Work

Chorus: Rihanna

Work, work, work, work, work, workHe said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, workHe see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirtAh so me put in work, work, work, work, work, workWhen you ah guh learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?Me nuh cyar if him hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting

Verse 1: Rihanna

Dry, me ah desert himNuh time to have you lurkingHim ah go act like he nuh like itYou know I dealt with you the nicestNuh body touch me, you nuh righteousNuh badda, text me in a crisisI believed all of your dreams, adorationYou took my heart and my keys and my patienceYou took my heart on my sleeve for decorationYou mistaken my love I brought for you for foundationAll that I wanted from you was to give meSomething that I never hadSomething that you've never seenSomething that you've never been, mmBut I wake up and act like nothing's wrong

Chorus: Rihanna

Just get ready fi work, work, work, work, work, workHe said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, workHe see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirtAh so me put in work, work, work, work, work, workNer, ner, ner, ner, ner, nerWhen you ah guh learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?Before the tables turn, turn, turn, turn, turn, turn

Verse 2: Rihanna

Beg you something, pleaseBaby, don't you leaveDon't leave me stuck here in the streets, uh-huhIf I get another chance toI will never, no, never neglect youI mean, who am I to hold your past against you?I just hope that it gets to youI hope that you see this throughI hope that you see this trueWhat can I say?Please recognize I'm tryin', babe

Chorus: Rihanna & Drake

I haffi work, work, work, work, work, workHe said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, workHe see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirtSo me put in work, work, work, work, work, workWhen you ah guh learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?Me nuh cyar if him hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting (Yeah, okay)

Verse 3: Drake, Rihanna, Both

You need to get done, done, done, done at work, come overWe just need to slow the motionDon't give that away to no oneLong distance, I need you (Ah)When I see potential, I just gotta see it throughIf you had a twin, I would still choose youI don't wanna rush into it if it's too soonBut I know you need to get done, done, done, doneIf you come overSorry if I'm way less friendlyI got niggas tryna end me, oh (Yeah)I spilled all my emotions tonight, I'm sorryRollin', rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'How many more shots until you're rollin'?We just need a face-to-faceYou could pick the time and the placeYou spent some time awayNow you need to forward

Chorus: Rihanna, Rihanna & Drake

And give me all the work, work, work, work, work, workHe said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, workHe see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirtSo me put in work, work, work, work, work, workWhen you ah guh learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?Me nuh cyar if him hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting

Outro: Rihanna, Rihanna & Drake

MmMmWork, work, work, work, work, workMm

What the song means

A relationship song exploring themes of effort, dedication, and heartbreak. The speaker has given everything to a partner who doesn't value it, yet still hopes for reconciliation. The repeated word "work" represents both the effort relationships require and intimate moments. It's about recognizing your worth while struggling to let go of someone you love.

Learn a word

haffi — have to / must

Jamaican Patois for "have to"; expresses necessity or obligation