ego boost, it is hard to be told you are not the greatest thing ever created; and that is the point.
6. Woo: "Tell me 'bout your picture-perfect love, tell me how you think without the drugs, maybe you just need to send for me."
Getting into a relationship with someone who is unlike anyone else can be addicting. This person gives you a feeling that you never thought you would experience. Then, when you look for that emotion with someone else, it is never the same. So, you keep coming back for more. With “Woo,” Rih implies that once someone experiences her, the connection is unmatched.
7. Rockstar 101: "Rocking this skirt, rocking this club, got my middle finger up, I don't really give a f**k."
“Rockstar 101” is an invitation to bring out that inner rocker. However, it’s more than parties -- it is about being unapologetically yourself, even if that means breaking a couple of rules. Sometimes, boosting your self-esteem means doing things differently to get what you want and need.
8. S&M: "’Cause I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it."
There is so much pressure to conform and be seen as perfect. If you do not reach these unrealistic expectations, you are more likely to be judged and shamed. “S&M,” which is an abbreviation of sadomasochism, highlights the aggressive and submissive traits within a subculture of the sex industry. This song, from the Loud album, is a perfect double meaning for deviating from the idea of perfection and confidently stepping into a space that is seen as different.
9. Pour It Up: "Who cares how you haters feel... My fragrance on and they love my smell / I still got my money."
There is a saying that money can't buy happiness. While that may be true for some, it can definitely make others feel better in many scenarios. After working hard toward your goals, compensation is a great motivator. Rih wants fans to celebrate their wins with “Pour It Up” because they earned it.
The true reward is accomplishing your dreams and proving to yourself that you have what it takes. Plus, when you are confident with your money, the dollar bills are overflowing and the sky is the limit.
10. Diamonds: "We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky."
Instead of basing beauty standards on makeup or hair, this song makes fans feel and believe that true happiness, enjoying life, and being a vibrant light are the real keys to being beautiful. Loving exactly who you are and knowing how much you shine is how you should show up in the world.
11. Consideration: "I got to do things my own way, darling."
With this jam, Rihanna gets personal and talks about no longer wanting to please other people. She decides to do what's best for her in the search for peace of mind. This verse pays tribute to choosing yourself, which is one of the best things anyone can do to become more confident.
Higher self-esteem requires change and being able to withstand uncomfortable situations, so you can rise like the Phoenix as you gain better perspective.