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Run the World (Girls)

Music is a powerful tool that people use to pass across any message that they want. Music is an important part of a people’s culture, and this is especially true for the African-American culture. The black community has many prominent names in all genres of music, such as hip-hop, rap, RnB, jazz, among others. Beyonce is arguably one of the biggest musical names of our times. Since she began her singing career as part of the musical trio Destiny’s Child and later branched out on her own, she has made a name and fortune on her own right. She has several albums and songs to her name that have been released over the years. Her album ‘Homecoming’ released in April 2019 showcases Beyonce’s powerful vocals, enchanting performance, and a strong message, especially for the black community. One of my favorite songs from the Homecoming album is ‘Run the World (Girls)’ which brings a message of empowerment to women.

The video for the song is enchanting, to say the very least. At the start of the video, Beyonce and a group of women come out to face a group of men. The women then start to sing that they run the world. Their moves are perfectly choreographed. The girls are all dressed like they are prepared for a fight, and there is even a lion in one scene. There are also scenes showing a barren landscape and debris strewn all over, showing that there was a fight. Beyonce sings while a car blows up behind her. She also has on some fierce make-up that makes her look dominating.

The song is about women and their strength that gives them the power to run the world. The opening lyrics of the song are, “Girls, we run this mother, yeah!” (Beyonce) This shows that the women are asserting themselves, especially to the men standing in front of them. The women all look quite feminine with their dressing, make-up and hair, but they show up ready for a fight. This is something that women have to do every day; they have to fight for their positions at work, at home, in business, and in all other areas of their lives. The powerful lyrics show that they know the power they have, and they can run the world.

Beyonce emphasizes the power that women have. Although they may no use their physical power, they have other traits that help them rule the world. The lyrics, “”My persuasion can build a nation. Endless power Our love we can devour. You’ll do anything for me” (Beyonce) is a perfect example of this. Women are quite persuasive, and they use their feminine qualities as well as their love to put across their message. All the people in the world will do anything for women, especially the men. In society, women take on the traditional role of motherhood, being a wife, and bearing children. No matter how far we have come, many still hold on to these beliefs, and women are forced to struggle to get equal treatment in other areas (Utley 23). However, Beyonce sings that women are more than capable of handling all their responsibilities, both at home and in school (Chatman 931). According to her, women are “strong enough to bear the children then get back to business.”

Beyonce lauds women for their struggle and achievements in education and their hustles. She sings, “”I’m reping for the girls that’s Taking over the world Help me raise a glass for the college grads.” (Beyonce) This lyric encourages women never to lose hope and get the education they need so that they can take charge of their own lives as well as the world. In addition to this, Beyonce appreciates the women who work hard to maintain their own lives and make their money. She uses the phrase “That’s in the club rocking the latest/ Who will buy it for themselves and get more money later” (Beyonce) to show that women should not be afraid to spend their money and make even more. Women are also careful to look their best because it makes them feel good. Beyonce also recognizes the hard work that women put into their work, saying, “I work my nine to five, better cut my check! This goes out to all the women getting it in you on your grind”(Beyonce) they are willing to put in all the hours and work to achieve what they need, and they expect to get paid for it.

The song ‘Run the World (Girls)’ from Beyonce’s ‘Homecoming’ album passes across a powerful message for women and especially African-American women. Beyonce is an icon in the black community, and she often sings about issues affecting her people. ‘Run the World’ appreciates the many struggles that women have to go through in their lives. The phrase ‘Run the World’ encourages women to harness their strength and courage and take charge of the world around them. The music video carries this theme perfectly with the women in the video dressed for a fight, and vigorous choreography. The beats of the song have a high tempo showing the upbeat message and the high energy in the song. Beyonce talks about women and the different roles they play in the family, business, and their places of work. Women are strong enough to have children and still go back to work. They always work hard and strive to look their best. The song is a tribute to the power of women and the social position they hold in the world.

Works Cited

Beyonce “Run the World (Girls)” 18 May 2011. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMU_iwe6UChatman, Dayna. “Pregnancy, Then It’s “Back To Business” Beyoncé, black femininity, and the politics of a post-feminist gender regime.” Feminist Media Studies 15.6 (2015): 926-941.

Utley, Ebony A. “What does Beyoncé mean to young girls?.” Journal of Popular Music Studies 29.2 (2017): e12212.