“California King Bed” by Rihanna

Within the grand scheme of “California King Bed”, the size of the titular bed can be taken as metaphorical as opposed to literal. An actual California King bed tends to be the largest commonly available. And chances are that Rihanna chose it for that very fact, i.e. to symbolize their being ample space between she and the addressee, even though they are sleeping on the same mattress.

In other words, what we are dealing with here is a song whereas the vocalist is lamenting upon realizing that she and her significant other are not close in the internal sense of the word. The source of this disconnect between them is not specified. Also, whether or not Rihanna is actually lamenting, from solely a lyrical perspective, is a matter of perspective.

But what is solidly inferred, via the bridge, is that the vocalist does idealize her and her sweetheart breaking this invisible barrier and becoming close, presumably as they were during the earlier days of this relationship. 

However, part of this discontent that exists between them obviously has something to do with communication/self-esteem issues. So even though Riri does desire a heartfelt conversation with the addressee pertaining to the status of their romance, at this current point she is discouraged from openly pursuing it, as she does not want to show him any sign of weakness.

Rihanna talks about this Song

According to Rihanna, the lyrics of “California King Bed” talk about the situation where you are close to your significant other yet feel far away from them. She has compared that feeling to no longer having romantic love for your significant other.

Facts about “California King Bed”

“California King Bed” isn’t one of Rihanna’s bigger hits, but it was still a major success. For instance, this track proceeded to chart in approximately 30 nations. It also scored a couple of number ones along the way, such as topping the US Dance Club Songs chart. 

Moreover, amongst its many certifications, it has thus far achieved double-platinum status in the US and Australia.

This track was produced by The Runners, a duo from Orlando who have worked with quite a few hip-hop oriented A listers. And they are also credited as writers of “California King Bed”, in conjunction with these writers:

• Priscilla Renea
• Alex Delicata
• Mayne Zane

This track came out on 12 November 2010 with the rest of “Loud”, Rihanna’s fifth studio album, as backed by Def Jam Records.

However, on May 13, 2011, Def Jam released it as Loud‘s sixth single.

Music Video

Anthony Mandler, who has directed a slew of Rihanna’s videos prior to this one, also served said role for “California King Bed”. The clip features a bed measuring a whopping 18 feet in length which was created specifically for it. 

To note, a California King-sized mattress, the largest commonly sold in places like the United states, is about 72 by 84 inches. That is less than half the size of the one used in the video.

More Interesting Stuff

Rihanna described this as ‘one of her favorite songs’ on “Loud”.

Circa its release, this song was used to promote products made by Nivea, a Germany-based skin and body care company, as Rihanna was officially working with them at the time.

The first time Rihanna performed this track live was actually at the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards, which were held during April of that year. And she did so alongside Jennifer Nettles, who is down with an act known as Sugarland.

What genre is “California King Bed”?

This can be classified into the following music genres:

• R&B
• Alternative Rock

Chart Performance

“California King Bed” topped Poland and Slovakia’s charts in 2011. In the UK Singles, it was a top-10 hit, peaking at #8. On the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, it reached #37.

In addition to the aforementioned success, “California King Bed” also enjoyed top-10 status in at least a dozen other countries, including:

Cover Versions

“California King Bed” has been covered by the likes of:

• Canadian singer-songwriter Stephen Scaccia
• Irish singer and guitarist Allie Sherlock
• Philippines band Gigi and Band

Pia Toscano and Stefano Langone performed the song live on the American Idols Live Tour during the show’s tenth season.