16 CARRIAGES

Album

Cowboy Carter

Label

Parkwood Entertainment

Genre

Country

Composer(s)

Beyoncé Knowles;Atia Boggs;Dave Hamelin;Raphael Saadiq

Entered Chart

Feb 24, 2024

Peak Date

Feb 24, 2024

Released

February 11, 2024

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Beyoncé surprised the world at the 2024 Super Bowl with a Verizon commercial teasing "breaking the internet," followed by the announcement of her eighth studio album, Renaissance Act II. "16 Carriages" was released that night (February 11, 2024) as one of its two lead singles alongside "Texas Hold 'Em." "16 Carriages," a blend of Nashville pastiche and glazed folktronica, finds Beyoncé reflecting on the trajectory of her career. It opens with the chorus where Beyoncé watches a procession of trucks fading away. This imagery, often associated with life on the road in country music, symbolizes the sacrifices she made to pursue her dreams. The mention of "16 carriages" also evokes Junior Parker's blues classic "Mystery Train" (popularized by Elvis Presley), hinting at a long, winding path. As the song gets going, we're thrown back to a young Beyoncé, barely 15, entering the industry as Destiny's Child's lead singer. The first verse paints a picture of an uprooted teenager leaving behind innocence for musical aspirations, all while witnessing her parents' struggles. The pre-chorus brings us to the present, where Beyoncé's relentless career takes center stage. "It's been umpteen summers, and I'm not in my bed," she sings, highlighting the constant grind and the physical demands of touring. In the second verse, Beyoncé explores the challenges of pursuing an artistic path, highlighting the early struggles. "Sixteen dollars, workin' all day," paints a picture of dedication and perseverance in the face of limited resources. Beyoncé changes the lyric from "umpteen summers and I'm not in my bed" to "38 summers and I'm not in my bed" in the second pre-chorus, which implies the song was written in the summer of 2020 when she was 38. At 15, the innocence was gone astray Had to take care of home at an early age I saw Mama cryin', I saw Daddy lyin' Had to sacrifice and leave my fears behind The bridge hints at personal struggles, alluding to her father's past controversies. But she's determined to rise above it all, stating, "I built this castle, brick by brick. From the cracks in the foundation, I rise." This transformation into the iconic figure she is today becomes even more powerful knowing the challenges she overcame. Report this ad There are similarities between "16 Carriages" and Beyonce's Lemonade track "Daddy Lessons," where she explores the emotional impact of her father's infidelity and its ripple effects on relationships. Both songs delve into Beyoncé's personal struggles, including her complicated relationship with her father, while showcasing her vulnerability and strength. Moreover, both songs have country music influences. Beyoncé co-produced "16 Carriages" with Dave Hamelin and Ink. Their production mirrors the momentum and churn of a train, hinting at a journey toward an uncertain destination. The Canadian producer Dave Hamelin previously worked with Beyoncé when he was one of an army of writers that co-wrote her Renaissance track "Alien Superstar." Georgia songwriter Ink also contributed to "Alien Superstar" as well as two other Renaissance tracks, "Summer Renaissance" and "Thique." The three producers co-wrote the track alongside Raphael Saadiq. The co-founder of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! Saadiq co-wrote two Renaissance tracks, "Cuff It" and "Pure/Honey." He also executive produced Beyoncé's sister Solange's 2016 album A Seat At The Table. Dave Hamelin plays the guitar, piano, organ and synthesizer. The other musicians are Justus West: guitar Gavin Williams: organ Justin Schipper: steel guitar Robert Randolph: steel guitar Ryan Svendsen: trumpet The frontman of Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Robert Randolph is known for his innovative and electrifying style of playing the pedal steel guitar, often incorporating elements of blues, rock and gospel into his music. Renaissance Act II is the second installment of Beyoncé's Renaissance trilogy, conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic that began with Renaissance. While Renaissance is centered around dance music, Act II is country themed.

Sixteen carriages drivin' away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages drivin' away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight

At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray
Had to leave my home at an early age
I saw Mama prayin', I saw Daddy grind
All my tender problems, had to leave behind

It's been umpteen summers and I'm not in my bed
On the back of the bus and a bunk with the band
Goin' so hard, gotta choose myself
Underpaid and overwhelmed
I might cook, clean, but still won't fold
Still workin' on my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows

Sixteen carriages drivin' away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages drivin' away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight

Sixteen dollars, workin' all day
Ain't got time to waste, I got art to make
I got love to create on this holy night
They won't dim my light, all these years I fight

It's been thirty-eight summers and I'm not in my bed
On the back of the bus and a bunk with the band
Goin' so hard, now I miss my kids
Overworked and overwhelmed
I might cook, clean, but still won't fold
Still workin' on my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows

Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all these tears I fight

Ohh, ohh
Ohh

At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray
Had to take care of home at an early age
I saw Mama cryin', I saw Daddy lyin'
Had to sacrifice and leave my fears behind
The legacy, if it's the last thing I do
You'll remember me 'cause we got somethin' to prove
In your memory on a highway to truth
Still see your faces when you close your eyes

Sixteen carriages drivin' away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away