englishR&B, Pop, Reggae
Work Lyrics
by Rihanna
Lyricist: Robyn, St. John Fiddes, William Adams
21 views • Published on Sep 28, 2026
Work Lyrics
Work, work, work, work, work, work
He said me haffi
Work, work, work, work, work, work!
He see me do mi
Dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt!
So me put in
Work, work, work, work, work, work
When you ah guh
Learn, learn, learn, learn, learn
Meh nuh cyar if him
Hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting
Dry me ah desert him
Nuh time to have you lurking
Him ah go act like he nah like it
You know I dealt with you the nicest
Nuh body touch me in the righteous
Nuh botha, text me in a crisis
I believed all of your dreams, adoration
You took my heart and my keys and my patience
You took my heart on my sleeve for decoration
You mistaken my love I brought for you for foundation
All that I wanted from you was to give me
Something that I never had
Something that you've never seen
Something that you've never been!
Mmmmm!
But I wake up and act like nothing's wrong
Just get ready fi...
Work, work, work, work, work, work
He said me haffi
Work, work, work, work, work, work!
He see me do mi
Dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt!
So me put in
Work, work, work, work, work, work
Ner ner ner ner ner ner!
When you a guh ner ner ner ner ner ner!
Before the tables turn turn turn turn turn turn!
Beg you something please
Baby don't you leave
Don't leave me stuck here in the streets, uh huh
If I get another chance to
I will never, no never neglect you
I mean who am I to hold your past against you?
I just hope that it gets to you
I hope that you see this through
I hope that you see this true
What can I say?
Please recognize I'm tryin', babe!!!
I have to
Work, work, work, work, work, work
He said me haffi
Work, work, work, work, work, work!
He see me do mi
Dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt!
So me put in
Work, work, work, work, work, work
When you ah guh
Learn, learn, learn, learn, learn
Meh nuh cyar if him
Hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting
Yeah, okay
You need to get done, done, done, done at work, come over
We just need to slow the motion
Don't give that away to no one
Long distance, I need you
When I see potential I just gotta see it through
If you had a twin, I would still choose you
I don't wanna rush into it, if it's too soon
But I know you need to get done, done, done, done
If you come over
Sorry if I'm way less friendly
I got niggas tryna end me, oh
I spilled all my emotions tonight, I'm sorry
Rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
How many more shots until you're rollin'?
We just need a face to face
You could pick the time and the place
You spent some time away
Now you need to forward and give me all the...
Work, work, work, work, work, work
He said me haffi
Work, work, work, work, work, work
He se me do mi
Dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt!
So me put in
Work, work, work, work, work, work
When you ah guh
Learn, learn, learn, learn, learn
Meh nuh cyar if him
Hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting
Mmmmm, mmmmm
Mmmmm, mmmmm
Work, work, work, work, work, work
Mmmmm, mmmmm
Meaning of Work
“Work” by Rihanna is a potent declaration of self-sufficiency and emotional detachment delivered with a simmering undercurrent of hurt. The song’s central theme revolves around establishing boundaries after a painful relationship, framed as an almost compulsive need to “work,” representing both labor and a strategic defense against vulnerability. Rihanna meticulously constructs a narrative of being repeatedly exploited – the insistent “he said me haffi work” echoing a cycle of obligation and devaluation – leading to a deliberate accumulation of "dirt," symbolizing the emotional residue left behind by this individual’s possessiveness and disregard for her feelings. The repetition of “work, work, work” isn't simply about productivity; it’s a rhythmic assertion of self-worth and an active rejection of allowing herself to be consumed.
The lyrics reveal a complex mix of emotions – initial belief and adoration (“believed all of your dreams”) quickly dissolving into recognition of manipulation (“You took my heart and my keys”). Despite acknowledging the desire for reciprocation, Rihanna establishes firm limits, rejecting dependence and asserting her independence with phrases like “I believe all of your dreams,” emphasizing a calculated distance. The final plea – "Please recognize I'm tryin', babe!!!" – is tinged with desperation yet ultimately serves to reinforce her newly constructed armor. Ultimately, the song isn’t about romantic longing; it’s a powerful statement about reclaiming agency and refusing to be defined by another person’s needs or expectations, showcasing Rihanna’s signature blend of vulnerability and unapologetic self-preservation.
Tags:
rihannawork ethicempoweringdancehallcaribbean music
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