Rina began collaborating with London-based producer Hoost and released her debut single ’Sleeping In Waking’ in 2013. In 2016, she was included in The Fader's 13 Artists You Need To Know About In 2017. Her debut EP ’RINA’ was released in 2017.
In 2018, she released the new single ’Valentine’ on Valentine’s Day. The music video for album track ’Ordinary Superstar’ was released in June 2018. In August 2018, Sawayama released the track ’Cherry’, in which she explores her sexual identity. Sawayama embarked on her ‘Ordinary Superstar Tour’ across the UK and United States in late 2018.
In 2019, Rina began to rollout of her debut full-length album, starting with the single ‘STFU!’, which is based on her experiences of micro-aggressions as an Asian woman. The album's third single ’XS’, which serves as a satirical criticism of modern capitalism, was released in March 2020, and was well received, helping her get her name more known. The album, ’SAWAYAMA’ was finally released on April 17, and went onto become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. It was praised for its mix of genres, wide range of influences and vocal performances. The project made multiple end-of-year lists, notably ranking #1 on The Line Of Best Fit's list. The album was also loved by musical icon Elton John, who would then go on to feature on a new duet version of the single ‘Chosen Family’.
Rina would embark on the ‘Dynasty Tour’ for the album in 2021 after being delayed a year. Soon after in May 2022, Rina announced her sophomore album ’Hold The Girl’, scheduled for a September 2nd release, along with the lead single ‘This Hell’, which puts a fun spin on negative stigma towards the LGBTQ+ community. The album's release was pushed back to September 16th, with the singles ’Catch Me In The Air’, the title track, ’Phantom’ and ‘Hurricanes’ being released in the run up. The record also garnered positive reviews upon release, and debuted at #3 on the UK charts, Rina's first time charting this high. The ‘Hold The Girl Tour’ began in October 2022, and ended in February of the following year. This tour was followed up by a second run of North America, titled ‘Hold The Girl Tour - Reloaded’, beginning in June 2023, and rounding up the tour and era in October of the same year.
Many of Sawayama’s tracks are co-written and produced by Clarence Clarity. She has also collaborated with the likes of Shamir, Bree Runway, and Charli XCX, the latter of which's collaboration ’Beg For You’ gave Rina her first top 40 hit in the UK. In September 2023, Empress Of released her single ‘Kiss Me’ featuring Sawayama.
Valentine
Rina Sawayama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
Be, be, be, be
Irresponsible, tired of taking control
It's not impossible for us to have it all
Your gendered principles were so incompatible
But it's not impossible for us to have it all
One condition, at least, so you and I agree
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna be?
I don't think about the future
(It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together
(Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
This love is just for show
One night and nothing more
Wreckless but in control
Like girls, we run the world
So don't tell me it's impossible for us to have it all
Let it be, know that we were never meant to be
One condition, at least, so you and I agree
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna be?
I don't think about the future
(It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together
(Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
Can't you see that this is fading?
(A love affair)
Baby, let's keep it out of our feelings
(Baby, be fair)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
And I don't wanna take this falling down, I'll be there
All I want is everything
I don't think about the future
(It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together
(Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
Can't you see that this is fading?
(A love affair)
Baby, let's keep it out of our feelings
(Baby, be fair)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope, turn to you but I hope
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope, turn to you but I hope you know
"Valentine" by Rina Sawayama explores a complex and tumultuous relationship dynamic filled with uncertainty and conflicting emotions. The repeated questioning of "What's it gonna be?" throughout the song reflects the indecision and ambiguity present in the relationship. The singer seems tired of always having to take control and yearns for a sense of irresponsibility and freedom. Despite the apparent incompatibility of their principles and the acknowledgment that they were never meant to be, there is a sense of hope that it is not impossible for them to have it all.
The singer expresses a sense of detachment and a reluctance to think about the future or make promises, emphasizing the transient nature of the relationship. They acknowledge that they are merely a temporary phase in their partner's life, serving as just a valentine for show, symbolizing a superficial and fleeting connection. The lyrics suggest a desire to live in the moment without worrying about the consequences or the longevity of their relationship.
The theme of control and recklessness is prevalent as the singer asserts their power and agency, paralleling the empowerment of girls who run the world. There is a defiance against the notion that certain things are impossible for them to achieve, highlighting a sense of determination and confidence. However, amidst the bravado and bravely proclaimed independence, there is an underlying sense of vulnerability and insecurity, especially as the singer acknowledges the fading nature of their love affair.
The conflicting feelings of hope, uncertainty, and the fear of falling down are recurring motifs in the song, depicting the complex emotional landscape of the relationship. The repeated refrain of "Nowhere else to go, turn to you but I hope you know" encapsulates a sense of reliance on the partner for emotional support, yet also a hint of resignation and acceptance of the impermanence of their connection. Overall, "Valentine" delves into the complexities of modern relationships, exploring themes of control, temporary affection, and the delicate balance between hope and disillusionment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ADAM CRISP, NTUTHUKO NHLUMAYO, RINA SAWAYAMA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
La vita agra | Nonsense and other Poems
Valentine (What’s It Gonna Be)
[Intro]
(Oh oh, oh oh)
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
Be, be, be, be
[Verse 1]
Irresponsible, tired of taking control
It's not impossible for us to have it all
Your gendered principles were so incompatible
But it's not impossible for us to have it all
[Pre-Chorus]
Let it be, know that we were never meant to be
One condition, at least, so you and I agree
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna be?
[Chorus 1]
I don't think about the future
(It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together
(Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Verse 2]
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
This love is just for show
One night and nothing more
Wreckless but in control
Like girls, we run the world
So don't tell me it's impossible for us to have it all
[Pre-Chorus]
Let it be, know that we were never meant to be
One condition, at least, so you and I agree
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna be?
[Chorus 2]
I don't think about the future
(It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together
(Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
Can't you see that this is fading?
(A love affair)
Baby let's keep it out of our feelings
(Baby, be fair)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Bridge]
And I don't wanna take this [?]
All I want is everything
[Chorus 2]
I don't think about the future
(It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together
(Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
Can't you see that this is fading?
(A love affair)
Baby let's keep it out of our feelings
(Baby, be fair)
Making promises is dangerous
(I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Outro]
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you, turn to you but I hope you know
•᷄ɞ•᷅
[Intro]
(Oh oh, oh oh)
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
Be, be, be, be
[Verse 1]
Irresponsible, tired of taking control
It's not impossible for us to have it all
Your gendered principles were so incompatible
But it's not impossible for us to have it all
[Pre-Chorus]
Let it be, know that we were never meant to be
One condition, at least, so you and I agree
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna be?
[Chorus 1]
I don't think about the future (It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together (Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Verse 2]
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
This love is just for show
One night and nothing more
Wreckless, but in control
Like girls, we run the world
So don't tell me it's impossible for us to have it all
[Pre-Chorus]
Let it be, know that we were never meant to be
One condition, at least, so you and I agree
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna, gonna be?
What's it gonna be?
[Chorus 1]
I don't think about the future (It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together (Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Chorus 2]
Can't you see that this is fading? (A love affair)
Baby, let's keep it out of our feelings (Baby, be fair)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Bridge]
And I don't wanna take this falling down, I'll be there
All I want is everything
[Chorus 1]
I don't think about the future (It doesn't matter)
Or whether we'll stay together (Whether we'll part)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Chorus 2]
Can't you see that this is fading? (A love affair)
Baby, let's keep it out of our feelings (Baby, be fair)
Making promises is dangerous (I'm just a phase)
I'm just your valentine
[Outro]
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope, turn to you but I hope
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope you know
Nowhere else to go
Turn to you but I hope, turn to you but I hope you know
Nom De Plume
Rina Sawayama is criminally underrated.
Y'all better make this girl blow up or I'mma be mad.
napukapu
Clarence Clarity producing is a big force along with this, creat collab
Eric Wtfsky
I just found her randomly on spotify. Yeah this is beyond incredible.
ilana
it happened!!!
motomami ~
we did queen
Not Today Satan
Nom De Plume frfr
Sigmaphied
I can't believe RINA singlehandedly saved Valentine's with this song
Mark
it's funny because it's supposed to be a song about her distaste of the day 😭
Digital Beasties
I like how they don’t post their stuff at the same time all the time. It keeps you in suspense as to when they’ll post something.
I Do Like Shit, I Do Go Outside
Really digging these new additions to 88rising, so good 👌