What happened at the New Wil’ins?
Bitch, I’m back by popular demand
Y’all haters corny with that Illuminati mess
Paparazzi, catch my fly and my cocky fresh
I’m so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress (Stylin’)
I’m so possessive so I rock his Roc necklaces
My daddy Alabama, momma Louisiana
You mix that Negro with that Creole, make a Texas bama
I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros
I like my Negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils
Earned all this money, but they never take the country out me
I got hot sauce in my bag, swag
Oh yeah, baby, oh yeah I, oh, oh, yes, I like that
I did not come to play with you hoes, haha
I came to slay, bitch
I like cornbreads and collard greens, bitch
Oh, yes, you best believe it
Y’all haters corny with that Illuminati mess
Paparazzi, catch my fly and my cocky fresh
I’m so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress (Stylin’)
I’m so possessive so I rock his Roc necklaces
My daddy Alabama, momma Louisiana
You mix that Negro with that Creole, make a Texas bama
I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros
I like my Negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils
Earned all this money but they never take the country out me
I got hot sauce in my bag, swag
I see it, I want it, I stunt; yellow-bone it
I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it
I twirl on them haters, albino alligators
El Camino with the seat low, sippin’ Cuervo with no chaser
Sometimes I go off (I go off), I go hard (I go hard)
Get what’s mine (Take what’s mine), I’m a star (I’m a star)
‘Cause I slay (Slay), I slay (Hey), I slay (OK), I slay (OK)
All day (OK), I slay (OK), I slay (OK), I slay (OK)
We gon’ slay (Slay), gon’ slay (OK), we slay (OK), I slay (OK)
I slay (OK), OK (OK), I slay (OK), OK, OK, OK, OK
OK, OK, ladies, now let’s get in formation, ’cause I slay
OK, 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
When he fuck me good, I take his ass to Red Lobster, ’cause I slay
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
Drop him off at the mall, let him buy some J’s, let him shop up, ’cause I slay
I might get your song played on the radio station, ’cause I slay
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
I see it, I want it, I stunt; yellow-bone it
I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it
I twirl on my haters, albino alligators
El Camino with the seat low, sippin’ Cuervo with no chaser
Sometimes I go off (I go off), I go hard (I go hard)
Take what’s mine (Take what’s mine), I’m a star (I’m a star)
‘Cause I slay (Slay), I slay (Hey), I slay (OK), I slay (OK)
I slay (OK), I slay (OK), I slay (OK), I slay (OK)
We gon’ slay (Slay), gon’ slay (OK), we slay (OK), I slay (OK)
I slay (OK), OK (OK), I slay (OK), OK, OK, OK, OK
OK, OK, ladies, now let’s get in formation, I slay
OK, 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, I slay
OK, ladies, now let’s get in formation, I slay
OK, ladies, now let’s get in formation
You know you that bitch when you cause all this conversation
Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper
Girl, I hear some thunder
Golly, look at that water, boy, oh Lord
Pride, Power, and Cultural Identity
“Formation” by Beyoncé is a celebration of Black culture, Southern heritage, and self-empowerment. The lyrics reflect Beyoncé’s personal background—her parents’ roots in Alabama and Louisiana—and showcase her pride in her identity. She embraces her features and traditions, referencing everything from her baby’s hair to hot sauce in her bag. The song’s assertive tone is a call to action for women, especially Black women, to unite and take pride in their uniqueness and achievements.
Defiance and Success
Beyoncé addresses critics head-on, dismissing rumors and stereotypes with confidence. Her repeated mantra, “I slay,” is an anthem of triumph and perseverance. She encourages listeners to work hard, own their success, and remain gracious, emphasizing that true revenge is found in financial and personal accomplishment. The song’s infectious energy and empowering message have made it a cultural milestone.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Beyoncé Knowles, Mike Will Made-It, Swae Lee, Apluss, Pluss
Release Year: 2016
Label: Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records