Love on the Brain Chords: Rihannas Romantic songs

WalkerAugust 28, 2023Last Updated: June 25, 2024

21 4 minutes read

Music is a universal language that has the remarkable ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Among the myriad of songs that have touched our hearts, Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain” stands out as a soul-stirring ballad that captures the essence of love, vulnerability, and longing. As we delve into the chords that underpin this emotional masterpiece, we’ll not only uncover the musical foundation of the song but also explore how its harmonies contribute to the depth of feeling that Rihanna conveys.

The Song’s Emotional Resonance

Released in 2016 as part of Rihanna’s eighth studio album, “Anti,” “Love on the Brain” immediately struck a chord with listeners due to its raw and heartfelt lyrics. The song delves into the complexity of love, the vulnerability it exposes, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. Rihanna’s soulful vocals bring the lyrics to life, conveying a sense of yearning and pain that is palpable to anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of love.

The Chord Progression

At the core of “Love on the Brain” is a chord progression that reinforces the song’s emotional intensity. The verses are built upon a simple yet effective progression of Bb – Gm – Eb – F. This sequence creates a melancholic and reflective mood, mirroring the lyrics’ contemplation of a tumultuous relationship.

The pre-chorus transitions to a Cm chord, introducing a subtle shift in tonality that adds depth to the narrative. The pre-chorus chords then lead seamlessly into the chorus, which features a powerful progression of Gm – Eb – F – Bb. This chorus progression is crucial in conveying the emotional crescendo of the song, symbolizing the height of the singer’s feelings and the peak of their emotional turmoil.

[Intro]
G Am Em D
 
[Verse 1]
D                        G
Baby, you got me like oh-oh
         Am
What you want from me?
       Em
And I try to buy your pretty love
               D
The price to high
                         G
Baby, you got me like oh-oh
            Am
Love when I fall apart
           Em
So you can put me together
                      D
Throw me against the wall
                      G
Baby, you got me like ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Am
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
           Em
Don't stop loving me
 
Just keep loving me
           D
Just start loving me
 
 
[Pre-chorus]
          F
Oh-oh and babe
                   C
Fist fighting with fire
            G
Just to get close to you
Can we burn something, babe?
F              C
And I drive for miles
              D
Just to get a taste
 
[Chorus]
                    G
Must be love on the brain
             Am
That’s got me feeling this way
         Em
It beats me black and blue
But it hurts me so good
       D
That I can't get enough
                    G
Must be love on the brain
            Am
And it's cursing my name
    Em
No matter what I do
I can't live without you
      D
So I can't get enough
                    D
Must be love on the brain
 
[Verse 2]
           Am
And you're loving me
Em
Just keep loving me
                    D
All you gotta do is love me
               G
You got me like ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
               Am
Tired of being played like a violin
            Em
When are you gonna let me in?
                 D
Your ever loving heart
                 G
Baby, you got me like ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Am
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
          Em
Don't stop loving me
Don't quit loving me
           D
Just start loving me
 
[Pre-Chorus]
          F
Oh-oh and babe
                   C
Fist fighting with fire
             G
Just to get close to you
Can we burn something, babe?
        F       C
And I drive for miles
              D
Just to get a taste
 
[Chorus]
                    G
Must be love on the brain
       Am
Got me feeling this way
         Em
It beats me black and blue
But it hurts me so good
       D
That I can't get enough
                    G
Must be love on the brain
        Am
And it's cursing my name
    Em
No matter what I do
I can't live without you
     D
So I can't get enough
 
                    G
Must be love on the brain
           Am
And you're loving me
          Em
Just keep loving me
             D
Yeah, you're loving me

The Impact of Chord Voicings

Beyond the chord progressions themselves, the way these chords are voiced on the piano or played on other instruments also contributes to the song’s emotional impact. For instance, playing the chords with arpeggios or broken chord patterns can create a sense of fragility and vulnerability, aligning perfectly with the song’s themes.

Rihanna’s Performance

Rihanna’s performance adds an extra layer of depth to the chords. Her emotive vocals, with their rich timbre and vocal nuances, bring out the pain and passion encapsulated in the song. The way she leans into certain notes and phrases, as well as her subtle vocal runs, further accentuates the raw emotion of the lyrics.

“Love on the Brain” by Rihanna is a testament to the power of music to express complex emotions. The carefully crafted chord progressions provide a solid foundation for the song’s emotional journey, while Rihanna’s soulful delivery elevates the song to a level of profound vulnerability and authenticity. As listeners, we can appreciate not only the technical aspects of the chord progression but also the way it harmonizes with the lyrics to create a deeply moving experience. So, the next time you listen to “Love on the Brain,” take a moment to let the chords and lyrics wash over you, allowing yourself to be immersed in the beautifully poignant world that Rihanna has crafted.