According to multiple sources, including American Songwriter, Songfacts, uDiscover Music, and Extra Chill, "Umbrella" by Rihanna is a song about support and devotion for a loved one. The umbrella is used as a metaphor for protection and support, promising to be there through the sunshine and the rain, no matter what life has in store for them. Rihanna is talking to a partner that doesnt have the same status as her, but despite their differences, she promises to protect them. The songwriters, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Terius “The Dream” Nash, originally offered the song to Britney Spears and then to Mary J. Blige, both of whom turned it down. Once Rihanna heard the demo, she was determined to make it her own. The song stayed atop the US Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks and clinched two Grammy nominations.