Lyrics and Meaning for Rihanna's "Desperado" Off New Album 'Anti'
Rihanna's new, long-awaited album Anti is stacked with love ballads and heavy beats and the track "Desperado," about loving someone who is "on the run", falls into both categories. The song's rebellious vibe and lyrics have already made it an album favorite.
Desperado SLAPS RT @kanYeBreast: i've only heard ANTI thru my beats headphones, which is amazing. but when i put it in my car later? yaaaas
I think Desperado is my fav song on ANTI I just wanna put some cowboy boots on, tote around a pistol & have a western shootout lmao
"Desperado/Sitting in a old Monte Carlo," Rihanna sings in the first verse, over heavy drums. "A man whose heart is hollow/Uh huh, take it easy/I'm not tryna go against you/Actually, I'm going with you."
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The word "desperado" is a Spanish term that's likely rooted in the English word "desperate," according to Genius, but is often used in reference to an outlaw or criminal. It seems Rihanna is telling this unidentified "desperado" she's in love with, or at least attracted to, that she understands and is willing to run away with them.
Several writers and producers co-penned the song including singer-songwriter-producer James Faunterloy, who helped write Drake's "Girls Love Beyoncé," which has a melody akin to "Desperado," and Kanye West's hit song "Clique."
The song's full lyrics are available on Genius, but here's a glimpse of the first verse and pre-chorus:
[Verse 1]
Desperado
Sitting in a old Monte Carlo
A man whose heart is hollow
Uh huh, take it easy
I'm not tryna go against you
Actually, I'm going with you
[Pre-Chorus]
Gotta get up out of here
And you ain't leaving me behind
I know you won't, cause we share common interests
You need me, there ain't no leaving me behind
Never know, no, just want out of here
Yeah, once we're gone, ain't no going back
Anti, Rih's first album since 2012's Unapologetic, was met with utter praise from fans and mixed reviews from critics when it dropped Wednesday night. Some critics said the album is "confused" and "a chaotic and scattershot album," but fans are rejoicing about the Rihanna album they've "been waiting for," one that defied everything one would expect from the dynamic music mogul.
