Work (feat. Drake)

Rihanna's hit song 'Work' featuring Drake is a complex tapestry of emotions, blending themes of love, commitment, and the struggles of maintaining a relationship. The song's repetitive chorus emphasizes the concept of 'work,' not just in the literal sense, but as a metaphor for the effort required to keep a romantic partnership alive. Rihanna's use of patois, the dialect of English spoken in Jamaica, adds an authentic Caribbean flavor to the song, reflecting her Barbadian heritage and the influence of dancehall music on her style.

The lyrics reveal a narrative of a woman who has invested heavily in a relationship, both emotionally and physically. She feels that her partner has not reciprocated her level of commitment and is calling him out on his lack of effort. The 'work' she refers to is the emotional labor she's been putting into the relationship, and she's questioning when her partner will start to do the same. The line 'You took my heart on my sleeve for decoration' suggests that her feelings were taken for granted, and she's been left feeling vulnerable.

Drake's verse adds another layer to the song, as he speaks from the perspective of the male partner who acknowledges the distance in the relationship and expresses a desire to make things right. His lines 'If you had a twin, I would still choose you' and 'I just hope that it gets to you' show a deep level of commitment and a plea for reconciliation. The song, therefore, becomes a dialogue between two lovers trying to navigate the complexities of their relationship, with Rihanna's powerful vocals driving the message home that love is indeed hard work, but it's worth the effort when both partners are willing to put in the necessary 'work, work, work, work, work, work'.