Boy, you’ll be the death of me
You’re my James Dean
You make me feel like I’m seventeen
You drive too fast
You smoke too much
But that don’t mean a thing, ’cause I’m addicted to the rush
‘Cause I’d rather die young than live my life without you
I’d rather not live at all than live my life without you
‘Cause I’d rather die young than live my life without you
I’d rather not live at all than live my life without you
You know I’ve been in love before
You’re the first one I’ve ever seen that burns like gasoline
So light a match, turn off the lights
I’m holding on to you cause this might be our last night
‘Cause I’d rather die young than live my life without you
I’d rather not live at all than live my life without you
‘Cause I’d rather die young than live my life without you
I’d rather not live at all than live my life without you
What I’m telling you
I’m giving you my life, it’s in your hands
And what I’m gonna do
Is be a woman and you can be a man
And I wanna say
Nobody understands what we’ve been through
I’d rather give up everything
Than to live my, live my life without you
‘Cause I’d rather die young than live my life without you
I’d rather not live at all than live my life without you
‘Cause I’d rather die young than live my life without you
I’d rather not live at all than live my life without you
Unpacking the Passion Behind “Rather Die Young”
“Rather Die Young” by Beyoncé is a soulful declaration of intense, all-consuming love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a romance that is both electrifying and perilous, likening the lover to a modern James Dean—rebellious, thrilling, and impossible to resist. Beyoncé expresses a willingness to risk everything, even her own life, rather than face a world without her beloved. The repeated refrain underscores the depth of her devotion, as she places her fate in the hands of love, embracing vulnerability and passion over safety and predictability.
Song Credits
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Songwriters: Beyoncé Knowles, Jeff Bhasker, Shea Taylor
- Release Year: 2011
- Label: Columbia Records