SOTW: "Run the World" by Beyoncé

Beyoncé is a world symbol of the power, beauty, and value that women hold. Her iconic status is characterized famously by her songs and the ideas they represent. In one of her most well-known songs, “Run the World,” the repetition of the line “Who run the world? Girls (girls)” tells the listeners that girls and women are capable of being more than what society tells them to be; they can hold more power than they believe. Repetition is a clever technique because the more one hears the phrase, the more one is inclined to truly believe it. This power Beyoncé talks about in her song can only be translated to actionable power after us women first believe we have it. That is how we make societal change and impact on the world.

This goes out to all my girls

That's in the club rocking the latest

Who will buy it for themselves and get more money later

The three lines above are about girls who go out to have fun and are also capable of paying for everything themselves because they have the means to. This implies that, at a certain point in life, women can financially provide for themselves and don’t have to rely on others; the ‘others’ that is widely accepted is relying on men because they are often stereotypically considered the breadwinners of the household.

My persuasion

Can build a nation

Endless power

With our love we can devour

You'll do anything for me

This part of the song tells the listeners that women’s words hold great weight and are so powerful that they are capable of building a nation. Not only this, but she says we have endless power: rather than being the ones who serve others, we can potentially have others service us. This is an empowering part of the song as the listeners might feel more confident in themselves and their worth/power.

I'm repping for the girls who taking over the world

Help me raise a glass for the college grads

Beyoncé says that she is a representative for all the girls who want to be in charge and even makes a statement about raising a toast for the college grads. This lets us know that she is proud of those who get a college education, but even if you don’t, she is proud of you anyways for being a strong woman who can “[take] over the world.”

Strong enough to bear the children (children)

Then get back to business

Beyoncé believes that women are so strong that they can “bear the children” and still continue with our jobs and place in society. She believes that we can do both and it is possible to not have to choose. This is extremely powerful because many women do not believe that this is possible. So, hearing it from someone who has great influence is especially convincing.

Beyoncé’s lyrics are exceptionally impactful and the techniques in which she conveys her message of women being strong and powerful is remarkable. With such intention behind her lyrics, Beyoncé presents this song as a dedication to all the women and girls in the world who need a reminder that they can do it all and that they “run this world.”

Written by Aayna Bhatheja