Rihanna Same Ol' Mistakes Meaning and Review

A Unique Reinterpretation of a Psychedelic Classic

Rihanna’s “Same Ol’ Mistakes” stands out on ANTI as a compelling reinterpretation of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes,” originally from their 2015 album Currents. While the track is a cover, Rihanna manages to imprint her unique artistry on it without losing the psychedelic synth-pop essence that made the original so captivating. The shimmering, dreamy production, still helmed by Kevin Parker, blends perfectly with Rihanna’s sultry, measured vocals, creating a soundscape that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. This balance showcases her ability to embrace indie influences while maintaining her signature style, proving her versatility as an artist.

Deep Lyrical Reflection and Emotional Weight

Lyrically, “Same Ol’ Mistakes” carries a deep emotional weight that resonates with themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and the cyclical nature of flawed relationships. The lyrics speak of someone caught between transformation and repetition, a sentiment Rihanna delivers with a haunting sincerity. Considering Rihanna’s own tumultuous past, including her public relationship with Chris Brown, the song can be read as a subtle, mature reflection on forgiveness and self-acceptance. Lines like “I can just hear them now / How could you let us down?” hint at the public scrutiny she’s faced, yet she boldly embraces her choices and growth, adding layers of meaning beyond the original.

Masterful Production and Artistic Ambition

From a production standpoint, the collaboration between Kevin Parker, Kuk Harrell, and Etienne Macor is masterful. The dreamy, flowing synth textures and relaxed tempo cultivate a hypnotic mood, while Rihanna’s vocal delivery is smooth and intimate, contrasting beautifully with the song’s expansive instrumentation. This track exemplifies the more experimental and artistically ambitious direction of ANTI, an album where Rihanna sought longevity and authenticity over formulaic hits. Her comment about wanting songs she could perform 15 years from now underscores her commitment to artistic depth, which shines through here.

Critical Praise and Creative Transformation

Critically, Rihanna’s cover was praised for honoring the original while allowing her individuality to shine. She doesn’t simply replicate Kevin Parker’s voice or style; instead, she transforms the track into a contemplative ballad fitting her own narrative and vocal texture. This creative reinterpretation helps redefine the song’s message from Tame Impala’s commentary on artistic evolution to Rihanna’s own declaration of personal and professional emancipation. In the context of ANTI, “Same Ol’ Mistakes” serves as a symbolic closing chapter that bridges her past and future.

A Timeless Track of Vulnerability and Growth

Ultimately, “Same Ol’ Mistakes” is a testament to Rihanna’s evolution as an artist willing to explore new musical landscapes and embrace vulnerability. It is a highlight on ANTI that rewards both fans of Tame Impala and Rihanna, proving that covers can transcend mere imitation and become profound statements in their own right. By blending ethereal psychedelia with candid introspection, Rihanna crafts a timeless track that will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.

Listen to Rihanna Same Ol' Mistakes 

Rihanna Same Ol' Mistakes Lyrics Meaning Explained

The meaning of Same Ol' Mistakes by Rihanna is a reflective exploration of personal growth, internal conflict, and the complexities of embracing change while grappling with repeated patterns. The song delves into the struggle between who we were, who we want to become, and how the judgments of others affect our journey. It highlights the tension between external criticism and internal acceptance, ultimately portraying a journey of self-discovery where mistakes are repeated but also understood as part of evolving and finding one’s true path.

Introduction and External Judgment

The opening lines, “I can just hear them now 'How could you let us down?'” imagine the voices of critics, fans, or loved ones who feel betrayed by her choices. This reflects the backlash faced for decisions that do not align with others’ expectations. However, she asserts that others do not understand her perspective or what she has discovered through her experiences: “But they don’t know what I found or see it from this way around.” This highlights a confidence in her own journey, even if misunderstood.

Internal Conflict and Acceptance

She describes a shift in mindset in the lines “Feeling it overtake all that I used to hate,” suggesting that things she once rejected or despised have now become part of her or are accepted by her, indicating growth or change. Yet, she acknowledges trying to change certain parts of herself “One by one, every trait I tried but it’s way too late,” ultimately realizing it might be too late to undo or deny who she truly is. The line “All the signs I don’t read” shows a tendency to ignore warnings or advice, possibly relating to relationships or career decisions, while “Two sides of me can’t agree” reveals internal conflict between different parts of her identity or desires, the tension between past self and evolving self. Despite these conflicts, she chooses to embrace her true desires and instincts: “When I breathe in too deep, going with what I always longed for.”

The Paradox of Growth in the Chorus

The chorus captures the paradox of growth: “Feel like a brand new person (But you make the same old mistakes).” Even when changing, people often repeat familiar patterns or errors, reflecting the complexity of personal struggle. The declaration “Well, I don’t care I’m in love (Stop before it’s too late)” shows a willingness to embrace love or passion despite warnings, demonstrating courage or stubbornness. She acknowledges newfound knowledge or emotion with “I finally know what it’s like,” while addressing doubt or criticism from others who believe she is not capable: “(You don’t have what it takes).” Despite this, she admits confusion or acceptance of uncertainty: “And I still don’t know why it’s happening.”

Embracing Change and Autonomy

In the second verse, “Finally taking flight” symbolizes freedom, breaking away from restrictions, or embarking on a new life phase. She acknowledges ongoing judgment: “I know you don’t think it’s right. I know that you think it’s fake,” but embraces what others see as insincere: “Maybe fake’s what I like.” This can be read as a statement about self-expression and rejecting traditional notions of authenticity. The line “Point is I have the right” declares autonomy and self-determination, emphasizing control over her own narrative. Rejecting simplistic judgments, she states “Not thinking in black and white. I’m thinking it’s worth the fight,” embracing complexity and willing to struggle for what she believes in. Anticipating moving beyond current scrutiny, she is confident in her path: “Soon to be out of sight. Knowing it all this time,” and reiterates her commitment: “Going with what I always longed for.”

Empathy and Shared Human Experience in the Bridge

The bridge introduces empathy and shared human experience: “And I know that it’s hard to digest. But maybe your story ain’t so different from the rest.” Here, she suggests that everyone struggles with their demons and regrets. She acknowledges that accepting flaws is difficult but necessary: “And I know it seems wrong to accept. But you’ve got your demons, and she’s got her regrets.” The realization that acceptance and self-awareness are the best one can hope for is summed up in the line “A realization is as good as it gets.”

Questioning and Uncertainty in the Final Chorus

The second chorus expands with added urgency and questioning. The lines “So, how will I know that it’s right? In a new direction” express uncertainty about whether new choices are correct. The caution “Stop thinking you’re the only option” could be a warning against idealizing one person or path. Despite confusion, she affirms “I finally know what it’s like,” with the recurring refrain “Stop before it’s too late” serving as a warning of potential consequences ahead.

Themes of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

Overall, the song explores themes of self-discovery, growth, and the tension between change and repetition. It delves into how people often struggle to fully escape their past behaviors or mistakes, even as they feel renewed inside. The voices of critics represent external pressure and judgment, while the internal dialogue shows a wrestling with identity, autonomy, and vulnerability. The bridge emphasizes shared human imperfection and the necessity of acceptance, suggesting compassion both for oneself and for others.

Rihanna Same Ol' Mistakes Lyrics 

[Verse 1]

I can just hear them now

"How could you let us down?"

But they don't know what I found

Or see it from this way around

Feeling it overtake

All that I used to hate

One by one, every trait

I tried but it's way too late

All the signs I don't read

Two sides of me can't agree

When I breathe in too deep

Going with what I always longed for

[Chorus 1]

Feel like a brand new person

(But you make the same old mistakes)

Well, I don't care I'm in love

(Stop before it's too late)

Feel like a brand new person

(But you make the same old mistakes)

I finally know what it's like

(You don't have what it takes)

(Stop before it’s too late)

(I know there's too much at stake)

(Making the same mistakes)

And I still don't know why it's happening

(Stop while it's not too late)

And I still don't know

[Verse 2]

Finally taking flight

I know you don't think it's right

I know that you think it's fake

Maybe fake's what I like

Point is I have the right

Not thinking in black and white

I'm thinking it's worth the fight

Soon to be out of sight

Knowing it all this time

Going with what I always longed for

[Chorus 1]

Feel like a brand new person

(But you make the same old mistakes)

I don't care I'm in love

(Stop before it's too late)

Feel like a brand new person

(But you make the same old mistakes)

So how do I know that it's right?

(You don't have what it takes)

(Stop before it’s too late)

[Bridge]

And I know that it's hard to digest

But maybe your story ain't so different from the rest

And I know it seems wrong to accept

But you've got your demons, and she's got her regrets

And I know that it's hard to digest

A realization is as good as it gets

And I know it seems wrong to accept

But you've got your demons, and she's got her regrets

But you've got your demons, and she's got her regrets

[Chorus 2]

Feel like a brand new person

So, how will I know that it's right?

In a new direction

So, how will I know I've gone too far?

(Stop thinking you're the only option, oh)

Feel like a brand new person

(But you make the same old mistakes)

I finally know what it's like

(Stop before it's too late)

(Stop thinking you're the only option, oh)

In a new direction

(But you make the same old mistakes)

So how will I know I've gone too far?

(You don't have what it takes)

(Stop before it's too late)

(Stop thinking you're the only option, oh)

Feel like a brand new person

(But you make the same old mistakes)

And I know it's hard to describe

(Stop thinking you're the only option, oh)

(But you make the same old mistakes)

(You don't have what it takes)

(Stop before it's too late)

I finally know what it's like

(Stop before it's too late)

(Stop thinking you're the only option, oh)

(Stop thinking you're the only option, oh)