Take a Bow

Oh, how about a round of applause? Yeah, a standing ovation Ooh, whoa, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah You look so dumb right now Standing outside my house Trying to apologize You're so ugly when you cry Please, just cut it out And don't tell me you're sorry 'cause you're not Baby, when I know you're only sorry you got caught But you put on quite a show (Ooh, oh) Really had me going But now it's time to go (Ooh, oh) Curtain's finally closing That was quite a show (Ooh, oh) Very entertaining But it's over now (But it's over now) Go on and take a bow (Oh-oh) Grab your clothes and get gone (Get gone) You better hurry up Before the sprinklers come on (Come on) Talking' bout' "Girl, I love you, you're the one" This just looks like the re-run Please, what else is on? (Ooh, oh) And don't tell me you're sorry 'cause you're not (Mm) Baby, when I know you're only sorry you got caught But you put on quite a show (Ooh, oh) Really had me going But now it's time to go (Ooh, oh) Curtain's finally closing That was quite a show (Ooh, oh) Very entertaining But it's over now (But it's over now) Go on and take a bow Oh, and the award for the best liar goes to you (Goes to you) For making me believe That you could be faithful to me Let's hear your speech, oh How 'bout a round of applause? A standing ovation But you put on quite a show (Ooh, oh) Really had me going Now it's time to go (Ooh, oh) Curtain's finally closing That was quite a show (Ooh, oh) Very entertaining But it's over now (But it's over now) Go on and take a bow But it's over now

Composer: Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Shaffer Smith

In-depth Analysis of 'Take a Bow' by LyricLens AI

Rihanna's 'Take a Bow' is a powerful anthem of scorn and empowerment delivered from the perspective of someone who has finally seen through their partner's deceit. The song is a theatrical send-off to a lover caught in a lie, masterfully using a dramatic, performance-oriented metaphor.

Central Themes Explored:

Betrayal and Deceit: The lyrics directly confront the partner's insincerity, highlighting their 'apology' as merely a performance. Phrases like "you're only sorry you got caught" cut to the core of the betrayal.
Empowerment and Closure: Far from being a victim, the narrator takes control, dismissing the partner and declaring the 'show' over. It's a statement of strength, moving past the hurt to a place of definitive closure.
Sarcasm and Scorn: The entire song is drenched in a biting, sarcastic tone, mockingly applauding the ex-lover's 'performance' as a 'best liar.' This irony underscores the narrator's contempt and liberation.

The track encapsulates the satisfying moment of recognizing a manipulative act and confidently shutting it down, asserting one's own worth and emotional finality.

Q&A & Fun Facts about 'Take a Bow'

What is 'Take a Bow' by Rihanna about?

'Take a Bow' is about a woman who confronts her deceptive partner after discovering his infidelity or lies. She dismisses his insincere apologies, viewing them as a theatrical performance, and declares their relationship definitively over.

What does 'Take a Bow' symbolize in the song?

The phrase 'Take a Bow' is a sarcastic command for the ex-partner to acknowledge their 'performance' of deceit and apologies. It symbolizes the end of their 'show' (the relationship built on lies) and the narrator's complete disengagement and empowerment.

When was 'Take a Bow' released?

'Take a Bow' was released in 2008 as the lead single from the re-release of Rihanna's album 'Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded'.

Fun Facts:

The song was written by Ne-Yo, who also penned other hits for Rihanna, including 'Unfaithful' and 'Russian Roulette.'
'Take a Bow' achieved significant commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and reaching the top five in several other countries.