Russian Roulette
Rihanna & Kardinal Offishall Lyrics

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Take a breath, take it deep
Calm yourself, he says to me
If you play, you play for keeps
Take the gun, and count to three
I'm sweating now, moving slow
No time to think, my turn to go

And you can see my heart beating

You can see it through my chest
And I'm terrified but I'm not leaving
I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (trigger, trigger...)

Say a prayer to yourself
He says close your eyes, sometimes it helps
And then I get, a scary thought
That he's here, means he's never lost

And you can see my heart beating
You can see it through my chest
Said I'm terrified but I'm not leaving
I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger

As my life flashes before my eyes
I'm wondering will I ever see another sunrise
So many won't get the chance to say goodbye
But it's too late to think of the value of my life

And you can see my heart beating
You can see it through my chest
Said I'm terrified but I'm not leaving, no
I know that I must pass this test

And you can see my heart beating
You can see it through my chest
I, I'm terrified but I'm not leaving (No No)

I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (trigger, trigger...)

Overall Meaning

The song "Russian Roulette" by Rihanna and Kardinal Offishall is a powerful portrayal of the psychological turmoil that comes with being compelled to take a dangerous risk despite the potential consequences. The lyrics speak to the idea that sometimes in life we're forced to take risks that we never would have chosen on our own, and that in order to pass these tests we have to have courage and faith that we will survive.

Throughout the song, the sense of trepidation and fear is palpable, as Rihanna sings about the feeling of her heart beating uncontrollably in her chest as she contemplates pulling the trigger. But despite the fear, she knows that she must pass this test, and ultimately she does. The message that comes through is one of survival, of fighting even when the situation is bleak.

Line by Line Meaning

Take a breath, take it deep
Pause and relax before what's coming

Calm yourself, he says to me
Persuaded to be composed by the role model

If you play, you play for keeps
If you start it, you have to finish it

Take the gun, and count to three
Take your weapon and get ready

I'm sweating now, moving slow
Afraid, overwhelmed, and losing my pace

No time to think, my turn to go
No other option but to play along

And you can see my heart beating
My emotions are evident in my appearance

You can see it through my chest
My fear is palpable in my reactions

And I'm terrified but I'm not leaving
I'm scared but I'll face it till the end

I know that I must pass this test
I believe that there's a purpose behind it

So just pull the trigger (trigger, trigger...)
Get it over with