Welcome back to this week’s edition of The Wichitan’s song of the week.  In celebration of the life and legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman and in response to Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the song of the week is “Lift Me Up” by CEO of Fenty Beauty and Barbadian singer-songwriter Rihanna. Released October 28 as the opening track for the soundtrack for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Lift Me Up” is a song about feeling hurt and going through emotional pain but also needing the comfort and support of a loved one. “Lift Me Up” was written as a tribute to the passing of Chadwick Boseman.

After a six-year hiatus to focus on her makeup and beauty company, CEO and singer-songwriter, Rihanna came back to the music industry to co-write and record the hit single. Albeit Rihanna’s unquestionable talent, she co-writes the song alongside Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson, American director and producer Ryan Coogler and Nigerian singer-songwriter Temilade Opeyini most commonly known as Tems. 

“Lift Me Up” is my second favorite song from the movie’s soundtrack after “No Woman, No Cry.” “Lift Me Up” is about being in pain from the loss of a loved one and wanting nothing but the comfort of said loved one. The song is a reference to Chadwick Boseman and how a lot of his fans wish he were still alive. The instrumental composition of the song in addition to Rihanna’s vocals plus Tem’s background vocals perfectly illustrate the feelings that are sung about in the song.

My favorite aspect of the song is the lyricality. Although Ludwig Göransson is very well known for amazing musical composition skills and Ryan Coogler for his directing skill not just for movies but for sound, not much is known about their songwriting skills. Rihanna, Tems, Ludwig Göransson and Ryan Coogler channel their memories of Chadwick Boseman and the feeling of losing a loved one to tell the story of feeling hurt and wanting comfort.

My favorite lyric in the song is 

“Drowning in an endless sea

Take some time and stay with me

Keep me in the strength of your arms

Keep me safe

Safe and sound”

Losing a loved one is something we as humans unfortunately and collectively experience and “Lift Me Up” is a perfect example of that. The song is an amazing listen but most importantly, it is an amazing tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.