Breakin' Dishes
Rihanna
The Fiery Retaliation of a Woman Scorned
Rihanna's "Breakin' Dishes" is a song that exudes the fiery energy of a woman who has reached her breaking point. The lyrics convey a narrative of frustration and retaliation against a partner who has been neglectful and potentially unfaithful. The repeated line, "I don't know who you think I am," suggests a reclaiming of identity and a refusal to be perceived as weak or passive.
The song's chorus, where Rihanna sings about breaking dishes and not stopping until she sees police lights, symbolizes the extent of her anger and the lengths she is willing to go to express her feelings. This act of destruction serves as a metaphor for the emotional damage caused by the partner's actions. The mention of waiting for the partner to come home, bleaching clothes, and burning attire are all indicative of a woman taking control and punishing her partner for his indiscretions.
Rihanna's performance of the song is imbued with a sense of empowerment, despite the underlying theme of heartache. The aggressive tone and the imagery of confrontation and destruction reflect a woman asserting her strength and refusing to be victimized. "Breakin' Dishes" is not just about the anger of betrayal, but also about the empowerment that comes from standing up for oneself and demanding respect.
