Jong Guen JK Lim

Professor, Ross Levinson

Music 5990
Nov. 20, 2017
Run The World By Beyonce
Biography: Sep 4, 1981 Raised in Houston, Texas, Singer, songwriter, actress
Run The World: written by Beyonce, The Dream, Diplo, Afrojack, Adidja Palmer.
Producer: Beyoncé,The-Dream, Shea Taylor, Released on April 21, 2011,Style of Song: a
mix of Pop (African tribal music and electronic sound , collaboration: pitched vocals from
Todd Edward(Famous club music composer in 1990s) –influenced to DJ sneak/ Justin Bieber
and African dance music (ToFo-Tofo Jovem), Inspiration from Katty Perry according to
Diplo’s interview.
Influenced by Cultural back ground of African American, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner,
Madonna.
Main Theme
Feminism: In the social revolution of between the 1960s and 1970s, many young women
rejected the roles of baby-making machines and homemakers, Plant this conception into her
song “Independent Women” (2000), “Single Ladies” (2008), “If I Were A Boy” (2008), and
“Run the World” (2011)
Musical Analysis
Drums and Percussion-altered with effects; strong powerful presence
marching militaristic drumbeat, Drums to keep beat to voice, Voice: Yells/ voices, Pitched
computer sound, staccato voice Chord : simple chord progression (verse: only Cm,
Pre Chorus: Ab-Gm-Ab- G- Cm, Chorus: only Cm)
Lyrical Analysis
"Who run the world? Girls!": women are “strong enough to bear children” which is one of
women’s most powerful aspects given by nature.
“repping’ for the girls who taking over the world / Help me raise a glass for the college
grads”: address other socio-cultural problems in this song such as higher education for women,
equal pay, and female empowerment all through the lyrics of the song.
Conclusion: “Run the World” is a great example of a pop culture song that enacts female
empowerment in its own unique way.