Sweet Sixteen
Destiny's Child Lyrics

You couldn't tell little Jackie nothin'
Jackie was a rebellious teenager who thought she knew everything and didn't listen to anyone's advice.

Sixteen thought she knew it all
Being sixteen made Jackie believe that she had gained enough life experience to understand everything and make her own decisions.

She was searching for the love she missed yeah
Jackie longed for love and affection that she never received from her family.

And so she ran away
Jackie decided to run away from home in pursuit of love and freedom.

Slow down You're moving way too fast Sixteen There's so much for you to have Sweet Sixteen Do you know where you're running to? Do you know? Sweet Sixteen
The artist urges Jackie to slow down and not rush into adulthood. Being sixteen is a time for growth and exploration, but Jackie needs to be mindful of where she's headed and what she wants in life.

She fell in love with a man who was so fine (so fine) He made her promises yeah She didn't stopped to think if he was serious no no no Until she had his baby, sweet sixteen
Jackie became romantically involved with a charming man who made empty promises. She did not stop to question his intentions until she became pregnant at a young age.

There's so much for you ahead, oh Sweet Sixteen Sweet Sixteen oh Do you know where you're goin' to? Feel like you've got no where to go
Despite the challenges, the singer points out that there's a bright future ahead for Jackie; she just needs to figure out where she's headed and find her place in the world.

Sixteen years Sixteen prayers Sixteen reason why I care Sixteen tears You're sixteen still Sweet sixteen, girl
The artist acknowledges the struggles that come with being sixteen, but reminds Jackie that she still has so much life ahead of her. Despite the tears and pain, she has sixteen reasons to keep going and the artist cares about her.

I know you're feelin' lonely I know you're feeling lonely Who you gonna turn to? (Who you gonna turn to?) Feels like the world is closing in on you (on you, on you) Sweet sixteen
The artist recognizes that Jackie likely feels alone and lost, and is seeking someone to turn to. Being sixteen can feel overwhelming, and it's important for Jackie to find healthy ways to cope with her struggles.

You need to cherish what you have You can forget about the past Now you can start all over You can start all over and Cherish your life
The artist advises Jackie to appreciate what she has in the present and let go of any pain from her past. Jackie has the power to start over and create a brighter future for herself, but it starts with learning to appreciate her life as it is.

Sweet Sixteen Girl I know It gets hard so take it slow
The singer empathizes with Jackie's struggles and reminds her that life can be difficult. Jackie needs to take things one step at a time and not rush her journey.

Sweet Sixteen, Sweet Sixteen Do you know where you're going to? Do you know, do you know, do you know? Where you're going to yeah
The artist repeats the question of whether Jackie knows where she's headed, emphasizing the importance of having a plan and direction in life.

This is for you miss Ann Who is now with our Heavenly Father Who made the real Commandments
This last line is a dedication to someone named Ann who has passed away and is now with God. It emphasizes the importance of following the Ten Commandments as a guide to living a good life.