Cowboy Carter
Time to strike a match
And light up this juke joint
One-one-one by one, you hang them high
Your hands are steady and you sleep at night
How did you turn your heart to stone?
I don’t want him back, but I can’t let go
Hangman, answer me now
You owe me a debt, you stole him from me
I hated you once, I envy you now
Just tell me how, tell me how
(D.A. got that—)
Oh, she got that whoa there, hangman got that whoa there
Don’t act like you don’t know, giddy up, giddy up (D.A. got that dope)
Don’t pay me in gold, giddy up, giddy up
Back outside, I’m on the road, giddy up, giddy up
When the sun goes down (It’s night-night, hey)
Can hear her body howl (In the moonlight, hey)
I feel her eyein’ me like owls (It’s on sight, hey)
Hide your man when the hangman come in town (Ooh, yikes)
She’s a tyrant every time I ride it, every time I ride it
Make it look so good, try to justify it
Boy, I know they’re lookin’ for me, how we gonna hide it?
Ride it like hydraulics, I am such a tyrant
Every time I ride it, every time I ride it
I don’t like to sit up in the saddle, boy, I got it
Just relax, I got this, I got that exotic
Hips are so hypnotic, I am such a tyrant
Send me some shots, are you with me or not?
Throw it back, shoot up the bar
Tell the law we don’t remember nothin’ after that
Scot-free (Scot-free), whole city after me
Have you seen her? 5’9”, thick and fine, what a tragedy
Hey, hey, ridin’ you while we tryna get away
Ridin’ you while we tryna catch a wave
That’s so sexy and I know it, and I ain’t afraid to show it
Baby, I’m goated, baby, I’m glowin’
Hey, hey, on the run, run
Tap me on the shoulder when you reload the gun
Tyrant every time I ride it, every time I ride it
Make it look so good, try to justify it
Boy, I know they’re lookin’ for me, how we’re gonna hide it?
Ride it like hydraulics, I am such a tyrant
How did you get used to the haunting? (The haunting)
The willing, the missing, the wanting (The wanting)
Dry eyes just send me across the divine
Hangman, teach me how not to cry
How not to cry, how not to cry
Ooh, she got that whoa there, hangman got that whoa there
Don’t act like you don’t know, giddy up, giddy up (D.A. got that—)
Don’t pay me in gold, giddy up, giddy up
Back outside, I’m on the road, giddy up, giddy up (Hey)
When the sun goes down (When the suns goes down)
You can hear this body howl (You can hear this body howl)
Giddy up now, diggadont, diggadont
Digga daddy, leave me ‘lone, leave me ‘lone
Damn if I do, dammit if I don’t
Lady with a whip, want what she wanna want, okay
Tyrant every time I ride it, every time I ride it
Make it look so good, cowboys justify it
Boy, you know they lookin’ for me, how we gonna hide it?
Ride it like hydraulics, I am such a tyrant
Every time I ride it, every time I ride it
I don’t like to sit up in the saddle, boy, I got it
Just relax, I got this, I got that exotic
These hips so hypnotic, I am such a tyrant
Hangman, answer me now
You owe me a debt, you stole him from me (Giddy up, giddy up)
I hated you once, I envy you now (Hey)
Just tell me how, tell me how
(Giddy up, giddy up)
Unpacking Power and Vulnerability in “TYRANT”
Beyoncé’s “TYRANT” is a compelling exploration of power, heartbreak, and unapologetic self-possession. The lyrics create a vibrant narrative set against the backdrop of the Wild West, blending themes of betrayal and strength. By invoking the imagery of a hangman and referencing the concept of a tyrant, Beyoncé crafts a persona that is both commanding and haunted by loss. The chorus, with its repeated lines about riding and being a “tyrant,” hints at reclaiming agency and authority in both love and life.
Symbolism and Sonic Rebellion
The song’s imagery—cowboys, the hangman, and the juke joint—merges with hypnotic rhythms and assertive vocals to reinforce Beyoncé’s dominance. The recurring motif of “giddy up” and references to riding hydraulics symbolize forward momentum and a refusal to be contained. There’s a tension between vulnerability and ferocity, as the lyrics question how one becomes emotionally hardened while also celebrating the freedom found in self-ownership.
Song Credits
Artist: Beyoncé
Album: Cowboy Carter
Release Year: 2024
Label: Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records