4.7 ( 309 )

Beyonce had dropped a classic album, Lemonade, in 2016. However, the album was not released in all the music streaming platforms. In 2019, Beyonce dropped her old classic in every music streaming platforms and her album is definitely crawling through the playlists of people. One of the first singles of Lemonade album is ‘Formation’. Let’s review the lyrics of Formation by Beyonce. Also, Is Formation talking about Black Lives Matter Movement or Feminism? Let’s look at the meaning behind the lyrics of Formation by Beyonce.

Introduction

For the Lyrics Review, we have Formation by Beyonce. Formation is a Black Power anthem, a fitting contribution to Black History Month and an important conversation piece in the Black Lives Matter movement. Beyonce performed Formation during the Super Bowl halftime show. A few months after the performance, Beyonce dropped her sixth studio album, Lemonade, with a big surprise and it took over the internet by storm.

Music Composition

The beats used in Formation are totally unique. The chord progression feels as if Beyonce is scrubbing a wet rubber by her hands, followed by noticeably haunting rhythm. The instrumentals used in the song give us a rebellious vibe. The overall tuning of the song fits in with the main theme of the song, i.e. “Black Lives Matter”. However, the song gives a vibe of empowerment as well. There are a few elements in the song that can give a touch of Feminism as well.

[Intro: Messy Mya]

What happened at the New Wil’ins?

The lyrics for the intro of Formation starts off by Messy Mya addressing the problems faced by New Orleans. The meaning behind these lyrics in Formation is political. New Orleans had to go through a dangerous hurricane which resulted in a lot of casualties. The government’s failure to protect the people of New Orleans is also seen by many as the catalyst for a new era of activism addressing the systemic inequality and racism that still exists in the United States.

[Refrain: Beyoncé]

Queen B (Beyonce) addresses a number of controversies surrounding her in the refrain of Formation.

Part 1

Y’all haters corny with that Illuminati mess

Paparazzi, catch my fly and my cocky fresh

Beyonce is often called out by the public and by the conspiracy theorists as a potential member of a highly conspicuous group called Illuminati. The rumors about her involvement in Illuminati started to circulate around by the artistic references in her music. However, all we can say is she is probably not involved in any secret groups like Illuminati.

Beyonce gives us hindsight of her taste in feminism in the lyrics of Formation. She calls out the paparazzi so as to check her outfit cause it’s awesome (fly). She feels like she must be appreciated by the freshness brought upon her body by her outfit. Her outfit makes her feel so fresh and clean that she feels like it must be appreciated.

Part 2

I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros

I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils

In this part of the lyrics of Formation, Beyonce takes time to explain the meaning behind the reference of her eldest daughter’s hair. The hair of Beyonce’s eldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, has become a meme on the internet to which Beyonce responded to by saying “I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros”. During 2013s, a rumor of Beyonce getting a nose job was getting circulated widely to which she has responded to by saying “I like my negro nose”.

Part 3

Earned all this money, but they never take the country out me

I got hot sauce in my bag, swag

Despite her success, Beyonce doesn’t forget her roots and where she came from. She is so humble and down to earth that he takes her Southern spices with her wherever she goes. Even though she is successful, she says that she will never forget the fact that she is a country girl and that will stay with her forever.

[Chorus: Beyoncé]

Part 1

I see it, I want it, I stunt; yellow hornet

I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it

If you have seen these lines somewhere else, I totally understand it. The internet was quick to notice the resemblance of these lines in 7 rings by Ariana Grande. These lines show that women are yet indeed powerful and they are under no circumstances liable to work under someone else’s pressure. The meaning behind these lines of Formation is that she wants to give out the vibe of feminism and the vibe of herself fighting for her own freedom.

Part 2

Okay, ladies, now let’s get in formation, ’cause I slay

Prove to me you got some coordination, ’cause I slay

Slay trick, or you get eliminated

The meaning behind these lyrics of the song Formation by Beyonce is pretty realistic. The word ‘formation’ has been used carefully in a way you’d hear ‘information’. By this Beyonce is trying to tell all the black women to get educated. Beyonce believes if you have an idea to do something, then you’ll be successful in life. Or else, your existence will get eliminated.

[Verse: Beyoncé]

Part 1

When he fuck me good, I take his ass to Red Lobster, we gon slay

If he hit it right, I might take him on a flight on my chopper, I slay

Beyonce is representing feminism in these lyrics in the verse of Formation. She is showing her dominance side when she is having fun with her husband. The point is, Queen B doesn’t like to feel suppressed when it comes to having fun, freedom, and liberty. She wants to be treated the way other people would want her to treat them. These lines show a really strong side of Beyonce.

Part 2

I might get your song played on the radio station, ’cause I slay

You just might be a black Bill Gates in the making, ’cause I slay

I just might be a black Bill Gates in the making

Queen B is showing off her influence in the world as an artist. She and her husband are undoubtedly one of the richest and powerful couples. Beyonce tells people that if people give her the respect she truly deserves, then she wouldn’t mind giving them some exposure by featuring in a song. She can change someone’s lifestyle overnight.

[Bridge: Beyoncé]

Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper

Beyonce encourages people to work hard and earn money so as to live a better life. Do not feel oppressed by negative people around you. Always be gracious, become a wise spender and live your life freely.

Analysis

The meaning behind the song Formation by Beyonce is pretty straightforward. She wants people to know their self-worth and she encourages people to have strong self-esteem. By this amazing track, Beyonce must be trying to touch both the Black Lives Matter Movement and Feminism at the same time.

Conclusion

The targeted audience of this song must be of the age group 18 to 35. The song is extremely well produced and it is extremely empowering. People who feel low of themselves often might find Beyonce’s music very relatable and uncountable.

Personal Take

I give ‘Formation’ by Beyonce a strong 08/10 n the Lyrics Review category. Dear Beyonce, thank you for existing.

Check out Formation on YouTube:

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