Beyonce - 16 CARRIAGES Lyrics
Lyrics Translation
"16 CARRIAGES" is a poignant country ballad from Beyoncé's album COWBOY CARTER, reflecting on her early life and the sacrifices made for her career. The song opens with Beyoncé recalling leaving home at a young age, observing her parents' hard work, and the challenges of being away from home. The chorus includes lines such as "It's been umpteen summers, and I'm not in my bed" and "On the back of the bus and a bunk with the band," highlighting the hardships of touring life. The title "16 CARRIAGES" is interpreted as a metaphor for the dreams and aspirations that have driven her journey, with the carriages symbolizing the passage of time and the distance traveled. The song has been praised for its introspective lyrics and emotional depth, offering listeners a glimpse into Beyoncé's personal experiences and growth.
Song lyrics
Sixteen carriages drivin' 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 drivin' 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
At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray
Had to leave my home at an early age
I saw Mama prayin', I saw Daddy grind
All my tender problems, had to leave behind
It's been umpteen summers, and I'm not in my bed
On the back of the bus and a bunk with the band
Goin' so hard, gotta choose myself
Underpaid and overwhelmed
I might cook, clean, but still won't fold
Still workin' on my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows
Sixteen carriages drivin' 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 drivin' 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 dollars, workin' 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
It's been thirty-eight summers, and I'm not in my bed
On the back of the bus and a bunk with the band
Goin' so hard, now I miss my kids
Overworked and overwhelmed
I might cook, clean, but still won't fold
Still workin' on my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows
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
Oh, oh
Oh
At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray
Had to take care of home at an early age
I saw Mama cryin', I saw Daddy lyin'
Had to sacrifice and leave my fears behind
The legacy, if it's the last thing I do
You'll remember me 'cause we got somethin' to prove
In your memory, on a highway to truth
Still see your faces when you close your eyes
Sixteen carriages drivin' away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away