We all know Beyoncé Knowles as a performer, artist, wife, mother and the creative developer of her new athletic line “Ivy Park.” But, she’s more than all of those titles: She’s a true icon for women’s empowerment. She creates music that both women and men can listen to that help them to overcome any trials they may be experiencing. Her mark on the world is unmistakable in the thousands of women and men that she’s helped feel seen through her powerful lyrics, business savvy and keen artistry. Coming from a true beehive herself, I do not know what I’d do if I didn’t have her music to turn to whenever life got tough. Whether it’s a break up, stress with school or work, family matters, or I’m heading out with my girls, I can always count on her music to make me feel better emotionally.
Here are my top five songs that I listen to that get me back to #Flawless!
1. “Independent Woman”
In “Independent Women,” you hear the lovely ladies of Destiny’s Child celebrate women who fund their lives entirely on their own, expressing to their listeners that it shouldn’t be a bad thing if you work and make your own money without the help of anyone else.
“I worked hard and sacrificed to get what I get//Ladies it ain’t easy being independent.”
2. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”
During “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” Beyoncé emphasizes the importance of knowing your worth and value in the midst of a breakup.
3. “Run the World (Girls)”
She implements a groundbreaking anthem to women in “Run the World (Girls)” by telling the world who is really in charge.
4. “Flawless”
Beyoncé, along with the fabulous Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, boldly expresses to the world that a woman’s empire has nothing to do with who she’s in a relationship with, and that it is a mistake to discount any person because of their gender. “Flawless” also teaches us to always stay #Flawless no matter what the circumstances may be.
5. “Crazy in Love”
Now you know I couldn’t forget the classic, the original, the song that set the bar and will always be a hit no matter what year it is: “Crazy in Love” is about a woman (or man) getting to a point in their relationship where they realize that they’re deeply in love and they begin to act in a manner that they normally wouldn’t in order to express it.
Just like every woman and man in the world, Beyoncé’s definition of empowerment grew up with her. She always manages to use her platform to advocate the importance of independence, equality, self-love, commitment, and a fierce work ethic. We’re continuing to take notes.