Inspiration Behind Disturbia:
Rihanna wanted to connect with fans by creating a song that would address the universal experience of mental anguish, anxiety, and confusion. This song doesn’t reflect a personal experience, but general feelings of mental turmoil. Co‑writer Chris Brown shared that Rihanna brought him the finished track and asked him to produce it. Disturbia explores being trapped in an internal psychological prison.
Biblical Application:
An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground, Luke 22:43-44.
Exegesis of Disturbia:
[Intro]
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum
(What’s wrong with me?)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum
(Why do I feel like this?)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum
(I’m goin’ crazy now)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum
Asking questions while humming. Questioning how she feels, unsure of what’s going on?
[Verse 1]
No more gas, in the red (Can’t even get it started)
Nothin’ heard, nothin’ said (Can’t even speak about it)
All my life on my head (Don’t wanna think about it)
Feels like I’m goin’ insane, yeah
Running on empty. Losing control, on the verge of a mental breakdown.
[Pre-Chorus]
It’s a thief in the night to come and grab you (Ah)
It can creep up inside you and consume you (Ah)
A disease of the mind, it can control you (Ah)
It’s too close for comfort, ah
Filled with fear. Losing control of your mind as you sleep. Negative thoughts creeping into your head.
[Chorus]
Put on your brake lights
You’re in the city of wonder
Ain’t gon’ play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must falter, be wise
A mind filled with paranoia. Attempting to take back control of your mind.
[Post-Chorus]
Your mind’s in disturbia, it’s like the darkness is the light
Disturbia, am I scarin’ you tonight?
Your mind’s in disturbia, ain’t used to what you like
Disturbia, disturbia
A mind consumed by anxiety and worry.
[Refrain]
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum
A transition filled with humming.
[Verse 2]
Faded pictures on the wall (It’s like they talkin’ to me)
Disconnected, no one calls (The phone don’t even ring)
I gotta get out or figure this **** out
It’s too close for comfort, oh
Silence and being alone is having negative influences. creating a panic attack.
[Pre-Chorus]
It’s a thief in the night to come and grab you (Ooh)
It can creep up inside you and consume you (Ooh)
A disease of the mind, it can control you (Ooh)
I feel like a monster, oh
Sounds like a spiritual thief attempting to kidnap your mind.
[Chorus]
Put on your brake lights
You’re in the city of wonder (City lights)
Ain’t gon’ play nice (Oh)
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice (Think twice)
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must falter, be wise (Be wise)
Traffic in the city. Be on your guard. Take your thoughts captive to avoid distractions.
[Post-Chorus]
Your mind’s in disturbia, it’s like the darkness is the light
Disturbia, am I scarin’ you tonight? (Oh)
Disturbia, ain’t used to what you like (Oh, what you like)
Disturbia, disturbia (Ah)
Stop focusing on fear. Calm your mind with positive thoughts.
[Refrain]
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum (Ba-da-da-da-de-da)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum (Ba-da-da-da-de-da)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum (Disturbia)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum (Oh, oh)
Another humming transition, trying to calm your mind from being disturbed.
[Bridge]
Release me from this curse I’m in
Tryin’ to remain tame, but I’m strugglin’
If you can’t go, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
I think I’m gonna ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Referring to this losing battle as a curse. Fighting for sanity.
[Chorus]
Put on your brake lights
You’re in the city of wonder (Woo, yeah)
Ain’t gon’ play nice
Watch out, you might just go under (Better think twice)
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must falter, be wise (If you must falter, be wise)
Back in city traffic, trying to stay calm. Regaining control of your mind.
[Post-Chorus]
Your mind’s in disturbia, it’s like the darkness is the light (Ah, yeah, disturbia)
Disturbia, am I scarin’ you tonight? (Ah, yeah, disturbia)
Disturbia, ain’t used to what you like (Disturbia, ah)
Disturbia, disturbia (Oh woah)
Regaining control of a wandering mind. Be sober and alert.
[Refrain]
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum (Bum-ba-de-da-da)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum (Bum-ba-de-da-da)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum (Oh)
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum (Oh)
Ending the same way this song started.
Final Thoughts:
As someone who experienced a nervous breakdown during my sophomore year of high school, I understand what Rhianna is trying to say about human minds. Healing comes from letting go and letting God begin to enter your life. The apostle Paul encourages Christians to take your thoughts captive in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. This is the biblical approach to healing your mind.
by Jay Mankus
