16 CARRIAGES

Producers

“16 CARRIAGES” marks the start of Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER album rollout. The single was surprise-dropped alongside “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” following the airing of her ‘break the… Read More

Feb. 11, 20241 viewer419K views

16 CARRIAGES Lyrics

[Chorus]
Sixteen carriages drivin' 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
Sixteen carriages drivin' 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]
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

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

[Chorus]
Sixteen carriages drivin' away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long black 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

[Verse 2]
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

[Pre-Chorus]
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
Goin' so hard, now I miss my kids
Overworked and overwhelmed
I might cook, clean, but still won't fold
Still workin' all my life, you know
Only God knows, only God knows
Only God knows

[Chorus]
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long black 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]
Oh, oh
Oh

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

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

Embed

About

Genius Annotation

“16 CARRIAGES” marks the start of Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER album rollout. The single was surprise-dropped alongside “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” following the airing of her ‘break the internet’ advertisement during the 58th Super Bowl in partnership with Verizon.

The song is an epic ballad which traverses the emotions and experiences caused by sudden uprooting due to losing innocence at an early age. Taking the structure of a classic country anthem, the song encompasses the themes of loss, faith, resilience, and hardship.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Official Lyric Video

Genius Answer

How did the song perform commercially?

Genius Answer

During the tracking week ending February 24, 2024, the song debuted at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also debuted at #9 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

What certifications has this song received?

Genius Answer

On December 17, 2024, “16 CARRIAGES” was certified gold by the RIAA.

Who produced “16 CARRIAGES” by Beyoncé?

When did Beyoncé release “16 CARRIAGES”?

Who wrote “16 CARRIAGES” by Beyoncé?