Calliope, Issue 1| 2021

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(where Beyoncé’s mother divorced her father), she is choosing to stay, to love again. Formation is a bold, unapologetic conclusion to her album, challenging sexist and racial prejudices whilst also celebrating her heritage and life’s work. The music is unique with haunting rhythms and

synthesised instrumentals that promote a rebellious vibe. The carefully crafted lyrics draws attention to Beyoncé’s heritage as she recalls her “daddy (is from) Alabama, (and her) Momma Louisiana”, a state notorious for its chattel slavery. However, she then continues to revel in her black identity, singing how she “like(s) (her) baby heir with baby hair and afros” and “her… nose with Jackson Five nostrils”. She is proud of her blackness and her heritage from the South, whilst simultaneously

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drawing attention to the volatility of the area regarding equality. She then concludes by singing about how she “slays” and has worked from the ground up to forge her own powerful empire. 'Lemonade' is a powerful music project which channels Beyoncé’s most intimate, raw emotions and seamlessly weaves in the hardship of coloured woman and America’s black community. It’s wit, warmth, anger and passion makes for a rich and layered visual and musical experience that has set the course for music production and consumption for years to come. The title of the album is inspired by her husband’s grandmother, Hattie, who endorsed the old epigram that since life gave her lemons, she made lemonade. As Beyoncé makes lemonade from the recipe passed down from generations of black women, she is reminded of their endurance and pragmatism. Conversely, she uses this as a metaphor for her marital relationship. Despite the heartache and devastation caused by her husband’s affairs, Beyoncé is coming out stronger, empowered: “My torturer became my remedy. So we’re gonna heal. We’re gonna start again.” The Queen Bey is showing us how reformation is possible, and how it can be beautiful.


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Calliope, Issue 1| 2021 by chiara.federico - Issuu