"Soldier" received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who praised its composition and the trio's vocal performances, but criticized the lyrical content. The song received a nomination in the category for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards and won a Best R&B/Soul Single by a Group, Band or Duo award at the 2005 Soul Train Music Awards. A commercial success, "Soldier" peaked within the top-five in six European countries and in Australia, further being certified Gold in the latter region. In the United States, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Dance Club Songs chart, further receiving a Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Soldier
Destiny’s Child Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They'll know it when they see you rollin' them impalas around it
With the top down feeling' the sounds
Quakin' and vibratin' your thighs
Ridin' hard than guys
With the chrome wheels at the bottom
White leather inside
With them flames spittin' at you tell them don't even try it
Or holla a B
You got to be G's you way out of your league
We like them boys who be in them 'lacs leanin'
Open they mouth they grill gleamin'
Candy paint keep that wheel clean and
They always be talkin' that country slang
We like
They keep that beat that be in the beatin'
Eyes be so low from the chiefin'
I love how he keep my body screamin'
A rude boy thats good to me
With street credibility
If yah status ain't hood
I ain't checkin' for them
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
I need a soldier
That ain't scared to stand up for me
Known to carry big things if yah know what I mean
If yah status ain't hood
I ain't checkin' for them
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
I need a soldier that ain't scared to stand up for me
Got to know to get dough and he betta be street
We like them boys up top from the BK
Know how to split the money three ways
Always ridin' big on the freeway
With that East Coast slang that us country girls
We like
Low cut Caesar's with the deep wave
So quick to snatch up yo Beyonce
Always comin' down boppin' our way
Tellin' us that country girls the kind of girls
They like
If yah status ain't hood
I ain't checkin' for them
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
I need a soldier
That ain't scared to stand up for me
Known to carry big things if yah know what I mean
If yah status ain't hood
I ain't checkin' for them
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
I need a soldier
That ain't scared to stand up for me
Got to know to get dough and he betta be street
I know some soldiers in here
Where they at, where they at?
They want to take care of me
Where they at?
I know some soldiers in here
Where they at, where they at
Wouldn't mind takin' one for me
Where they at?
I know some soldiers in here
Where they at, where they at?
That want to spend that one me
Where they at?
I know some soldiers in here
Where they at, where they at?
Wouldn't mind puttin' that one me
Where they at?
Next to the speakers keep a toy in the trunk of the 'lac
A reformed D boy use to run into traps
Still a soldier do to war if you running your trap
About my girls ain't no thing to put you under the map
Walk the streets five deep with nothing less than a stack
And 80 carats on my chest provides a special attraction
50 G's in my jeans plus the dough from the waller
It's the reason I'm the king girl, I know what you like
If yah status ain't hood
I ain't checkin' for them
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
I need a soldier
That ain't scared to stand up for me
Known to carry big things if yah know what I mean
If yah status ain't hood
I ain't checkin' for them
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
I need a soldier
That ain't scared to stand up for me
Got to know to get dough and he betta be street
I like them boys ova there they lookin' strong tonight
Just might give one the phone tonight
Honie in the dickies in my zone tonight
He don't know it might be on tonight
Ooh he lookin' good and he talkin' right
He the type that might change my life
Every time he look at me my girls be like
That one might be the one tonight
If yah status ain't hood
I ain't checkin' for them
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
I need a soldier
That ain't scared to stand up for me
Known to carry big things if yah know what I mean
If yah status ain't hood
I ain't checkin' for them
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
I need a soldier
That ain't scared to stand up for me
Got to know to get dough and he betta be street
See cash money is a army
I'm walkin' with purple hearts on me
You talkin' to the sergeant
Body marked up like they subway in Harlem
Call them Wizzy F baby, please save the baby
If you don't see me on the block, I ain't tryna hide
I blend in with the hood, I'm camouflage
Bandanna tied so mommy join my troop
Now every time she hear my name
She say whoomp
I know some soldiers in here
Where they at, where they at?
They want to take care of me
Where they at?
I know some soldiers in here
Where they at, where they at?
Wouldn't mind takin' one for me
Where they at?
I know some soldiers in here
Where they at, where they at?
That want to spend that one me
Where they at?
I know some soldiers in here
Where they at, where they at?
Wouldn't mind puttin' that one me
Where they at?
The song Soldier by Destiny’s Child talks about the kind of men that the singers prefer. They want their men to be tough and street-smart, with great cars and a bad-boy attitude. They describe the ideal man as someone who can protect them and stand up for them, while also being capable of earning big money. They want a man who is not afraid to be himself and who brings something different to the table. The chorus explains that they only want men who are street and are not interested in men who are not street. They also like men who are from BK and have an East Coast slang.
The first verse describes the ideal ride. A car that stands out in the crowd, with wheels that shine and flames that intimidate those who dare to challenge it. The singers talk about the ideal visual representation of their ideal man, handsome and confident, owning the road that is their game. The second verse emphasizes a specific look and a specific sound that they like in their men. The soldiers in the song are the kind that they would like to have, and they want their men to be rough and gritty, with a rap sheet that's as interesting as their demeanor.
The song's chorus has reiterating lyrics that celebrates the street life, the grit and toughness that the singers prefer. They want a man who is not afraid to show his edge, his toughness, someone who is as street-smart as he is charming. They explain that the men they want are not only attractive but also capable of standing up for them. The song's outro emphasizes the previous lines, ending with women looking for their soldiers in the crowd.
Line by Line Meaning
They way you got it I'm the hottest around
I am very attractive and desirable because of how cool and confident I am.
They'll know it when they see you rollin' them impalas around it
People will recognize my superiority when they see you driving your shiny Impala car.
With the top down feeling' the sounds
With the car roof open, I can hear and enjoy the music better.
Quakin' and vibratin' your thighs
The powerful bass of the music is making my legs shake and move.
Ridin' hard than guys
I am driving more passionately than most men do.
With the chrome wheels at the bottom
My car has shiny chrome wheels at the bottom.
White leather inside
The interior of my car is made of stylish white leather.
With them flames spittin' at you tell them don't even try it
The flames on the car are so cool, that they intimidate others who might want to compete with us.
Shoot it Chelle and kick it with Kelly
Let's have fun and enjoy ourselves with our friends Chelle and Kelly.
Or holla a B
Or we can call our friend B to join us.
You got to be G's you way out of your league
You have to be cool and confident like us to keep up and be with us.
We like them boys who be in them 'lacs leanin'
We are attracted to boys who drive luxury Cadillacs while looking chill and relaxed.
Open they mouth they grill gleamin'
When they smile and show their teeth, their expensive jewelry in their mouth shines and looks impressive.
Candy paint keep that wheel clean and
Their candy-like car color and their clean wheels make them stand out and look fly.
They always be talkin' that country slang
They speak with a southern dialect that we find charming.
They keep that beat that be in the beatin'
They listen to the music with a heavy bass beat that we find exciting and cool.
Eyes be so low from the chiefin'
Their eyes are red and half-closed from smoking marijuana.
I love how he keep my body screamin'
I love how he satisfies me sexually and makes me scream with pleasure.
A rude boy thats good to me
I like a rough and tough guy who treats me well and respects me.
With street credibility
He must have a reputation or quality of being genuine, tough, and respected in the streets.
If yah status ain't hood
If you don't have a tough reputation and come from the streets like I do,
I ain't checkin' for them
I am not interested in you.
Betta be street if he lookin' at me
If you want to impress me, you better have street credibility.
I need a soldier
I want a strong man who will protect and care for me.
That ain't scared to stand up for me
He must be brave and willing to defend me when needed.
Known to carry big things if yah know what I mean
He must be capable of carrying weapons or doing illegal activities if required.
Got to know to get dough and he betta be street
He must know how to earn money and be respected in the streets.
We like them boys up top from the BK
We are attracted to tough guys from Brooklyn, New York.
Know how to split the money three ways
They know how to divide the profits among themselves without conflict.
Always ridin' big on the freeway
They always drive large and impressive cars on the freeway.
With that East Coast slang that us country girls
They speak with a distinctive New York accent that we find intriguing as southern girls.
Low cut Caesar's with the deep wave
Their hair looks cool with short and textured cuts.
So quick to snatch up yo Beyonce
They are so charming and smooth that they can easily steal your girlfriend.
Always comin' down boppin' our way
They always come around, showing off and impressing us.
Tellin' us that country girls the kind of girls
They tell us that southern girls are exactly what they like.
I know some soldiers in here
I see some tough guys in this place.
Where they at, where they at?
Where can I find them?
They want to take care of me
They want to protect me and provide for me.
Wouldn't mind takin' one for me
I would not mind choosing one of those guys as my partner.
That want to spend that one me
Those guys are willing to spend money on me.
Wouldn't mind puttin' that one me
I would not mind being in a relationship with them.
Next to the speakers keep a toy in the trunk of the 'lac
They keep their weapon near them while blasting their music in their car.
A reformed D boy use to run into traps
They used to be drug dealers, but now they avoid such life-threatening situations.
Still a soldier do to war if you running your trap
They are still tough and ready to fight back if someone tries to mess with them.
About my girls ain't no thing to put you under the map
They know how to defend and protect their female companions.
Walk the streets five deep with nothing less than a stack
They walk in a group of five or more, carrying at least $1,000 in cash.
And 80 carats on my chest provides a special attraction
They wear a huge and expensive diamond necklace that catches everyone's attention.
50 G's in my jeans plus the dough from the waller
They have $50,000 in their pockets, in addition to the money they keep in their wallet.
It's the reason I'm the king girl, I know what you like
Their wealth and status make them superior and desirable to women.
I like them boys ova there they lookin' strong tonight
I find those tough guys over there attractive and fit tonight.
Just might give one the phone tonight
I might give one of them my phone number tonight.
Honie in the dickies in my zone tonight
I am in the mood to be with a charming guy wearing work clothes.
He don't know it might be on tonight
He does not realize that he might have a chance with me tonight.
Ooh he lookin' good and he talkin' right
He looks handsome and speaks in a way that I find attractive.
He the type that might change my life
He is the kind of guy who has the potential to impact or improve my life.
Every time he look at me my girls be like
My friends notice when he looks at me and they are excited for us.
That one might be the one tonight
He might be the perfect guy for me to be with tonight.
See cash money is a army
Having a lot of money can provide power and influence in society.
I'm walkin' with purple hearts on me
I am wearing military honors or medals as a status symbol.
You talkin' to the sergeant
You are talking to someone of high rank and respect in the military or streets.
Body marked up like they subway in Harlem
My body has many tattoos, similar to the decorated subway trains in Harlem, New York.
Call them Wizzy F baby, please save the baby
People call them by the nickname 'Wizzy F baby' and ask them to protect the young and innocent.
If you don't see me on the block, I ain't tryna hide
If you don't see me in the neighborhood, it's not because I am avoiding someone or something.
I blend in with the hood, I'm camouflage
I easily and naturally fit in with the urban environment and lifestyle.
Bandanna tied so mommy join my troop
They wear a bandanna to show gang affiliation and invite women to join their group.
Now every time she hear my name
Every time she hears their name, she thinks of them.
She say whoomp
She exclaims in admiration or excitement when she hears their name.
Writer(s): Rich Harrison, Michelle Williams, Beyonce Gisselle Knowles, Clifford Harris, Kelendria Trene Rowland, Dwayne Carter, Garrett R. Hamler
Contributed by Ruby P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@creativeblackgirlstorytelling
Michelle had the cutest part. She hit that “ooh he looking good and he talkin right!” & then spun around and all of them pointed at her. Just adorable. Michelle by belle.
@Dani-rl5kp
Totally agree I always loved her part the beat
@glamjam9695
I agree I always loved her part
@mandystaunton9474
💯👏agreed xx
@deannadailey4699
😢😮
@jelenatihhonova3057
🎉@@Dani-rl5kp
@artforhomes
Who's watching in 2024?
@badassproductions4734
My first time too 😅
@rosiesrainbowstars2740
Oh yeah!!!😊🎉🎉
@kalvi_kalvi
Me