What Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)” most evidently centers on is the notion of the vocalist desiring the undivided attention of her lover. She wants to be convinced that, in his eyes, she is “the only girl in the world”. Or put more into layman’s terms, she doesn’t want him to have any other romantic interest besides herself. The singer wants to be the one and only apple of her sweetheart’s eye.
But more to the point, as far as the verses are concerned, is how she intends to win his undivided attention. And that is by putting it on him. Indeed the verses are quite sexual, even if artistically put. Moreover, Rihanna is intent on receiving as well as giving. For it is also implied that another way the addressee can go about ‘making her feel like the only girl in the world’ is by thoroughly making love to her himself.
Indeed such was sort a recurring theme in Rihanna’s tunes back in those days, i.e. this desire to have a man really sex her well. But again, as presented in this case the emphasis is more on how he makes her feel in general.
Thus despite the overall adult theme of the narrative, this is more of a love song than one centered on sex per se. The vocalist idealizes being the sole object of the addressee’s affection. And in terms of bettering her chances of making this ideal a reality, she is ready and willing to go the extra mile in terms of pleasing him in a sexual capacity.
“Only Girl (In the World)” Facts
Artist(s):
Rihanna
Album/EP: “Loud”
Was “Only Girl (In the World)” a single release?
Yes. On September 10 of 2010 it was the lead single of Rihanna’s 5th album.
Writing
The song was authored by the following:
- Tor Erik Hermansen
- Sandy Wilhelm
- Mikkel S. Eriksen
- Crystal Johnson
Production
It was produced by:
- Kuk Harrell
- Sandy Vee
- Stargate
Genre(s)
- Dance-pop
- Eurodance
Awards/Honors:
At the 53rd Grammys in 2011, the song won the award for “Best Dance Recording”. The following songs lost to Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)”:
- Goldfrapp’s “Rocket”
- La Roux’s “In for the Kill”
- Lady Gaga’s “Dance in the Dark”
- Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own”
Even More Accolades
Los Angeles Times’ Gerrick D. Kennedy, referred to the song as a “surefire hit”.
Rihanna performed the song on “The X Factor” (UK) and “Saturday Night Live” in the US.
Chart Performance
- US – 1
- UK – 1
- Switzerland – 2
- Romania – 1
- Portugal – 1
- Poland – 1
- Norway – 1
- New Zealand – 1
- Netherlands – 2
- Japan – 8
- Italy – 1
- Ireland – 1
- Hungary – 1
- Germany – 2
- France – 2
- Finland – 2
- Denmark – 2
- Czech Republic – 5
- Canada – 1
- Belgium – 1
- Austria – 1
Covers
- Ellie Goulding (2011)
- Carmen Reece (2010)
- Karmin (2011)
- ortoPilot (2012)
- Tiny Tracks (2014)
- Harp Player (2016)
Song Released: 2010
Only Girl (In the World) Lyrics
La la la la
La la la la
La la la la
[VERSE 1:]
I want you to love me, like I'm a hot ride
Keep thinkin' of me, doin' what you like
So boy forget about the world cause it's gon' be me and
you tonight
I wanna make you beg for it, then Imma...
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#1 top rated interpretation:
anonymous
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May 5th 2011 reportAgain you people are so stupid!! Yes, cleary Rihanna wants to be "the only girl in the world" but its not about sex, or being a devil queen or whatever. She wants a man who will make her feel beautiful, and love her, and treat her right. Not that hard smart ones.
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anonymous
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Mar 13th 2011 reportshe wants someone to make her feel like the most important, amazing, girl in the world. its saying to put her first chose her and this song refers to sex as well
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anonymous
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Dec 29th 2020 reportThat she wants to have sex with this guy who she is saying is making her feel like the only girl they want and need.
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At the time that this song was made, Rihanna and Drake were not yet together, but in one of her interviews, Rihanna revealed that at the time, they had their eyes on each other. She reveled that Drake treated her like "the only girl in the world" and she wanted it to stay that way forever, so she sorta hinted. Thanks for reading!
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