Beyoncé, or Queen Bey, is…well, she's Beyoncé.
She's a cultural icon who inspires fast-food chains to release clothing in her honor. She's an artist with the most well-known, and feared, fan base, possibly ever to exist. She's also a woman who has used her platform, over a storied decades-long career, to promote uncompromising confidence. Here are some of Queen Bey's most powerful words.
1. "Put them hands high / Wave it in his face, tell him, boy, bye."
Beyoncé is "Sorry" that silly men had her twisted, but a simple "boy, bye" says all that needs to be said. Plus, it's really fun to emphasize the "boy, bye" hand motion while you sing about your imaginary lover.
2. "We're smart enough to make these millions / Smart enough to bear these children / Then get back to business."
Queen Bey has promoted women's empowerment since she arrived on the scene in pleather pants. "Run the World" is the perfect anthem for when you need to remember that women are completely capable, mainly overqualified, to do all the most important things in society.
3. "Some call it arrogant. I call it confident."
"Ego" reminds us that "arrogance" versus "confidence" is in the eye of the beholder. But that actually doesn't matter because confident people — like ourselves — can't be bothered to worry about what others think of us. That's none of our business.
4. "I'm bigger than life / My name in the lights / I'm the number one chick / Don't need no hype."
"Bow Down" is the No. 1 vibe needed in the car when you're channeling your inner "head b***h in charge." Which, is always.
5. "I break chains all by myself / Won't let my freedom rot in hell / I'ma keep running 'cause a winner don't quit on themselves."
In later years, Beyoncé's music and imagery have evolved to include political and cultural messages. Blavity previously reported on how she's walked out of partnership meetings if she looked around and didn't see too many brown faces. "Freedom," a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, empowers us to break our mental chains and step into being the champions we are.
6. "From now on, I'm gonna be my own best friend."
"Me, Myself and I" reminds us of a powerful truth: in the end, you are the most important person you have.
7. " I am the dragon breathing fire / Beautiful mane, I'm the lion."
"Don't Hurt Yourself" is a blistering manifesto of power. Not only is Beyoncé a dragon but also a lion?? The power of this mythical beast!
8. "There’s nothing not to love about me. I’m lovely."
We agree with this sentiment from "Why Don't You Love Me," Bey. You, and we, are lovely. What's not to like?
9. "My persuasion can build a nation."
Girls, who run the world? Girls!