It feels so good to be alive
Got all my family by my side
Couldn’t wipe this black off if I tried
That’s why I lift my head with pride
I got a million miles on me
They want to see how far I’ll go
The path was never paved with gold (Gold)
We worked and built this on our own (Own)
And can’t nobody knock it if they tried
This is hustle personified
Look how we’ve been fighting to stay alive
So when we win we will have pride
Do you know how much we have cried?
How hard we had to fight?
(It feels so good to be alive) It feels so, so, so, so good
(Got all my sisters by my side) I got all my sisters by my side
(Couldn’t wipe this black off if I tried) Black off if I tried
(That’s why I lift my head with pride) Now we’re sitting on top of the world again
I got a million miles on me
They want to see how far I’ll go (They want to see how far I’ll go)
The path was never paved with gold (Gold)
We fought and built this on our own (We fought and built this on our own, own)
And can’t nobody knock it if they tried
This is hustle personified
Look how we’ve been fighting to stay alive
So when we win we will have pride
Do you know how much we have cried?
How hard we had to fight?
(It feels so good to be alive) It feels so good, so good
(Got all my family by my side) And we gon’ sit on top of the world again
(Couldn’t wipe this black off if I tried) And I wouldn’t trade nothing
And I wouldn’t trade nothing (That’s why I lift my head with pride)
So baby, lift your head, yeah
(It feels so good to be alive) Darling, it’s a celebration for you, yeah
(I got the tribe all by my side) You’re doing everything they said you couldn’t do
(Couldn’t wipe this black off if I tried)
(That’s why I lift my head with pride) Lift your head, yeah
(Ooh, I tried)
Celebrating Resilience and Pride
Beyoncé’s “Be Alive” is a powerful anthem that celebrates the strength, resilience, and pride of Black identity and community. Through her evocative lyrics, she acknowledges the struggles faced across generations, highlighting the perseverance and unbreakable spirit that have been essential for survival and progress. The recurring line, “Couldn’t wipe this black off if I tried,” is a bold declaration of self-acceptance and defiant pride, while the references to family and sisterhood underscore the importance of unity and support in overcoming adversity. The song’s uplifting tone is not just about personal victory, but about collective triumph and the joy that comes from standing together. “Be Alive” ultimately encourages listeners to recognize their worth, celebrate their heritage, and lift their heads high in the face of challenges.
Song Credits
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Songwriters: Beyoncé Knowles, DIXSON
- Release Year: 2021
- Label: Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records