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 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 predominant emotional atmosphere of "Earned It" is one of intense sensuality, adoration, and sophisticated romance, tinged with The Weeknd's signature darkness. The emotion is crafted through a careful combination of elements. The lush, orchestral strings and the gentle, waltz-like rhythm create a grand, cinematic, and passionate backdrop. The Weeknd's vocal performance is central to the emotional landscape; his smooth, soaring falsetto conveys a sense of longing and tender devotion, while his more grounded verses have a confessional vulnerability. The lyrics, which express profound appreciation and validation ("'Cause girl, you're perfect"), evoke feelings of deep love and admiration. However, lines like "You know our love would be tragic" and the context of the Fifty Shades of Grey film introduce a darker, more complex undercurrent of intensity and unconventional love. The overall feeling is not just simple romance, but a powerful, all-encompassing, and slightly dangerous devotion.

"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 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.

What is the song 'Earned It' by The Weeknd about?

'Earned It' is a song about deep admiration and validation for a romantic partner. Written for 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' it conveys a message that the person's love and affection have been truly earned through their unique character and actions, setting them apart from past, superficial relationships.

Was 'Earned It' written for the movie Fifty Shades of Grey?

Yes, 'Earned It' was written specifically as the lead single for the 2015 film 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. The Weeknd was involved early in the film's music production, and the song was tailored to fit the movie's seductive and complex romantic themes.

What awards did 'Earned It' by The Weeknd win?

'Earned It' won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as two other Grammys.

What is the time signature of 'Earned It'?

The song is notable for its waltz-like rhythm, which is in a 3/4 or 6/8 time signature. This choice of a triple meter is unusual for a modern pop/R&B hit and gives the song its distinctive, cinematic, and swaying feel.

Who produced 'Earned It'?

The song was produced by Canadian composer Stephan Moccio and The Weeknd's frequent collaborator Jason 'DaHeala' Quenneville. Moccio is credited with the song's signature piano and lush string arrangements.

Why is the phrase 'you earned it' so significant in the song?

The phrase symbolizes a deep level of respect and validation. In the context of the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' story, it subverts power dynamics by suggesting the partner has earned love and admiration through their own merit and authenticity, making the connection feel more profound than a simple attraction.

Who appears in the 'Earned It' music video?

The music video features The Weeknd performing on a theater stage. It includes a cameo by Dakota Johnson, the lead actress from 'Fifty Shades of Grey', and features a burlesque routine with BDSM-inspired themes, mirroring the film's aesthetic.