Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary )
Rihanna Lyrics

Red lip stick, rose petals, heart break
The singer describes an image of herself with red lipstick and rose petals, possibly representing passion and romance, but acknowledges the heartbreak that often accompanies these experiences.

I was his Marilyn Monroe
The singer compares herself to Marilyn Monroe, possibly suggesting that she was an object of affection and desire for her lover.

Brown eyes, tuxedo, fast cars
The singer describes her lover as resembling James Dean, with brown eyes, a tuxedo, and a penchant for fast cars.

A James Dean on the low, Dean on the low
The artist emphasizes her lover's resemblance to James Dean, potentially indicating that he was cool and collected on the surface, but had a more vulnerable side that he kept hidden (on the low).

I ask you what's the matter
The artist poses a question to her lover, possibly sensing that something is wrong or that he is troubled.

You say, oh it's nothing at all
The lover dismisses the singer's concern or tries to downplay his own issues, perhaps indicating a reluctance to confront or share his emotions.

Heart's racing, outta control
Despite his nonchalant response, the singer can sense that her lover is experiencing intense emotions, possibly anxiety or passion, that are difficult to contain.

And you knew that I couldn't let it go
The artist implies that her lover was aware of her attachment to him, and that she could not easily walk away from their relationship, even if it was causing her pain.

You used to be this boy I loved
The artist reflects on a past version of her lover, perhaps one who was more innocent or charming, and acknowledges that she once loved him.

And I used to be this girl of your dreams
The artist recalls a time when her lover saw her as the ideal partner or fantasy, but implies that things have changed or that their feelings for each other are no longer as optimistic.

Who knew the course of this one drive
The singer muses on the unpredictable path their relationship has taken, perhaps indicating that they did not plan or anticipate the challenges they are currently facing.

Injured us fatally
The artist suggests that their relationship has been permanently damaged or wounded, using the metaphor of a fatal injury.

You took the best years of my life
The singer blames her lover for taking away the prime years of her life, possibly due to the time and energy she has invested in their relationship or the pain and heartbreak it has caused her.

I took the best years of your life
The singer acknowledges that her lover may also feel resentful or cheated in some way, possibly due to the compromises or sacrifices he has made for their relationship.

Felt like love struck me in the night
The singer recalls a sudden or unexpected experience of falling in love, emphasizing the overwhelming and intense nature of the emotion.

I pray that love don't strike twice
The artist expresses a hope or fear that she will not experience such intense and painful love again, suggesting that she may be wary of becoming vulnerable or attached to someone in the future.

What's love without tragedy
The artist poses a rhetorical question, suggesting that love is often intertwined with painful or tragic experiences, and that it is difficult to separate the two.

What's love without tragedy (Marilyn Monroe)
The singer adds a parenthetical comment to draw a connection between her own experience and Marilyn Monroe's, possibly suggesting that both women were objectified and subjected to painful relationships and loss.

Mother Mary, I swear I wanna change
The singer addresses the Virgin Mary, possibly as a symbol of faith or hope, and expresses a desire to transform or improve her life and circumstances.

Mister Jesus, I'd love to be a queen
The artist invokes Jesus as well, and expresses a hope or dream of achieving royalty or greatness in some way, possibly indicating a desire for recognition or validation.

But I'm from the left side of an island
The artist acknowledges her humble or disadvantaged origins, emphasizing the barriers or challenges she has had to overcome to achieve success or happiness.

Never thought this many people would even know my name
The artist reflects on her fame or popularity, expressing a sense of amazement or disbelief that so many people are aware of her existence.

As time flies, way above me
The singer observes the passage of time, suggesting that it is moving too quickly and that she feels helpless or detached from it in some way.

For you I've cried, tears sea-deep
The artist suggests that she has shed many tears for her lover or for someone else, using the metaphor of a sea to emphasize the depth and volume of her emotions.

Oh glory, the prayers carry me
The singer continues to invoke religious imagery, suggesting that her faith or spirituality is helping her to cope with her struggles or to maintain a sense of hope or purpose.

I'll be a star, you keep directing me
The singer asserts her desire to achieve fame or success, and invites someone else to guide or support her in that pursuit, perhaps indicating a need for mentorship or collaboration.

Let's make the best scene they've ever seen
The singer expresses a desire to create something remarkable or memorable, possibly in the context of her career or personal life.

Let's capture the moment
The artist encourages someone else to seize the present moment and to enjoy or appreciate it fully, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time.

Cause even forever ain't forever
The artist comments on the impermanence of things, suggesting that even things that seem enduring or eternal can eventually come to an end.

I swear by the moment
The singer affirms her commitment to living fully in the present moment, perhaps as a way of savoring life or avoiding regrets.

'Cause together ain't promised forever
The singer adds a caveat or warning to her previous statement, suggesting that relationships or partnerships may not last forever, even if the present moment is meaningful.

Let's live in the moment
The artist repeats her desire to live fully in the present, encouraging someone else to do the same.

As long as we got each other
The artist emphasizes the importance of companionship or connection, suggesting that shared experiences are a key aspect of living in the present moment.

Die in the moment
The artist uses a somewhat morbid phrase to emphasize the intensity and importance of living fully in the present, suggesting that it is worth risking everything for.

I'm prepared to die in the moment
The singer adds to her previous statement, affirming her readiness to commit fully to living in the present, even if it involves risk or sacrifice.