“If I Were a Boy” by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy” has what we would consider a very simple and very easy to understand narrative. The narrator (Beyoncé) is basically imagining the things she would do if God had made her a male instead of the female that she is. In each of the verse, she talks about some of the dumb, interesting and ugly things she would do if she were a boy.
But our interest isn’t in the verses per say. It is in the chorus our interest lies. And why? Because this is where the “meat” of the song really is located. Here, she strongly criticizes men for their inability to love and treat their female partners properly. So according to her, if she had the opportunity to be a boy, she’d make it her objective to be a better partner to her female lover.
Song’s Inspiration
According to the song’s co-writer (singer-songwriter BC Jean), the song was inspired by two primary things. The first was the collapse of a romantic relationship she was in. And the second inspiration came when she and record producer Toby Gad took a trip to a pizza restaurant in New York City. FYI, Gad co-wrote this ballad with Jean.
According to Jean, while at the restaurant, she wanted to order a pizza but instantly decided against the idea because she was on a diet. It was at that particular moment that she wished she was a boy. And why? So she could eat the pizza without even thinking for a second about the consequences it would have on her weight. And along with that thought came a flood of other thoughts relating to the things she would do if she were a man. And being a “better man” than her ex lover was one of the things she felt she could do if she were a boy.
Did Beyoncé write “If I Were a Boy”?
No, she didn’t. It is interesting to note that despite this being one of her most notable songs, Beyoncé played no role in its creation. The aforementioned songwriters (Toby and Jean) are the official composers of this hit ballad.
Actually, it was Jean who recorded this song. However, when she sent it to her label, it was rejected. And the next thing she knew, Beyoncé grabbed the rights to the song and turned it into a global hit.
Release Date and Album
It’s official date of release was October the thirteenth, 2008. It was one of the nine hit singles Beyoncé’s team used in promoting her multiple Grammy winning “I Am… Sasha Fierce” album. FYI: Beyoncé’s Grammy winning song “Halo” was also one of the many hit singles from “I Am… Sasha Fierce”.
Chart Performance of “If I Were a Boy”
This ballad went on to become one of the most successful songs of 2008. For example, it reached the top of the record charts in many places, including Britain and Sweden. It was also a top 5 hit for Beyoncé in her home country (the United States). Here, it actually made it to number 3 on the one and only Hot 100.
Quick Beyoncé Facts
Beyoncé is an American powerhouse referred to by most of her fans as ‘The Queen’. Aside music, she is also into acting and fashion. Even though she featured in a lot of competitions as a child, she started her journey to fame when she led the group ‘Destiny’s Child’ in the 1990’s.
She is one of the most popular musicians across the world. Her features and talent have drawn a large number of fans to her. She has a sister by name Solange who is also popular on the music scene.
In 2008, she got married to another music powerhouse by name Jay Z who is known all over the world.
The following year, she was named ‘Artist of the Decade’ by The Observer.
In 2020, she was again named ‘The Most Powerful Woman in Music’ by BBC Radio 4.
