16 CARRIAGES – Beyoncé Meaning & Facts By (Singles). You Can Watch This Video On YouTube While The Lyrics Are Written By Beyoncé, Ink, Raphael Saadiq & Dave Hamelin. The Music Track Was Released Date :Feb. 11, 2024.
[Chorus]
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 black road, all the tears I fight
[Explanation of Chorus]
The chorus sets the scene of the protagonist watching sixteen carriages drive away, symbolizing the departure of dreams or aspirations. They express a sense of loss and craving as their dreams feel to slip down into the distance. The repetition of “on a long back road, all the tears I fight” emphasizes the emotional turmoil the protagonist experiences.
[Verse 1]
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
[Explanation of Verse 1]
In this verse, the narrator reflects on their past, specifically recalling leaving home at a young age due to circumstances beyond their control. Despite witnessing their parents’ struggles, they had to forge their own path and leave their innocence behind.
[Pre-Chorus]
It’s been umpteen summers, and I’m not in my bed
On the back of the bus in a bunk with the band
Goin’ so hard, gotta choose myself
Undеrpaid and overwhelmed
I might cook, clеan, but still won’t fold
Still workin’ all my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows
[Explanation of Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus describes the promoter’s trip over the times, pressing the offerings they have made to pursue their dreams. Indeed though they’ve faced difficulties and felt wronged, they keep going because they love what they do and are determined to succeed.
[Chorus]
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
[Explanation of Chorus]
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the themes of loss, resilience, and the passage of time. The promoter continues to watch their dreams drift down, scuffling with the feelings stirred by their trip.
[Verse 2]
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
[Explanation of Verse 2]
In the second verse, the narrator speaks about their work ethic and creative pursuits, emphasizing their dedication to their craft despite the challenges they face.
[Pre-Chorus]
It’s been thirty-eight summers, and I’m not in my bed
On the back of the bus in 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’ all my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows
[Explanation of Pre-Chorus]
Similar to the first pre-chorus, this section reflects on the protagonist’s ongoing struggle with balancing their personal and professional life. Despite feeling overwhelmed and missing their family, they carry on in their trip, driven by their fondness and piety.
[Chorus]
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
[Explanation of Chorus]
Once again, the chorus underscores the protagonist’s emotional turmoil as they watch their dreams slip away, echoing the themes of longing and perseverance.
[Post-Chorus]
Oh, oh
Oh
[Explanation of Post-Chorus]
This section serves as a brief interlude, punctuating the emotional weight of the song with vocalizations that convey a sense of yearning and introspection.
[Bridge]
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
For 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
[Explanation of Bridge]
The section addresses about the promoter’s history, mentioning the offerings they have made for their family and their strong desire to produce a heritage. Even though they’ve had tough times, they stick to their truth and don’t want to be overlooked or forgotten.
[Outro]
Sixteen carriages drivin’ away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away
[Explanation of Outro]
The outro echoes the sentiments expressed in the chorus, with the protagonist watching their dreams fade away into the distance.