The best lyrics from Beyoncé's 'Renaissance'

Best lyric: It’s not the diamonds, it’s not the pearls / It’s just that I’m that girl

There’s no doubt that Queen Bey is beloved by many. Some feel she’s earned the top spot as one of the world’s most adored A-listers, while others may not. Regardless, Beyoncé opens Renaissance with a powerful statement from her track “I’M THAT GIRL.” Even though her diamonds, pearls, and significant other (her words) may capture the attention of others, those aren’t what captures the audience. It’s simply her presence.

Best lyric: Comfortable in my skin / Cozy with who I am / I love myself, goddamn

Beyoncé’s intention with her seventh studio album was to create a space of escape for those listening. She wanted people to feel free and unique. “COZY” does just that, and it’s only the second track. The entire album, especially this song, pays homage to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s an anthem urging listeners to be proud of who they are.  

Best lyric: Unique / That's what you are / Stilеttos kicking vintage crystal off the bar / Category: bad b—h / I'm thе bar 

One thing that makes this album special is how each track flows into the next without a beat. In a way, “ALIEN SUPERSTAR” plays off of the theme from the track before. This song celebrates ballroom culture, a Black and Latino LGBTQ+ subculture that originated in New York City in the 1960s.  

Best lyric: I feel like fallin' in love / I'm in the mood to f--k somethin' up 

“CUFF IT” is where the tide in Renaissance starts to turn. The song is all about falling in love, drinking on the dance floor, and enjoying many fun nights with your partner. As of April 2023, “CUFF IT” has become the star’s longest-charting hit of her career — spending 35 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Clearly, Beyoncé’s hit her target audience with this track.    

Best lyric: You know that I'm gon' be extra / When that camera go, "Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop" / Keep 'em waitin' like dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot

Even though it’s the shortest song on the record, “ENERGY” still packs quite the punch. Beyoncé’s word flow in the lyrics above showcases how much of an artist she is. The truth is, Queen Bey doesn’t let us into her world often. Fans eagerly anticipated Renaissance for six years before its release. And when she cleared her social media before its announcement, she had everyone in a frenzy. Queen things, if you ask me. 

Best lyric: I'm lookin' for motivation / I'm lookin' for a new foundation / And I'm on that new vibration / I'm buildin' my own foundation

“BREAK MY SOUL” is the perfect freedom song. Being that this project was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Beyoncé’s mantra at the song's beginning encapsulates how many people felt during those three years. The lyrics, the message, and the house beat fit perfectly into Renaissance.

Best lyric: You won't break my soul

As the song continues, “BREAK MY SOUL” only becomes more encouraging for the listener. Beyoncé sings the lyric, “You won’t break my soul,” throughout the chorus, hoping to empower and strengthen the listener. 

Best lyric: If you don't think it, you won't be it / That love ain't yours / Tryin' to fake it never makes it / That, we all know 

Another theme present in "BREAK MY SOUL" is self-love. The bridge is about finding the love one seeks inside oneself, not others. Ultimately, this dance track served as the perfect lead single for an album all about embracing every part of who you are. 

Best lyric: Nobody can judge me but me / I was born free

Much like the entire album until track six, “CHURCH GIRL” is another song where listeners can find freedom and liberation. Although the song is likely an uplifting message with women as the focus, anyone who has felt marginalized for who they are can gain confidence after listening to this one. 

Best lyric: I love that you can't help but be yourself around me / Yourself around me

“PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA” is one of the only slow burns on Beyoncé’s Renaissance. This track takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride as she describes the many reasons she’s in love with her partner. Based on the lyrics and song’s theme, this type of love people dream of experiencing.

Best lyric: Move out the way / I'm with my girls and we all need space / When the queen come through, part like the Red Sea

As the album continues, the vibe of the songs begins to change. “MOVE” is a smooth track with afro beats, funk, and a bit of bounce layered throughout the production. "MOVE" is the perfect pre-game tune to throw on before a night out on the town with your crew. 

Best lyric: Dimples on my hip, stretch marks on my t—s / Drinkin' my water, mindin' my biz / Monday, I'm overrated, Tuesday, on my d—k

Beyoncé’s “HEATED” is the perfect follow-up song to “MOVE.” Throughout the track, she sings about cooling down after tearing up the dance floor in the song before. Eventually, she addresses her haters by pointing out how although she remains unproblematic and to herself, critics still find a way to compare her artistry to others. And despite the comparisons, Beyoncé remains one of one. After Renaissance debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Knowles became the only artist to have their first seven albums debut atop this chart. With that, maybe she does deserve to flex her status just a little.

Best lyric: Tony Montana with the racks / Ivy P on my bag, double G's on my dash

If you’re a fan of Beyoncé’s music, you know she’ll find a way to play on words. In track 14, she likens her financial wealth to her sense of her style. Ivy P references her clothing line, Ivy Park, while double G’s is a nod to Gucci's luxury clothing line. 

Best lyric: Check my technique / I see you, you, too / Coming for my technique / Future, renaissance / Study my technique

Throughout this album, Beyoncé subtly acknowledges her haters through her lyrics. In “PURE/HONEY,” Queen Bey says a lot within the first two minutes. Despite facing doubters, critics, and naysayers, she confidently encouraged them to study her technique. Additionally, she accurately predicted the success of her project Renaissance, named the best album of 2022 on multiple occasions.

Best lyric: Versace, Bottega, Prada, Balenciaga / Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy / Collect your coins, Beyoncé / So elegant and raunchy, this haute couture I'm flaunting / This Telfar bag imported, Birkins, them s–ts in storage

As “SUMMER RENAISSANCE” wraps up act one of a three-part project, Beyoncé couldn’t help but brag one last time. Since she’s known to deliver striking looks, Knowles listed off several luxury European fashion houses she’s been seen wearing before. At the end of the verse, Beyoncé emphatically sings about her towed-away Birkin bags, highlighting the superiority of the more affordable and trendy Telfar bag.