Rihanna sings about a “desperado"—someone "on the run,” either literally or metaphorically. She struggles in their relationship and wonders whether she can run away with him or if she will get left behind.

The beat on “Desperado” is an interpolation of the background vocals on alternative-R&B singer Banks‘ song “Waiting Game”.

The song’s producer, Mike Schultz, said that he wanted the song to sound “edgy.”

I like to do different things and try to push the envelope on sound. If you listen to the record, it’s got an alternative vibe but still has urban undertones but it’s guitar and dirty live bass. I was just trying to do something edgy. I’m into doing dark, edgy stuff that moves you, puts you in a mood.