Never Ending
Rihanna
The Eternal Struggle of Love and Loss in Rihanna's 'Never Ending'
Rihanna's 'Never Ending' delves into the complex emotions of love, loss, and the yearning for reconnection. The song opens with the imagery of being 'lost in the mirror,' suggesting a sense of disorientation and a loss of self-identity. The mirror metaphor indicates a reflection of the past, where the singer once recognized a familiar face but now finds it unclear. This loss of clarity extends to a physical disconnection, as she mentions not being able to feel her body, symbolizing a separation from reality and the present moment.
The lyrics 'A drug and a drink, we lost connection' hint at the use of substances as a means to cope with the emotional turmoil. This line underscores the desperation to feel alive again and to mend the fractured soul and body. The recurring theme of disconnection is palpable, as the singer grapples with the pain of a lost connection and the desire to feel whole once more. The chorus emphasizes the perpetual nature of this struggle, with the phrase 'everything is never ending' highlighting the endless cycle of emotional highs and lows.
Rihanna's repetition of 'to be in love again' reflects a deep-seated longing for the comfort and familiarity of love. However, this desire is tinged with a sense of peril and confusion, as she admits to slipping into a state she doesn't fully understand. The song captures the essence of trying to hold onto fleeting feelings and the strangeness of re-entering a state of love after experiencing loss. 'Never Ending' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, where love and loss are intertwined in an eternal dance, leaving the listener with a sense of both hope and melancholy.