Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey)

"Earned It" delves into themes of admiration, validation, and a complex, mature form of love. Written for the film Fifty Shades of Grey, the song's meaning is deeply intertwined with the movie's narrative of a BDSM relationship. The lyrics convey the perspective of a dominant figure (like Christian Grey) expressing genuine respect and adoration for his partner (Anastasia Steele). The repeated phrase, "'cause girl, you earned it," signifies that his affection isn't given lightly; it's a reward for her authenticity, her way of being, and her impact on him. This subverts typical power dynamics by suggesting the submissive partner holds a unique power and has earned her place and the love she receives. The line "I'm so used to being used" hints at a past filled with superficial encounters, making the current relationship feel genuine and profound in contrast. Furthermore, the acknowledgment that "our love would be tragic" speaks to the unconventional and potentially misunderstood nature of their bond, a common theme in The Weeknd's darker, melancholic style. Ultimately, the song is a celebration of a partner who is seen as perfect in their entirety, deserving of every bit of love and care offered.

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of a man expressing profound admiration and dedication to his partner. He begins by promising his unwavering care, highlighting how she makes their connection feel magical and effortless. In his eyes, she is the only one who matters, and his focus is never clouded. He admits to a history of being used in relationships, which makes her unexpected calls and spontaneous affection all the more meaningful to him; he cherishes the authenticity over calculated moments.

The central theme is articulated in the chorus, where he repeatedly affirms her perfection and worthiness. He insists that she deserves all the adoration she receives because she has truly "earned it" through her actions and the way she carries herself. This isn't just a passive declaration of love, but an active recognition of her value and the effort she puts forth. He acknowledges that their love might be perceived as "tragic" or unconventional by outsiders, but he urges her to ignore such judgments, as their private reality is all that matters.

He reminisces about a specific "lonely night" where what began as a physical encounter, not intended to be love, quickly escalated into a powerful, undeniable rush. This shared experience made them believe they were the only two people in the world, forging a deep bond from a place of shared internal brokenness. This vulnerability is the foundation of their intense connection. The song concludes by reinforcing the core message: her inherent perfection, her worth, and the fact that she has unequivocally earned his love and devotion, a sentiment repeated to emphasize its certainty and finality.

"Earned It" was specifically created as the lead single for the 2015 film Fifty Shades of Grey. The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was involved in the project from an early stage, working on several songs for various scenes. The film's director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, felt The Weeknd's "instantly seductive" voice was a perfect match for the film's tone, a sentiment Tesfaye echoed, calling the pairing a "match made in heaven." The song was co-written by Tesfaye, Stephan Moccio, Jason "DaHeala" Quenneville, and Ahmad Balshe (Belly). Moccio and Quenneville also produced the track. Moccio, who also co-wrote hits like Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball," provided the song's distinct piano and string arrangements. The song was recorded in 2014 and released on December 23 of that year. Mixing engineer Dave Reitzas noted that the producer's vision was for the song to be intensely "sexy and passionate," with the primary goal being to highlight Tesfaye's heartfelt vocal performance. The song appears twice in the film and was later included on The Weeknd's second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015).

The rhythmic structure of "Earned It" is one of its most defining features. The song is composed in a 3/4 or 6/8 time signature, giving it a distinct waltz-like feel. This triple meter is rare for a mainstream pop/R&B hit and contributes significantly to its grand, cinematic, and sensual atmosphere, setting it apart from typical 4/4 pop songs. The tempo is slow and deliberate, enhancing the song's passionate and intimate mood. The rhyme scheme is not strictly consistent but often follows patterns within verses, such as the use of slant rhymes and internal rhymes (e.g., "used" and "confused," "night" and "mind"). The chorus employs a more structured rhyme with perfect rhymes like "worth it" and "work it," culminating in the non-rhyming but impactful declaration "you earned it." This interplay between a flowing, almost free-verse lyrical rhythm and the strict, swaying waltz of the music creates a compelling tension that mirrors the song's themes of control and surrender. Analysis of The Weeknd's work often points to complex and varying rhyme schemes rather than simple, repetitive structures.

"Earned It" is notable for its unique musical and literary fusion. Musically, it blends the grandeur of a classical waltz with contemporary R&B. Its distinctive 3/4 or 6/8 time signature gives it a swirling, cinematic feel, which was uncommon for a pop ballad at the time. The lavish string arrangement and minimalist piano, courtesy of Stephan Moccio, create a sophisticated and classy atmosphere that contrasts with the explicit sensuality of the lyrics. Vocally, The Weeknd employs his signature soaring falsetto and smooth, doubled vocal tracks, which mixer David Reitzas describes as creating a unique, heartfelt performance. Reitzas intentionally used minimal vocal compression, instead riding the faders to preserve the emotional dynamics of the performance. Lyrically, the song uses direct address ("girl, you're perfect") and repetition of the key phrase "you earned it" to create a powerful, affirming hook. The narrative voice is intimate and confessional, particularly in lines like "I'm so used to being used," which adds a layer of vulnerability to the otherwise confident and adoring tone.

"Earned It" was a massive commercial and critical success, significantly elevating The Weeknd's career into the mainstream. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first top-five single. The song's popularity, alongside Ellie Goulding's "Love Me like You Do," gave the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack two concurrent top-ten hits. The track received widespread critical acclaim, a stark contrast to the film it accompanied. It garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. As of February 2023, "Earned It" has been certified Diamond by the RIAA, signifying over 10 million units sold in the U.S., making it The Weeknd's fifth song to achieve this milestone. The music video, directed by the film's director Sam Taylor-Johnson and featuring actress Dakota Johnson, was also popular and noted for its BDSM-themed burlesque visuals. The song solidified The Weeknd's persona as a master of dark, sensual R&B and proved his ability to craft major pop hits.

The central metaphor of "Earned It" is the idea of love and affection as something that is earned rather than freely given. This directly ties into the BDSM themes of Fifty Shades of Grey, where acts of submission and trust are rewarded. The phrase "girl, you earned it" symbolizes the speaker's validation of his partner's worth, suggesting she has passed a series of unspoken tests to win his deep admiration. The lyric "You make it look like it's magic" is a metaphor for the enchanting and almost supernatural effect the woman has on him, distinguishing her from his past, jaded experiences. The mention of their love being "tragic" can be seen as a metaphor for its unconventionality and the potential for pain that often accompanies deep, intense relationships, a signature element of The Weeknd's lyrical style. The song also uses the imagery of a "lonely night" that transforms into a profound connection, symbolizing a bond forged from shared vulnerability and a feeling of being "broken inside."

The most significant recurring motif in "Earned It" is the titular phrase "girl, you earned it" and its variations, such as "you're always worth it / And you deserve it." This lyrical hook is the core of the song's message, repeated in every chorus to reinforce the theme of validation and deserved love. Its repetition makes the affirmation feel definitive and deeply felt. Another recurring lyrical motif is the direct address "you" and "girl," which creates an intimate and personal tone, as if the singer is speaking directly to his subject. The phrase "I'ma care for you" is repeated at the beginning, establishing a promise of devotion that frames the entire song. Musically, the sweeping string melody acts as a recurring motif, returning throughout the song to lend it a consistent, cinematic, and elegant character. The song's ending, which fades out with a distorted vocal effect, was a "happy accident" in the mixing process and serves as a final, haunting motif.