Topper Tats showcases the most interesting tattoos students are sporting around the Hilltop. 

To Gilbert Rivera, a sophomore, getting “All You Need Is Love” inked on the inside of his arm made perfect sense. It was an idea he had for a while and one that would not escape his mind.

“I saw someone with ‘All You Need Is Love’ as a tattoo at Warped Tour in 2011. I literally woke up one day this past summer and I just said to myself, ‘I’m going to go get that tattoo today,'” Rivera said.

Rivera’s favorite song is “All You Need Is Love.” He says that when he was younger, he would listen to it over and over.

This is Rivera’s first inking and it was done at Eagle Ink out in the West Texas town of Odessa. What is unique about the tattoo is the backwards lettering, which was done for a very specific reason.

“I told the tattoo artist that I wanted to be able to read it in the mirror too,” Rivera said.

The pride Rivera has in his tattoo is apparent. He beams whenever he talks about it. However, tattoos are hardly without a touch of controversy. Rivera’s family is very traditional and was not as proud of the tattoo as he was. In spite of this, it is still perfection for him.

“I like to plan. I like structure. I’m not going to be around my family all the time. I need to surround myself with people I love. The lyric correlated to where I see my life going and what I always need to remind myself all the time. As soon as I got it, I said it was perfect. I love it. Love is everything,” Rivera said.

Wherever the future takes Rivera, on his arm will be something he adores. Perhaps just a song for others, but for him, a reminder of what he needs around him.