Meaning of “Umbrella” by Rihanna (ft. Jay-Z)

The titular metaphor / thesis sentiment revolves around Rihanna assuring the addressee that he or she can “stand under (her) umbrella”. In other words, she is ever willing to receive and support this individual. 

And it’s easy to presume that said addressee is a romantic interest as, for instance, the vocalist refers to this person as “baby” in the first verse and also refers to their “love” in the bridge. But as relayed in the chorus, Ri-Ri’s commitment to this person is based on her vowing to ‘always be their friend’, not their lover.

And with that in mind, this is an interesting and even inspirational song if a listener takes time to really pay attention to the lyrics. Due to the popularity and influence of the likes of Jay-Z and Rihanna, there have been a lot of conspiracy theories associated with “Umbrella”, particularly as far as its music video goes. But as for the actual lyrics of the song, what’s being put forth is not only timeless but also, may we also say, quite righteous.

The Lyrics

What we are met with here, most simply put, is Rihanna pledging her friendship to the addressee. In the previous sentence, we intentionally referred to the vocalist by her real name because the lyrics are relayed from someone who is apparently rich and famous, not a layman. 

Or in any event, the premise behind what’s being put forth recognizes that the relationship at hand – in theory or, let’s say from the perspective of the addressee – may be threatened by the vocalist’s fame and wealth.

So the bulk of the wording is dedicated to the task of assuring the person being sung to that the vocalist does not have any intention of abandoning their relationship. 

Or more frankly explained, it’s as if we have two individuals here – friends, lovers or whatever they may be. And one of them has become a celebrity, while the other has not. So the famous one is assuring the other that she will stay true to their “oath” by staying committed “until the end”. 

“When the sun shine, we shine together
Told you I’ll be here forever
Said I’ll always be your friend
Took an oath, I’ma stick it out to the end
Now that it’s raining more than ever
Know that we’ll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella”

And where the umbrella metaphor comes into play is via Rihanna relatedly guaranteeing this individual that if they need any support, she will be there to provide it, which is an idea that’s also buttressed in her two verses, as well as the bridge.

Meanwhile, whereas Jigga does a sound job of setting the track off, his brief contribution does not stick to the main subject matter at hand. Rather, Jay-Z obviously interpreted a song titled “umbrella” as an opportunity to engage in the type of wealth-based braggadocio he’s become famous for, albeit via the utilization of rain-related metaphors. 

But the focus of his verse isn’t so much on himself as it is the entire Roc-A-Fella clique, including Rihanna, who was a de facto member of the crew until she formally joined Roc Nation a couple of years after this track was dropped.

Facts about “Umbrella”

“Umbrella” was released on March 29, 2007.

This song, which features American rapper, Jay-Z, was the lead single from Rihanna’s third studio album, Good Girl Turn Bad.

Rihanna and Jay-Z, together with the song’s co-producers, Tricky Stewart and Kuk Harrell, are credited for writing the song.

In the UK, the song was set the record for the longest track to remain on top of the UK Singles Chart after it enjoyed ten consecutive weeks at the summit of the chart.

Also, “Umbrella” stayed at number one of the US Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks.

The single became Rihanna’s biggest selling single in 2008, after it sold over 600,000 copies. It was also one of the most successful singles of 2008.

“Umbrella” also features in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Did “Umbrella” win a Grammy?

The song won Rihanna and Jay-Z the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. Furthermore, it was nominated for the Record of the Year and the Song of the Year at the 2008 Grammys. It lost both awards to Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab“.