The Meaning Behind The Song: California King Bed by Rihanna
Rihanna’s hit song “California King Bed” took the airwaves by storm in 2010. The song was written by Andrew Harr and Jermaine Jackson, with Rihanna contributing to the songwriting as well. The track was produced by The Runners, a hip-hop production duo composed of Jermaine Jackson and Andrew Harr.
With its emotive lyrics, soulful melody, and Rihanna’s powerful vocals, “California King Bed” was an instant success and went on to be certified Platinum in the US, UK, and Australia. But what is the meaning behind the song? In this article, we will dive deep into the lyrics and explore the subtext behind Rihanna’s emotional ballad.
The Lyrics
Before we dissect the lyrics of “California King Bed” it’s best if we take a look at them first.
[Verse 1]Chest to chest, nose-to-nose, palm-to-palm, we were always just that close
Wrist to wrist, toe-to-toe, lips that felt just like the inside of a rose
So how come when I reach out my fingers
It feels like more than distance between us?
In this California king bed, we’re ten thousand miles apart
I’ve been California wishing on these stars
For your heart, for me, my California king [Chorus]
Eye to eye, cheek to cheek, side by side, you were sleeping next to me
Arm in arm, dusk to dawn, with the curtains drawn
And a little last night on these sheets
So how come when I reach out my fingers
It seems like more than distance between us?
In this California king bed, we’re ten thousand miles apart
I’ve been California wishing on these stars
For your heart, for me, my California king [Verse 2]
Just when I felt like giving up on us
You turned around and gave me one last touch
That made everything feel better
And even then my eyes got wetter
So confused when I asked you if you love me
But I don’t wanna seem so weak (hmm)
Maybe I’ve been California dreaming (ooh)
In this California king bed, we’re ten thousand miles apart
I’ve been California wishing on these stars
For your heart, for me, my California king [Chorus]
Eye to eye, cheek to cheek, side by side, you were sleeping next to me
Arm in arm, dusk to dawn, with the curtains drawn
And a little last night on these sheets
So how come when I reach out my fingers
It seems like more than distance between us?
In this California king bed, we’re ten thousand miles apart
I’ve been California wishing on these stars (California wishing)
For your heart, for me, my California king [Bridge]
A bed that’s too big without you, oh, yeah
And I’ll be there when the morning comes
I’ll be there when the morning comes
Oh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, oh-oh, oh-oh [Chorus]
In this California king bed, we’re ten thousand miles apart
I’ve been California wishing on these stars (California wishing)
For your heart, for me, my California king
As you can see, the song is about a long-distance relationship and all the heartbreak that comes along with it. The lyrics describe the physical distance between two lovers who are not able to communicate the way they would like to. The song is heartbreaking but also hopeful, as it suggests that love can endure even when facing immense struggle.
The Subtext Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics of “California King Bed” describe a relationship that has been tested by distance and hardship. The verses are full of tender imagery, such as “chest to chest, nose-to-nose, palm-to-palm” which illustrate the closeness of the two lovers before they were separated by distance.
The chorus describes how the physical distance between them has ruptured the relationship. This is summed up in the line “In this California king bed, we’re ten thousand miles apart” which highlights the emotional distance between the couple.
The second verse is darker than the first, as it conveys a sense of hopelessness and isolation. The line “Just when I felt like giving up on us, you turned around and gave me one last touch” describes a turning point in the relationship when all hope seemed lost.
The bridge and final chorus provide a glimmer of hope, as it suggests that the couple will be reunited in the morning. This final chorus indicates that love can overcome adversity and that even at the darkest of times, there is always hope.
FAQs
Q1: Who wrote “California King Bed”?
A1: The song was written by Andrew Harr and Jermaine Jackson, with Rihanna contributing to the songwriting as well.
Q2: What inspired “California King Bed”?
A2: The song was inspired by a long-distance relationship that Rihanna was in at the time.
Q3: What genre is “California King Bed”?
A3: “California King Bed” is a pop ballad.
Q4: What was the reception of “California King Bed”?
A4: “California King Bed” was a commercial success and went on to be certified Platinum in the US, UK, and Australia.
Q5: Does “California King Bed” have any political or social impacts?
A5: The song does not have any political or social impact.
Q6: What is the message of “California King Bed”?
A6: The song is about the emotional distance between two lovers who are facing the challenges of a long-distance relationship.
Q7: Is “California King Bed” based on a true story?
A7: The song was inspired by Rihanna’s own long-distance relationship, but it is not an autobiographical account.
Q8: Did Rihanna perform “California King Bed” live?
A8: Rihanna has performed “California King Bed” live numerous times, including during her “Loud” tour.
Q9: Are there any covers of “California King Bed”?
A9: Yes, there are numerous covers of “California King Bed” on YouTube.
Q10: Did “California King Bed” win any awards?
A10: “California King Bed” was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 54th Grammy Awards but did not win.
Q11: What is the meaning of the title “California King Bed”?
A11: The title “California King Bed” is a metaphor for the emotional distance between two lovers.
Q12: What are some other songs by Rihanna that are similar to “California King Bed”?
A12: Other Rihanna songs that are similar in tone and theme to “California King Bed” include “Stay,” “Love on the Brain,” and “Unfaithful.”
Conclusion
“California King Bed” is an emotional ballad that captures the feelings of a couple struggling with a long-distance relationship. The song is a powerful testament to the endurance of love, even in the face of adversity. Rihanna’s vocals are particularly moving, as she conveys the conflicting emotions of love, heartbreak, and hope in her delivery.
Despite the sad themes of the song, it is ultimately a hopeful and uplifting anthem that reminds us that even when physical distance separates us, love can still bind us together. The song is a testament to the power of music to express our deepest emotions and connect us on a profound level.
