Man Down

About Man Down

"Man Down" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). Singer Shontelle and production duo Rock City wrote the song with its main producer, Sham. They wrote it during a writing camp, in Los Angeles of March 2010, held by Rihanna's record label to gather compositions for possible inclusion on the then-untitled album. Rock City were inspired by Bob Marley's 1973 song "I Shot the Sheriff" and set out to create a song which embodied the same feel, but from a female perspective. "Man Down" is a reggae song which incorporates elements of ragga and electronic music. Lyrically, Rihanna is a fugitive after she shoots a man, an action she later regrets. Several critics singled out "Man Down" as Loud's highlight, while others commented on her prominent West Indian accent and vocal agility. Def Jam released "Man Down" on May 3, 2011, as the fifth single from the album. In the United States, the single reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song topped the chart in France for five consecutive weeks and reached the top three in Belgium and the Netherlands. Anthony Mandler directed its music video, in which Rihanna's character shoots a man after he rapes her. The video was criticized by the Parents Television Council, Industry Ears and Mothers Against Violence, who faulted Rihanna for suggesting that murder is an acceptable form of justice for rape victims. However, actress Gabrielle Union, a rape victim, praised the video for being relatable. "Man Down" was on the set list for three of Rihanna's tours – the Loud Tour (2011), the Diamonds World Tour (2013) and the Anti World Tour (2016). more »

Year:

2010

4:27

586 Views

Playlists:

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I didn't mean to end his life, I know it wasn't right
I can't even sleep at night, can't get it off my mind
I need to get out of sight, fore I end up behind bars

What started out as a simple altercation
Turned into a real sticky situation
Me just thinking on the time that I'm facing
Makes me wanna cry

'Cause I didn't mean to hurt him
Coulda been somebody's son
And I took his heart when
I pulled out that gun

Rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum bum
Man Down!
Rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum, bum rum bum bum bum
Man Down!

Oh mama mama mama
I just shot a man down
In central station
In front of a big ol' crowd
Oh, why? oh, why?
Oh mama mama mama
I just shot a man down
In central station

Little 22, I call her Peggy Sue
When she fits right down in my shoes
Whatchu expect me to do? if you're playing me for a fool
I will lose my cool, and reach for my fire arm

I didn't mean to lay him down
But its too late to turn back now
Don't know what I was thinking
Now he's no longer living
So I'm bout to leave town, aye uh

'Cause I didn't mean to hurt him
Coulda been somebody's son
And I took his heart when
I pulled out that gun

Rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum bum
Man Down!
Rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum, bum rum bum bum bum
Man Down!

Oh mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down
In central station
In front of a big ol' crowd
Oh, why? Oh, why?
Oh mama, mama, mama, I just shot a man down (Criminal)(In central station)

Said, "I'd never thought I'd do it
Never thought I'd do it, never thought I'd do it!
Oh gosh, What ever happened to me
Ever happened to me, ever happened to me?
Why did I pull the trigger, pull the trigger, pull the trigger? Boom
And end a nigga, end a nigga life so soon?
When mi pull the trigger, pull the trigger, pull it pon' you
Somebody tell me what I'm gonna, what I'm gonna do? Ehh

Rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum bum
Me say one man down (And wah me say)
Rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum bum, rum bum bum bum
Then me went downtown

'Cause now I'mma criminal, criminal, criminal
Oh lorda mercy, now I am a criminal
Man Down, tell the judge please gimme minimal
Run out a town none a dem can see me now

Oh mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down
In central station
In front of a big ol crowd
Oh, why? Oh, why?
Oh mama, mama, mama
I just shot a man down
In central station

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Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( /riˈɑːnə/ ree-AH-nə or /riˈænə/ ree-AN-ə; born February 20, 1988), known mononymously as Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist and actress. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, her career began when she met record producer Evan Rogers in late 2003. At age 16, she came to the United States to pursue a recording career and began recording demo tapes under Rogers' guidance, subsequently signing a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for Jay-Z. more »

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