Formation
Beyoncè Lyrics

What happened at the New Wil’ins?
Introducing the song and setting the scene in New Orleans, where something significant has occurred

Bitch, I'm back by popular demand
Asserting her status and popularity while addressing her haters

Y'all haters corny with that Illuminati mess
Dismissing rumors of her affiliation with the Illuminati and calling out her haters for spreading false information

Paparazzi, catch my fly, and my cocky fresh I'm so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress (stylin') I'm so possessive so I rock his Roc necklaces
Boasting about her fashion sense and designer brands, and asserting her dominance over her partner

My daddy Alabama, Momma Louisiana You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bama I like my baby hair with baby hair and afros I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils
Proudly asserting her African-American heritage and celebrating her unique features

Earned all this money but they never take the country out me I got a hot sauce in my bag, swag
Asserting that despite her wealth, she still identifies with her country roots and carrying hot sauce in her purse as a symbol of her Southern pride and identity

I did not come to play with you hoes, haha I came to slay, bitch I like cornbreads and collard greens, bitch Oh, yes, you besta believe it
Asserting her dominance and warning her detractors that she is not to be messed with while embracing her Southern roots and traditional foods

I see it, I want it, I stunt, yellow-bone it I dream it, I work hard, I grind 'til I own it I twirl on them haters, albino alligators El Camino with the seat low, sippin' Cuervo with no chaser
Asserting her ambition, career success, and material wealth while calling out her haters and embracing her luxurious lifestyle

Sometimes I go off (I go off), I go hard (I go hard) Get what's mine (take what's mine), I'm a star (I'm a star) Cause I slay (slay), I slay (hey), I slay (okay), I slay (okay) All day (okay), I slay (okay), I slay (okay), I slay (okay) We gon' slay (slay), gon' slay (okay), we slay (okay), I slay (okay) I slay (okay), okay (okay), I slay (okay), okay, okay, okay, okay
Repeating her affirmations of her success, fierceness, and unstoppable attitude

Okay, okay, ladies, now let's get in formation, cause I slay Prove to me you got some coordination, cause I slay Slay trick, or you get eliminated
Challenging her audience to step up and join her while warning her detractors that they will be left behind

When he fuck me good I take his ass to Red Lobster, cause I slay If he hit it right, I might take him on a flight on my chopper, cause I slay Drop him off at the mall, let him buy some J's, let him shop up, cause I slay I might get your song played on the radio station, cause I slay You just might be a black Bill Gates in the making, cause I slay I just might be a black Bill Gates in the making
Celebrating the power of sex, relationships, and casual luxury while asserting that she and her partner have the potential to be successful and wealthy like Bill Gates

You know you that bitch when you cause all this conversation Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper
Acknowledging her influence and power and emphasizing the importance of maintaining grace and financial independence

Girl, I hear some thunder Golly, look at that water, boy, oh lord
Ending the song with a dramatic interlude that suggests a storm is brewing and something significant is about to happen