In 2007, Knowles began to record music again. Her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008) deviated from the pop-oriented music of her debut to Motown-inspired sounds from the 60's and 70's. It peaked at number nine on the US Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics. She followed this up with the 1980s pop and R&B-inspired EP True (2012) on Terrible Records and her imprint Saint Records. Her third studio album, A Seat at the Table (2016) was released to widespread critical acclaim and became her first number-one album in the United States. The album's lead single, "Cranes in the Sky" won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Her fourth studio album, When I Get Home, was released in March 2019 to further critical acclaim.
Knowles was heavily influenced by Motown girl groups and says that her first passion is songwriting. Frequently compared by the media to her sister Beyoncé, Knowles has claimed that they have different aspirations and are musically different. She has been ranked by Billboard as the 100th most successful dance artist of all-time, and in 2017 was honored with the "Impact Award" at Billboard Women in Music. Her other ventures include an endorsement deal with Rimmel London and a line of hip-hop-oriented merchandise for young children.
Weary
Solange Lyrics
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Be weary of the ways of the world
I'm weary of the ways of the world
I'm gon' look for my body (my body), yeah
I'll be back real soon (real soon)
I'm gon' look for my body, yeah
I'll be back real soon (real soon)
I'll be back real soon (real soon)
But you know that a king is only a man
With flesh and bones he bleeds just like you do
He said, "Where does that leave you?
And do you belong?" I do, I do
Be leery 'bout your place in the world
You're feeling like you're chasing the world
You're leaving not a trace in the world
But you're facing the world
I'm gon' look for my glory, yeah
I'll be back real soon (real soon)
I'm gon' look for my glory, yeah
I'll be back real soon (real soon)
I'm gon' look for my glory, yeah
I'll be back real soon (real soon)
But you know that a king (king)
Is only a man (only a man)
With flesh and bones he bleeds just like you do (just like you do)
He said, "Where does that leave you? (Leave you)
And do you belong?" I do, I do
Whoa
Whoa (whoa)
Oh, whoa
Ohh-whoa, whoa (whoa)
The lyrics of "Weary" by Solange express a feeling of exhaustion with the ways of the world, implying that the world can be tough and harsh, as well as unyielding and unforgiving at times. The song speaks to the idea that every single individual has a place and the recognition that even a king is only a man with blood, flesh, and bones. There is a gentle reminder in the song about being leery with the space one takes in this world, knowing that one day, to put things into a relative perspective, we all will be reduced to dust.
When Solange repeats that "I'm gon' look for my body," it can be viewed as her saying she's gone in search of her purpose and place in the world. This purpose may be reminiscent of glory, and yet there is still urgency in the lyrics stitched throughout the song, that speaks of the re-emergence that will come soon; a resurrection of sorts. The song suggests that being aware of one's place in the world is necessary because we only have one life, and that life should not be wasted while chasing the world's fleeting pleasures.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm weary of the ways of the world
I am tired of the problems and issues that exist in the world.
Be weary of the ways of the world
Be cautious of the negative aspects of the world.
I'm gon' look for my body (my body), yeah
I'm going to search for my physical being.
I'll be back real soon (real soon)
I'll return shortly.
But you know that a king is only a man
Even though someone may be in a position of power or royalty, they are still human.
With flesh and bones he bleeds just like you do
No matter who you are, everyone experiences physical pain.
He said, "Where does that leave you?
He asked me where I stand in the grand scheme of things.
And do you belong?" I do, I do
I feel that I belong and have a place here.
Be leery 'bout your place in the world
Be cautious and thoughtful about your position in society.
You're feeling like you're chasing the world
You feel like you are pursuing something unattainable.
You're leaving not a trace in the world
You feel like you are not making an impact in the world.
But you're facing the world
You are confronting the world and the difficulties it poses.
I'm gon' look for my glory, yeah
I'm going to search for my personal success and achievement.
Whoa
An expression of surprise or awe.
Oh, whoa
An expression of surprise or disappointment.
Ohh-whoa, whoa (whoa)
An expression of confusion and surprise.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TROY JOHNSON, SOLANGE KNOWLES, DYLAN WIGGINS, RAPHAEL SAADIQ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind