Consideration

"Consideration" serves as the opening track and mission statement for Rihanna's album Anti. The song is a powerful declaration of artistic independence and a rebellion against the constraints of the commercial pop machine. Lyrically, it's about Rihanna breaking free from the expectations of her record label and the public, demanding the space to create music on her own terms. Phrases like, "I got to do things my own way, darling" and the pointed question, "Will you ever respect me? No," directly address her struggle for creative control and artistic respect. Analysts note that the song reflects her transition from Def Jam to Roc Nation and her decision to take the helm of her career. The track finds Rihanna moving away from the radio-friendly hits that defined her early career towards a sound that felt more authentic to her. SZA's featured vocals add a layer of vulnerability and echo the song's theme of seeking peace of mind amidst external pressures. Ultimately, "Consideration" is a bold announcement of a new era for Rihanna, one marked by self-determination, artistic risk, and raw honesty.

The narrative begins with a sense of frustrated youthfulness, using imagery of Neverland to suggest a state of arrested development. The protagonist feels trapped, fluttering in a world where she is not allowed to mature or evolve, despite time's unstoppable march. She questions why external forces perpetually stunt her growth. This frustration is coupled with a feeling of being misunderstood; her actions and words seem to be misinterpreted, requiring her to constantly explain herself, yet clarity remains elusive. The core of her message is a powerful and repeated demand for autonomy. She insists, with an air of finality, that she must pursue her own path and make her own decisions. This isn't just a preference but a necessity for her survival and integrity as an artist. She directly confronts the sources of this control—be it the industry, critics, or public expectation—questioning if she will ever be granted the freedom or respect she deserves, only to answer her own question with a resounding "No." This rejection fuels her determination to break free.

There's a palpable sense of mental and emotional exhaustion. Looking out the window, a simple act, brings no solace, only a confirmation of her lack of peace. This recurring image underscores a deep-seated unrest and the high personal cost of her public life. SZA's ethereal vocals echo this sentiment, reinforcing the longing for tranquility amidst the chaos. The protagonist then shifts her focus to her own capabilities and the perceived shortcomings of others. She makes a bold, almost alchemical claim: she can take others' mediocre work and transform it into something valuable and brilliant, metaphorically covering it in glitter to make it gold. This is a direct assertion of her talent and star power. It's followed by a critique of those who she perceives as selling their souls for fame or who are losing their relevance, hinting at a transactional and ultimately hollow industry. In a moment of vulnerability, she pleads for a respite from the constant scrutiny, asking for a break for her own reflection, weary from the pain of the image it's forced to behold. The song culminates not in a resolution but in a reaffirmation of her central thesis: the unwavering need to do things her own way. It is a declaration of artistic liberation, a mission statement that sets a defiant, introspective, and revolutionary tone. The lingering feeling is one of struggle and the relentless pursuit of peace of mind in a world that denies it.

"Consideration" was written by Rihanna (credited as Robyn Fenty), SZA (Solana Rowe), and Tyran Donaldson (also known as Scum). Donaldson also produced the track, with vocal production handled by Kuk Harrell. The song was recorded at Jungle City Studios in New York City. An interesting part of its history is that the song was originally written and intended for SZA's own album, which would become Ctrl. SZA has stated she was "devastated" to give the song away, as she considered it a centerpiece for her project and had even shot a video for it. The transfer happened after SZA attended a writing camp for Rihanna. Despite having writer's block, she played the already-completed "Consideration" to impress Pharrell Williams, and Rihanna immediately wanted it for Anti. The decision was ultimately made at the label level. SZA later expressed that while initially frustrating, she's glad it happened and that she gained a lot from the collaboration, which featured her vocals prominently and helped increase her visibility. The song's creation, therefore, represents a pivotal moment for both artists—a declaration of independence for Rihanna and an early, albeit bittersweet, major placement for SZA.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Consideration" are unconventional and contribute significantly to its defiant and laid-back feel. The song largely employs a loose, conversational rhyme scheme rather than a strict, predictable pattern, aligning with its theme of breaking free from formula. The rhythm is a defining feature, built on a "stuttering, distorted beat" and a heavy, dub-inspired bass line that creates a loping, off-kilter groove. The tempo is a moderate 145 beats per minute, but the syncopation and glitchy production give it a relaxed, almost "stoner vibe." Rihanna's vocal rhythm is particularly notable; she flows over the beat with a confident cadence that emphasizes her Barbadian patois. This interplay between her relaxed, accent-inflected lyrical delivery and the hard-hitting, minimalist beat is central to the song's power. It feels less like she is following the music and more like the music is bending to her will, reinforcing the track's message of her taking control. SZA's lighter, more melodic phrasing in the post-chorus offers a rhythmic and tonal contrast, adding to the song's dynamic texture.

"Consideration" is distinguished by its unique musical and vocal style, marking a deliberate departure from Rihanna's previous pop formula. Musically, the track is characterized as a "glitchy, dub-inspired" pop and hip-hop song. Its instrumentation features a heavy, throbbing bass line, pounding percussion, and a stuttering, distorted beat that creates a crunchy, lo-fi groove. Some critics have noted that the bass line appears to be lifted from Common's "Be (Intro)". This minimalist yet hard-hitting production sets a raw and moody tone for the entire Anti album.

Vocal delivery is another key stylistic element. Rihanna's tone is described as "pugnacious, but playful." She prominently uses her Barbadian accent and patois, especially in lines like, "Will you ever let me? Will you ever respect me? No!", which adds a layer of authenticity and defiance. Her vocal performance shifts dynamically, jumping from powerful low notes to her head voice. SZA's ethereal, airy vocals provide a contrasting texture, enhancing the song's feeling of unrest and longing.

As the opening track of Anti, "Consideration" had a significant cultural impact by signaling a major artistic pivot for Rihanna. It was met with critical acclaim, with reviewers praising it as a bold "mission statement" that perfectly set the tone for the album's departure from mainstream pop. The song was seen as the moment Rihanna fully came into her own as an "auteur," taking charge of her sound and image. Although not released as a commercial single initially, a dance remix EP was issued in December 2017, which led the song to reach number one on the US Dance Club Songs chart. The track's rebellious spirit and its lyrical nods to her 2014 departure from Def Jam to Roc Nation were widely discussed, cementing Anti's narrative as her declaration of independence. Rihanna performed "Consideration" with SZA at the 2016 Brit Awards, which was her first major performance promoting the album. The collaboration also boosted SZA's profile, introducing her to a wider audience before the release of her own acclaimed album, Ctrl.

The lyrics of "Consideration" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that reinforce its central theme of independence.

• Neverland Metaphor: The opening line, "I come fluttering in from Neverland," directly references Peter Pan. This metaphor is used to symbolize a state of forced immaturity, where Rihanna feels that the industry or external forces will "never let me grow." It powerfully conveys her feeling of being artistically stifled and seen as a perpetual pop product rather than an evolving artist.
• Covering "Shit in Glitter": The line, "Let me cover your shit in glitter, I can make it gold," is a bold and rebellious metaphor for her star power and talent. It's an assertion that she can take subpar material given to her and turn it into a commercial success, highlighting her value and critiquing the quality of what she's been offered in the past.
• Giving a "Reflection a Break": When she sings, "Darling, would you mind giving my reflection a break from the pain it's feeling now?", the "reflection" symbolizes her public persona and image. It's a plea to be relieved from the constant scrutiny and the emotional toll of maintaining a manufactured identity, expressing a deep weariness with fame.

The most significant recurring lyrical motif in "Consideration" is the assertive declaration: "I got to do things my own way, darling." This phrase is the song's thesis, repeated in the chorus to hammer home the central theme of artistic autonomy and defiance. Its repetition acts as a mantra of self-determination. This is immediately followed by the recurring, frustrated plea and its self-aware answer: "Will you ever let me? / Will you ever respect me? No," and the accusatory question, "Why you will never let me grow?" These lines, repeated together, create a powerful motif of struggle against external control. Another key recurring element is the phrase sung by SZA, "When I look outside my window / I can't get no peace of mind." This refrain serves as an atmospheric motif, illustrating the internal cost of the external battle for control and respect. It grounds Rihanna's defiance in a feeling of personal weariness and longing for tranquility, making the fight for independence feel not just rebellious but necessary for her well-being.