Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you
Slow down, they don’t love you like I love you
Back up, they don’t love you like I love you
Step down, they don’t love you like I love you
Can’t you see there’s no other man above you?
What a wicked way to treat the girl that loves you
Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you
Oh, down, they don’t love you like I love you
Something don’t feel right because it ain’t right
Especially comin’ up after midnight
I smell your secrets, and I’m not too perfect
To ever feel this worthless
How did it come down to this? Scrolling through your call list
I don’t wanna lose my pride, but I’ma fuck me up a bitch
Know that I kept it sexy, you know I kept it fun
There’s something that I’m missing, maybe my head for one
What’s worst, lookin’ jealous or crazy? Jealous or crazy?
Or like being walked all over lately, walked all over lately
I’d rather be crazy
Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you
Slow down, they don’t love you like I love you
Back up, they don’t love you like I love you
Step down, they don’t love you like I love you
Can’t you see there’s no other man above you?
What a wicked way to treat the girl that loves you
Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you
Slow down, they don’t love you like I love you
Let’s imagine for a moment that you never made a name for yourself
Or mastered wealth, they had you labeled as a king
Never made it out the cage, still out there movin’ in them streets
Never had the baddest woman in the game up in your sheets
Would they be down to ride? No
They used to hide from you, lie to you
But y’all know we were made for each other
So I find you and hold you down
Me sing se
Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you
Slow down, they don’t love you like I love you
Back up, they don’t love you like I love you
Step down, they don’t love you like I love you
Can’t you see there’s no other man above you?
What a wicked way to treat the girl that loves you
Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you
Slow down, they don’t love you like I love you
Hey, this such a shame
You let this good love go to waste
I always keep the top tier, 5 star
Backseat lovin’ in the car
Like make that wood, like make that wood
Holly like a boulevard
What’s worse, lookin’ jealous or crazy? Jealous and crazy?
Or like being walked all over lately, walked all over lately
I’d rather be crazy
Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you
Slow down, they don’t love you like I love you
Back up, they don’t love you like I love you
Step down, they don’t love you like I love you
Can’t you see there’s no other man above you?
What a wicked way to treat the girl that loves you
Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you
Oh, down, they don’t love you like I love you
I hop up out my bed and get my swag on
I look in the mirror, say, “What’s up?”
What’s up, what’s up, what’s up
I hop up out my bed and get my swag on
I look in the mirror, say, “What’s up?”
What’s up, what’s up, what’s up
Unraveling Love and Vulnerability
“Hold Up” by Beyoncé is a powerful anthem that explores the complexities of love, trust, and betrayal. The recurring refrain, “they don’t love you like I love you,” highlights the singer’s unwavering devotion, while also underscoring her feelings of insecurity and suspicion. Beyoncé masterfully expresses the pain of being undervalued and the struggle between jealousy, pride, and vulnerability. The lyrics weave between assertiveness and heartbreak, reflecting the emotional turmoil of someone who deeply loves yet fears being taken for granted.
Empowerment Through Honesty
Throughout the track, Beyoncé confronts her partner about potential infidelity, questioning the choices that led to their fractured bond. She ponders whether it’s better to be seen as “jealous or crazy” than to passively accept mistreatment, ultimately choosing self-respect over silence. The song’s narrative empowers listeners to acknowledge their worth and demand the love they deserve.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Beyoncé Knowles, Thomas Wesley Pentz (Diplo), Ezra Koenig, Emile Haynie, and others
Release Year: 2016
Label: Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records