If I Were A Boy
Beyonce feat. R. Kelly Lyrics


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If I were a boy
Even just for a day
I'd roll out of bed in the morning
And throw on what I wanted and go

Drink beer with the guys
And chase after girls
I'd kick it with who I wanted
And I'd never get confronted for it
'Cause they'd stick up for me

If I were a boy
I think I could understand
How it feels to love a girl
I swear I'd be a better man
I'd listen to her
'Cause I know how it hurts
When you lose the one you wanted
'Cause he's taken you for granted
And everything you had got destroyed

If I were a boy
I would turn off my phone
Tell everyone it's broken
So they'd think that I was sleeping alone

I'd put myself first
And make the rules as I go
'Cause I know that she'd be faithful
Waiting for me to come home, to come home

If I were a boy
I think I could understand (ohh)
How it feels to love a girl
I swear I'd be a better man
I'd listen to her
'Cause I know how it hurts
When you lose the one you wanted (you wanted)
'Cause he's taken you for granted (granted)
And everything you had got destroyed

It's a little too late for you to come back
Say it's just a mistake
Think I'd forgive you like that
If you thought I would wait for you
You thought wrong

But you're just a boy
You don't understand (yeah, you don't understand, oh)
How it feels to love a girl someday
You wish you were a better man
You don't listen to her
You don't care how it hurts
Until you lose the one you wanted
'Cause you've taken her for granted
And everything you have got destroyed





But you're just a boy

Overall Meaning

The song "If I Were A Boy" by Beyoncé featuring R. Kelly is a powerful ballad that explores the gender divide and relationships. The lyrics express Beyoncé's desire to experience life as a man and how that would alter her perspectives and actions, particularly in relationships. She explores the way gender shapes interactions and how being male would change her behavior and how others perceive her actions. She mentions how if she were a boy, she would not have to deal with societal expectations imposed on women, particularly in relationships, such as being faithful and patient.


The lyrics suggest that as a man, Beyoncé would be able to hang out with the guys and engage in activities that women are often judged for doing. She would be able to chase after girls and kick it with anyone she wants without receiving any backlash or criticism. Beyoncé also suggests that as a man, she would empathize more with women in relationships and take better care of them. She would be a better listener and understand how much it hurts when the one you love takes you for granted, which she feels that men often do.


In the song, Beyoncé paints a picture of what she would if she were a boy, but towards the end, she realizes that understanding and empathy transcend gender. While some of her actions may have been different if she had been a boy, she knows that ultimately true love requires listening, understanding, and taking care of your partner, no matter your gender.


Line by Line Meaning

If I were a boy
If only I could see and experience what life is like for the opposite gender


Even just for a day
It doesn't have to be a long time, just a glimpse will suffice


I'd roll out of bed in the morning
I would wake up carefree and without any worries


And throw on what I wanted and go
I would dress in whatever way I please without fear of judgement


Drink beer with the guys
I would hang out with my male friends and partake in their usual activities


And chase after girls
I would pursue romantic interests as freely as I please


I'd kick it with who I wanted
I would socialize with anyone I choose without judgement or restriction


And I'd never get confronted for it
Unlike when women do this, I would not have to face negative consequences for my actions


'Cause they'd stick up for me
My male friends would defend my actions and allow me to do as I please


If I were a boy
Once again, if I could see things from a male perspective


I think I could understand
I would finally be able to empathize and comprehend certain things about men


How it feels to love a girl
I would know what it's like to have romantic feelings for someone of the opposite gender


I swear I'd be a better man
I would improve myself using this newfound understanding


I'd listen to her
I would be more attentive to my romantic partner's needs and wants


'Cause I know how it hurts
Having felt similar emotions, I would be more aware of my partner's emotional state


When you lose the one you wanted
Knowing how painful it is to lose someone, I would take care not to let that happen


'Cause he's taken you for granted
I would realize the effect of taking someone for granted and how it can ruin a relationship


And everything you had got destroyed
I would comprehend how my actions can negatively impact my relationship


If I were a boy
Once again, if I could see things from a male perspective


I would turn off my phone
I would disconnect from the world and prioritize my own needs for a change


Tell everyone it's broken
I would avoid any communication and give myself space


So they'd think that I was sleeping alone
I would not have to worry about seeming unfaithful or dishonest


I'd put myself first
I would prioritize my own needs and desires without guilt


And make the rules as I go
I would not be tied down to anyone's expectations or demands


'Cause I know that she'd be faithful
I would trust my partner and not worry about her actions when I am not around


Waiting for me to come home, to come home
I would know that I have a loving partner to return to


If I were a boy
Once again, if I could see things from a male perspective


I think I could understand (ohh)
I would finally understand and empathize with the other gender


How it feels to love a girl
I would know what it's like to experience romantic love for a woman


I swear I'd be a better man
I would use this new knowledge to improve as a person and partner


I'd listen to her
I would be more attentive to my partner's needs and desires


'Cause I know how it hurts
I would understand how my partner feels and take care of her accordingly


When you lose the one you wanted (you wanted)
I would take care to not lose my partner due to my own shortcomings


'Cause he's taken you for granted (granted)
I would realize the effect of neglecting a partner and how it can ruin a relationship


And everything you had got destroyed
I would be aware of how my actions can negatively impact a relationship


It's a little too late for you to come back
I will no longer tolerate unacceptable behavior from my partner


Say it's just a mistake
I will not accept flimsy excuses for poor behavior


Think I'd forgive you like that
I will hold my partner accountable for their actions


If you thought I would wait for you
I will not put my life or needs on hold for my partner


You thought wrong
I am not going to tolerate unhealthy behavior from my partner


But you're just a boy
You lack the understanding and emotional intelligence to comprehend the situation


You don't understand (yeah, you don't understand, oh)
You are incapable of grasping what it's like to be in this position


How it feels to love a girl someday
You don't understand what it's like to have romantic feelings for someone else


You wish you were a better man
You may feel helpless, but the solution is to become more empathetic and understanding


You don't listen to her
You do not pay attention to your partner's needs or desires


You don't care how it hurts
You are not considerate of your partner's feelings


Until you lose the one you wanted
You will not understand the impact of your actions until it's too late


'Cause you've taken her for granted
You have not appreciated or valued your partner


And everything you have got destroyed
Your actions have damaged the relationship irreparably




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brittany Jean Carlson, Tobias Gad

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@DaVinzy

Who's here in 2024 listening to this!?

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@@annabellelowe6680 I hear you!

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@deshawnabraham4536

R. Kelly sang the hell out his verse🎙🎶

@NoFILanthropy98

His voice stands out to me more than any other singer out there today other than Adele. Too bad he couldn't have not been a pedo otherwise he would have been the GOAT.

@jeffwilmot5522

Guy is an unreal singer

@macabre1132

"You are not a perfect woman, and I am not a perfect man"

My favorite line in the whole song

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