16 Carriages Lyrics – Beyoncé

Q: Who is the music producer of "16 Carriages" Song?

"16 Carriages" song music compose & produce by Beyoncé, Ink & Dave Hamelin.

English 359 February 11, 2024

The Lyrics of "16 Carriages" by Beyoncé revolves around themes of sacrifice, resilience, and determination in the pursuit of dreams and success. The lyrics depict the journey of a person, likely Beyoncé herself, who had to leave behind their innocence and home at a young age to chase their ambitions. Despite facing hardships, including being away from loved ones and feeling overwhelmed, the protagonist remains steadfast in their pursuit, fueled by the desire to leave a lasting legacy and prove themselves. The song highlights the sacrifices made along the way and the emotional toll of striving for greatness. ...Read More

16 Carriages Lyrics

[Chorus: Beyoncé]
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long black road, all the tears I fight

[Verse 1: Beyoncé]
At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray
Had to leave my home at an early age
I saw Mama praying, I saw Daddy grind
All my tender problems, had to leave behind

[Pre-Chorus: Beyoncé]
It's been umpteen summers, and I'm not in my bed
On the back of the bus in a bunk with the band
Going so hard, gotta choose myself
Undеrpaid and overwhelmed
I might cook, clеan, but still won't fold
Still working all my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows

[Chorus: Beyoncé]
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight

[Verse 2: Beyoncé]
Sixteen dollars, working all day
Ain't got time to waste, I got art to make
I got love to create on this holy night
They won't dim my light, all these years I fight

[Pre-Chorus: Beyoncé]
It's been thirty-eight summers, and I'm not in my bed
On the back of the bus in a bunk with the band
Going so hard, now I miss my kids
Overworked and overwhelmed
I might cook, clean, but still won't fold
Still working all my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows

[Chorus: Beyoncé]
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all these tears I fight

[Post-Chorus: Beyoncé]
Oh, oh
Oh, oh

[Bridge: Beyoncé]
At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray
Had to take care of home at an early age
I saw Mama crying, I saw Daddy lying
Had to sacrifice and leave my fears behind
For legacy, if it's the last thing I do
You'll remember me 'cause we got something to prove
In your memory, on the highway to truth
Still see our faces when you close your eyes

[Outro: Beyoncé]
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away

Submitted by Rollteam

Last Update: March 28, 2024

16 Carriages Lyrics Meaning

The Lyrics of "16 Carriages" by Beyoncé revolves around themes of sacrifice, resilience, and determination in the pursuit of dreams and success. The lyrics depict the journey of a person, likely Beyoncé herself, who had to leave behind their innocence and home at a young age to chase their ambitions. Despite facing hardships, including being away from loved ones and feeling overwhelmed, the protagonist remains steadfast in their pursuit, fueled by the desire to leave a lasting legacy and prove themselves. The song highlights the sacrifices made along the way and the emotional toll of striving for greatness.

[Chorus]
The chorus sets the tone for the song, metaphorically referring to "carriages" as symbols of dreams and fears being driven away. It speaks to the bittersweet experience of watching one's aspirations and anxieties depart, possibly alluding to the sacrifices made in pursuit of success. The imagery of a "summer sunset on a holy night" evokes a sense of longing and reflection, while the mention of fighting tears suggests inner turmoil and emotional resilience.

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, Beyoncé reflects on her upbringing, recounting how she had to leave home early and witness her parents' struggles. The lyrics convey a sense of maturity forced upon her at a young age, as she had to confront and overcome challenges beyond her years. The mention of "tender problems" suggests sensitive issues or hardships faced during childhood.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus delves into the sacrifices made by the protagonist over the years. Despite achieving success, there's a sense of being constantly on the move, away from the comfort of home and family. The mention of being "underpaid and overwhelmed" speaks to the challenges and pressures faced in the pursuit of one's dreams. The repetition of "Only God knows" underscores the spiritual aspect of finding strength and perseverance in challenging times.

[Chorus]
Reiterating the chorus, this section emphasizes the departure of dreams and fears, echoing the emotional turmoil of watching them fade into the distance. The repetition of "sixteen carriages" reinforces the imagery of multiple aspirations being driven away, while the reference to tears hints at the emotional weight carried by the protagonist.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, Beyoncé reflects on the value of time and the importance of pursuing her passions. Despite facing financial constraints and the demands of her career, she remains determined to create art and spread love. The mention of not letting others "dim my light" reflects a commitment to staying true to oneself despite external pressures.

[Pre-Chorus]
Continuing from the earlier pre-chorus, Beyoncé reflects on the passage of time and the toll it has taken on her personal life. Despite her success, there's a sense of longing for the simplicity of family life, as she misses her children while being on the road. The repetition of being "overworked and overwhelmed" emphasizes the sacrifices made in pursuit of her career.

[Chorus]
This chorus repeats the sentiment of watching dreams and fears depart, highlighting the ongoing struggle with emotional turmoil and the relentless pursuit of success. The imagery of a "long back road" suggests a journey filled with challenges and obstacles, while the repetition of "all the tears I fight" underscores the resilience required to overcome adversity.

[Post-Chorus]
The post-chorus serves as a brief refrain, providing a moment of reflection amidst the emotional intensity of the song. The repetition of "oh, oh" adds to the emotive quality of the track, evoking a sense of longing or yearning.

[Bridge]
In the bridge, Beyoncé revisits the theme of sacrifice and resilience, recalling the challenges faced in her youth and the determination to leave behind a lasting legacy. The mention of "sacrifice" and "legacy" underscores the driving force behind her ambitions, as she strives to make a meaningful impact despite the hardships endured.

[Outro]
The outro echoes the sentiment of watching dreams depart, bringing the song to a poignant conclusion. The repetition of "sixteen carriages" serves as a final reminder of the sacrifices made along the journey, while the reference to dreams fading away encapsulates the emotional complexity of pursuing one's ambitions.

This is the end of "16 Carriages Song Lyrics" by Beyoncé. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.