Single Ladies
The Chipettes Lyrics


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All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies

Now put your hands up
Up in the club (club), we just broke up (up), I'm doing my own little thing
Decided to dip (dip) and now you wanna trip (trip)
'Cause another brother noticed me

I'm up on him (him), he up on me
Don't pay him any attention
Just cried my tears (tears), for three good years (years)
Ya can't be mad at me

'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
'Cause if you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it

'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it

I got gloss on my lips (lips), a man on my hips (hips)
Got me tighter in my Dereon jeans
Acting up (up), drink in my cup (cup)
I can care less what you think

I need no permission, did I mention
Don't pay him any attention
'Cause you had your turn (turn), and now you gonna learn
What it really feels like to miss me

'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
'Cause if you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it

'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it

'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it

All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies

Now put your hands up

'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it

'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it




Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it

Overall Meaning

The Chipettes’ song “Single Ladies” is an upbeat, empowering anthem for all independent women out there. The song’s hook, “if you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it,” emphasizes the value of a woman’s worth and the importance of commitment in a relationship. The lyrics discuss a woman’s self-assurance and confidence after ending a long-term relationship, with the Chipettes declaring that they are done crying over a man that did not appreciate them. The song endorses female empowerment and encourages women to take control of their lives and demand respect from their partners.


“Single Ladies” is a catchy, pop song that has resonated with audiences since its release. The upbeat rhythm and infectious melody have made it a popular dance track in clubs and parties. The lyrics’ message of self-assurance and self-love have made it a favorite among young girls, teaching them the importance of prioritizing their self-worth in relationships. The song has also been used in multiple films, TV shows, and commercials, showcasing its iconic status in pop culture.


Overall, “Single Ladies” is a fun and empowering song that encourages women to prioritize their self-worth and demand commitment from their partners. Its catchy beat and relatable lyrics make it an instant classic, making it a go-to playlist addition for girls’ night out, celebrations, and dance parties.


Line by Line Meaning

All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
Addressing all the women who are currently not engaged in a relationship


Now put your hands up
Raising hands to show that one is proudly single and independent


Up in the club (club), we just broke up (up), I'm doing my own little thing
Expressing freedom and confidence after a recent break-up and enjoying personal space in a social setting


Decided to dip (dip) and now you wanna trip (trip)
Choosing to move on and live life independently causing the ex-partner to feel unpleasant and regretful


'Cause another brother noticed me
Attracting attention from another man causing the ex-partner to feel envious


I'm up on him (him), he up on me
Engaging romantically with someone new


Don't pay him any attention
Ignoring the ex-partner


Just cried my tears (tears), for three good years (years)
Reflecting on the past and the time wasted on a relationship that didn't work out


Ya can't be mad at me
Affirming that the choice to move on and be independent is not the ex-partner's fault


'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If the ex-partner truly valued the relationship, then they should have proposed and pursued a committed relationship


Don't be mad once you see that he want it
Warning the ex-partner not to be jealous once they see someone else interested in the singer


I got gloss on my lips (lips), a man on my hips (hips)
Emphasizing her independence and attractiveness


Got me tighter in my Dereon jeans
Feeling comfortable and confident in her own skin


Acting up (up), drink in my cup (cup)
Enjoying life and having a good time by drinking and being carefree


I can care less what you think
Not caring about what the ex-partner or anyone else thinks of her lifestyle or choices


I need no permission, did I mention
Asserting that she is free to live however she chooses without needing approval


Cause you had your turn (turn), and now you gonna learn
Acknowledging the past relationship but stating that she has moved on and the ex-partner needs to accept the consequences of their actions


What it really feels like to miss me
Suggesting that the ex-partner will regret losing her once she is gone




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Christopher A. Stewart, Thaddis Laphonia Harrell, Beyonce Gisselle Knowles, Terius Youngdell Nash

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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