Beyonce ’16 Carriages’ Lyrics: Listen & Lyrics

“16 Carriages” is some of Beyonce’s best work yet, let’s dive into the lyrics.

The track was produced by Beyonce, Ink, and Dave Hamelin. The two songwriters credited are Atia Boggs and Raphael Saadiq. On Superbowl Sunday, Beyonce surprised fans with not one but two new tracks. “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” are a salute to Beyonce’s Texas Roots for RENAISSANCE ACT II. The country music and cowboy hat era for her is something that feels natural for the ever evolving pop royalty.

Stream Beyonce’s ’16 Carriages,’ below.

’16 Carriages’ Lyrics By Beyonce

[Chorus]
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 back road, all the tears I fight

[Verse 1]
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]
It’s been umpteenth 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 fall
Still working on my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows, only God knows

[Repeat Chorus]

[Verse 2]
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

[Bridge]
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 fall
Still working on my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows, only God knows

[Repeat Chorus]

[Interlude]
Ohhhh, Ohhhh, Ohhhh

[Bridge]
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
The legacy if it’s the last thing I do
You’ll remember me ’cause we got something to prove
In your memory, on a highway to truth
Still see your faces when you close your eyes

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