COWBOY CARTER REVIEW: PT 3 of 4: SPAGHETTI- FLAMENCO
BOLD LYRIC= OOO RUN THAT BACK
ITALIC LYRIC= YESSS VOCALS
SPAGHETTI FT Linda Martell & Shaboozey: INTRO
Okay I think it’s important to bring up the album order at this point, the transitions have been sooo good and we are now on song 12 following, the EPIC, “DAUGHTER”. This was genre whiplash in the best possible way! And opening it with Linda Martell explaining it to the people is genius. I was genuinely confused and did not know what was coming- even with Shaboozy and Swizz Beatz jumping in and being credited on this song. The lyric has LAYERS and BARS—laying it all out for us with genius lines and flawless delivery WHAT A RIDE.
SPAGHETTI: LYRICS
[Intro: Linda Martell & Swizz Beatz]
Genres are a funny little concept, aren’t they?
Yes, they are
That Beyoncé Virgo shit
In theory, they have a simple definition that’s easy to understand
But in practice, well, some may feel confined
I swear ‘fore God, it’s ’bout to hit it
Jeeze, oh, ah
Woop
Right, right, ah, oh
[Verse 1: Beyoncé & Swizz Beatz]
I ain’t in no gang, but I got shooters and I bang-bang (Goddamn)
At the snap of my fingers, I’m Thanos, da-na, da-na
And I’m still on your head, cornrows, da-na, da-na
They call me the captain, the catwalk assassin (Come on)
When they know it’s slappin’, then here come the yappin’
All of this snitchin’, and all of this bitchin’
Just a fishin’ expedition, dumb admission
In the kitchen, cookin’ up them chickens
Extra leg, but I ain’t even tryna kick it
Cunty, country, petty, petty, petty
All the same to me, Plain Jane, spaghetti
No sauce, no sauce (No), too soft, too soft (Uh)
They salty, they shootin’, like Curry (One, two, three)
One hand on my holster, then pass it to Hova
Thought it was sweet when they was walkin’
In the backdoor of the kitchen past the dirty dishes
Now we on a mission, tried to turn me to the opposition
I’m appalled ’bout the proposition
Y’all been played by the plagiaristic, ain’t gon’ give no clout addiction my attention
I ain’t no regular singer, now come get everythin’ you came for
[Bridge: Beyoncé]
I ain’t in no gang, but I got shooters and I bang-bang
(They still love your flame, ain’t no game or I’ll pierce your heart)
I ain’t in no gang, but I got shooters and I bang-bang
(Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang)
Come get everythin’ you came for
[Verse 2: Shaboozey, Beyoncé, Shaboozey & Beyoncé]
Ayy, howl to the moon (Howl to the moon)
Howl to the moon
Outlaws with me, they gon’ shoot
Keep the code, break the rules (Break the rules)
We gon’ ride for every member that we lose
Someone here brought fire, ain’t no tellin’ who (Oh)
Play it cool
Know the lawman watchin’ me every time I move (Move)
Bounty on my head, can’t go west, they on my shoes
No matter what the charges is, we ain’t gon’ tell the truth
SPAGHETTI: VOCALS
QUEEN B?! SHE CLEAREDDDDDDD. Unless you’ve been under a rock— we knew she can spit. Her clarity and cadence are ridiculous. She is in the pocket hard in this one—her flow and attack of the verses ooooof. I love the little riffs, runs, and harmonies she squeezes in towards the end. Shaboozy gives us a slower and mellowed out close to the song— making a rollercoaster out of less than 3 minutes.
SPAGHETTI: MUSIC
*Queue shocked facial expressions as the music starts* THE STRINGS OKAYYY. SHE BROUGHT THE BEAT IN FOR SURE. What a brilliant way to use as a backing. The beat is simple and bumps so well with the other “country” production elements chosen. I love the energy that this song creates, super unexpected yet welcomed.
ALLIGATOR TEARS INTRO
I have a confession to make— this is a track on this album that I was not rushing to listen to again. THAT BEING SAID- I don’t know him anymore cuz this one has grown on me fast. This song transports you to the deep south, its giving low and slow and swampy vibes. It has my head bobbing and feet tapping. Vocally on point as always.
ALLIGATOR TEARS LYRICS
[Verse 1]
High tides in the city, I’m in too deep
And I’m runnin’ on fear
Oh, dear, you and your alligator tears
Works me over and through
[Chorus]
You say move a mountain
And I’ll throw on my boots
You say stop the river from runnin’
I’ll build a dam or two
You say change religions
Now, I spend Sundays with you
Somethin’ ’bout those tears of yours
How does it feel to be adored?
[Post-Chorus]
You and your alligator tears
You and those alligator tears
You
Somethin’ ’bout those tears of yours
How does it feel to be adored?
[Verse 2]
Sunrise in the morning, you’re all I need
And all I need is rain or the roots get weak
Sweet things need time to grow
Thinkin’ ’bout leaving? Hell no
Squeeze every ounce of love from my body, yеah
[Chorus]
You say move a mountain
And I’ll throw on my boots
You say stop the river from runnin’
I’ll build a dam or two
You say changе religion
Now, I spend Sundays with you
Somethin’ ’bout those tears of yours
How does it feel to be adored?
[Outro]
I adore you, I adore you, I adore you, I adore you
Those alligator tears
I adore you, I adore you, I adore you, I adore you
Your alligator tears
I adore you, I adore you, I adore you, I adore
Alligator tears
I adore, I adore you, I adore you, I adore, I adore (How does it feel to be adored?)
Alligator tears
ALLIGATOR TEARS VOCALS
I think this style really lends to her voice in a way we don’t get to hear a ton. She is sitting pretty and comfortable in her low register- where she can add soooo much richness, grit, and twang. The sliding vocals in and out of phrases are oh so lovely. Gimmie those stacks and harmonies! Just smart execution and decisions.
ALLIGATOR TEARS MUSIC
I really like the sound created on this. Another area kind is sub-genre is achieved with the choices. The production and instrument picks really capture what Beyoncé is doing vocally. There’s some low note strums a nice percussion that’s not in a rush. A nice steady foot tapping beat and some legs slaps or claps make it all come together like multiple musicians are adding themselves to the song.
SMOKE HOUR II FT Willie Nelson: INTRO
Another addition of “Smoke Hour” and reiterating the country legend’s support for the album and what Beyoncé is doing. We can just take what we need directly from the lyric of this one. “And if there’s one thing you can take away from my set today, let it be this: Sometimes you don’t know what you like until someone you trust turns you on to some real good shit. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I’m here.
SMOKE HOUR II: LYRICS
[Interlude: Willie Nelson]
You’re turned into KNTRY Radio Texas, home of the real deal
And if there’s one thing you can take away from my set today, let it be this:
Sometimes you don’t know what you like until someone you trust turns you on to some real good shit
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I’m here
Up next on “The Smoke Hour” is, “JUST FOR FUN” by Beyoncé
You’re welcome
JUST FOR FUN FT Willie Jones: INTRO
I really like this one. There are only a few “slower” songs on this album, and it creates a moment. I am so pleased she tapped Willie Jones to be a part of this one, he has such a storytelling voice. A chorus (literally) of beautiful voices had me floating by the end.
JUST FOR FUN: LYRICS
[Verse 1: Beyoncé]
I’m goin’ all out just for fun, I am the man, I know it
And everywhere I go, they know my name
So I laugh and I lie and the coyotes cry
And, uh, time moves quickly and so do I, so do I
So I’ll say my goodbye
[Pre-Chorus: Beyoncé]
‘Cause time heals everything
I don’t need anything
Hallelujah
I pray to her
[Chorus: Beyoncé]
Here’s to hoping I’ll fall fast asleep tonight
And I’ll just need to get through this
Born in the darkness, who brings the light?
And I just, I need to get through this
Or just get used to it
[Verse 2: Willie Jones, Beyoncé, Beyoncé & Willie Jones]
I’m goin’ down south just for fun, I am the man, I know it
And everywhere I go, I hide my face
From the cowboys in Clovis and the rodeo circus
I came here for a reason, but I don’t know the purpose
It’s all under the surface
[Pre-Chorus: Beyoncé & Willie Jones]
But time heals everything
I don’t need anything
Hallelujah
I pray to her
[Chorus: Beyoncé]
Here’s to hoping I’ll fall fast asleep tonight
And I’ll just need to get through this
Born in the darkness, who brings the light?
And I just, I need to get through this
Or just get used to it
[Outro: Beyoncé]
‘Cause time heals everything
I don’t need anything
Hallelujah
I pray to her
I pray to her
JUST FOR FUN: VOCALS
I just LOVE Beyoncé’s voice. Her lower register is magical. I think it has such fullness yet softness. It’s warm. I really like Willie’s addition in this- his voice has such a nice grit.
I love how the background vocals build into a Choir I ADORE a choir. The harmony in the outro- beautiful
JUST FOR FUN: MUSIC
Love a slow piano opener. HARMONICA. Nice strings. There’s a percussion element that it sooo interesting I think it’s spoons??? The contrast it creates is so pleasing to the ear. I like the progression of sound with the addition of the guitar. YES CHOIR CLAPS.
II MOST WANTED FT Miley Cyrus: INTRO
STILL shaking writing this.. we got a proper country duet with Beyoncé and MILEY FREAKING CYRUS (wonder if Hannah Montana knows). I, like many others, thought this MIGHT be a part 2 of “Telephone” w Gaga but I couldn’t dream of this pairing and this song. TRULY fed us all good. This is a radio hit this is a windows down song and this is a wedding song all together— L O V E.
II MOST WANTED: LYRICS
[Verse 1: Miley Cyrus & Beyoncé]
Know we’re jumping the gun, but we’re both still young
One day, we won’t be
Didn’t know what I want ’til I saw your face
Say goodbye to the old me
[Pre-Chorus: Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus]
Came out of nowhere, didn’t give no warnin’
Pedal so heavy like the two most wanted
And I don’t know what you’re doin’ tonight
But I
[Chorus: Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus]
I’ll be your shotgun rider
‘Til the day I die
Smoke out the window flyin’
Down the 405
I’ll be your backseat baby, drivin’ you crazy
Anytime you like
Woah, I’ll be your shotgun rider
‘Til the day I, ’til the day I die
[Verse 2: Miley Cyrus & Beyoncé]
Making waves in the wind with my empty hand
My other hand on you
Been a while since I haven’t tried to pull away
But it’s time for something new
[Pre-Chorus: Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus]
Came out of nowhere, didn’t give no warnin’
Pedal so heavy like the two most wanted
And I don’t know what you’re doin’ tonight
But I
[Chorus: Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus]
I’ll be your shotgun rider
‘Til the day I die
Smoke out the window flyin’
Down the 405
Yeah, I’ll be your backseat baby, drivin’ you crazy
Anytime you like, woah
I’ll be your shotgun rider
‘Til the day I, ’til the day I die
[Post-Chorus: Beyoncé, Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus]
(‘Til the day I, ’til the day I, ’til the day I die)
‘Til the day I die
(‘Til the day I, ’til the day I, ’til the day I die)
[Bridge: Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus]
I know we’re jumpin’ the gun and we’re both still young
But one day, we won’t be
I’ll go wherever you take me, seems kinda crazy
Ooh, oh
[Chorus: Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus]
I’ll be your shotgun rider
‘Til the day I die
We’re gettin’ high ’til we don’t realize
Time is passin’ by
Yeah, I’ll be your backseat baby, I’m drivin’ you crazy
Anytime you like, oh, oh
I’ll be your shotgun rider
‘Til the day I, ’til the day I die
[Post-Chorus: Beyoncé, Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus]
(‘Til the day I, ’til the day I, ’til the day I die)
‘Til the day I die
(‘Til the day I, ’til the day I, ’til the day I die)
Mm, oh
II MOST WANTED: VOCALS
TEARS AT THE VOCALS. CHILLS AT THE VOCALS. THEY SOUND SO GOOD TOGETHER! A TRUE DUET. ooo okay. The line by line back and forth plays the contrast of their voices and highlights them beautifully. Miley’s tone and twang playing off Beyoncé’s. They seamlessly danced through verse and chorus. The each had moments to shine individually and together. SO BEAUTIFUL! SO CATCHY! TILL THE DAY I DIEEEEE—SINGGG
II MOST WANTED: MUSIC
The music is gorgeous in this track. The dreamy guitars as a backdrop with excellent use of the bass and percussion. I love the production choices and the dynamics. This feels like a classic country duet in all the best ways. Tasteful use of strings. Bits of electric elements but really keeping that country feel and inspiration. BIG FAN OF THIS ONE.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LEVII’S JEANS FT Post Malone: INTRO
Coins in the machine… HIT IT! I think this might be the song with the most radio appeal in this album (which is a high bar) Choosing Post as a feature was inspired. This track is fun, groovy, infectious and screams summer. Clever lyrics and hook!
LEVII’S JEANS: LYRICS
[Chorus: Beyoncé]
You call me pretty little thing
And I love to turn him on
Boy, I’ll let you be my Levi’s jeans
So you can hug that ass all day long
Come here, you sexy little thing
Snap a picture, bring it on
Oh, you wish you were my Levi’s jeans
Way it’s poppin’ out your phone
Love you down to the bone
[Verse 1: Beyoncé]
Baby, you play too much (You play too much)
Sendin’ me super shots (Two shots)
I’m lookin’ super hot (I’m hot)
I got the perfect pose (She snappin’)
I’m a fuckin’ animal (She sexy)
I’m a fuckin’ centerfold (She ready)
Saddle up, I love to go (Saddle up, saddle up, saddle up, saddlе up)
Too tough, no primadonna
Possess too much persona
He said, “Whеre you get that from, uh?
You need to meet my mama
She’d be at church all day” (All day)
“Come be my Nick at Nite” (Night, night, night, night)
“So we can run it back” (Back, back, back, back)
“And be nostalgia-like” (Like, like, like, like)
And, every time I see you, I just wanna grab you (You, you)
And I let you touch it and you can’t let it loose (Oh, oh)
Mocha-choka latte caramel, oh, I act a fool
Every hour on the hour, this is waitin’ for you
[Chorus: Beyoncé & Post Malone]
You call me pretty little thing
And I love to turn him on
Boy, I’ll let you be my Levi’s jeans
So you can hug that ass all day long (That ass all day long)
Come here, you sexy little thing
Snap a picture, bring it on
Oh, girl, I wish I was your Levi’s jeans
The way you poppin’ out my phone
I love you down to the bone
[Verse 2: Post Malone & Beyoncé]
Baby, you know I’m on my bullshit (Bullshit), I’ll let you ride it (Ride it)
Rodeo in your room, that shoot breaks loose with perfect timin’ (Perfect timin’)
Love it when you tease me in them jeans, girl, you don’t need designer
And when that thing on hydroplane, baby girl, you the pilot
And I ramble on, I could go on, but I’m goin’ on silent (I’m goin’ on silent)
So hop out the phone and bring that shit on, ’cause I’m goin’ nosedive (I’m goin’ nosedive)
And every time, you know just what to do (Mm)
No one ever got me going quite like you
Baby, let me rattle that snake with my venom
Denim on denim on denim on denim
Give you high fashion in a simple white tee
Give you these blues, it’s in my genes
On my sister, on Celestine
God light shinin’ through the in-between
Thigh gap saddle his leather seats
[Chorus: Beyoncé & Post Malone, Post Malone, Beyoncé]
Come on, you pretty little thing
Girl, I wanna take you home
You know I’d like to be your Levi’s jeans (I’ll be your Levi’s jeans)
So I can hug that ass all day long (Oh, baby, hold me all day long)
Come here, you sexy little thing (Come here, you sexy little thing)
Snap a picture, bring it on (Snap a picture, bring it on)
Oh, girl, I wish I was your Levi’s jeans
The way you poppin’ out my phone
I love you down to the bone
[Outro: Post Malone]
Ooh, I love you, baby, yeah, you drive me crazy
Need you all night long, you’re my Renaissance
Baby, lovin’ you, that’s all I see
In this crazy world, you’re the best of things
LEVII’S JEANS: VOCALS
Once again, they both served. Had 0 idea what this duo would sound like together, what style Posty was gonna bring to the song and how would complement B. WOW. She is serving sassy and sensual vocals. LIVING for the drawing out and sliding on the last note of the line. POST MALONE. He really did that! His delivery and style are undeniable. They sound sooo good on the last chorus together, Post holds it down while B floats around with insane runs. THE OUTRO!!!
LEVII’S JEANS: MUSIC
YES WE GOING ELECTRIC (bonus points for opening with a sound I’m a sucker for that) I adore the production and vibe this song has. The bass riff in the background is nice-it plays so nicely and adds a little bounce. That electric guitar is putting in work! Super fun and summer-y sound! I am always going back, to this song specifically, for a re-listen!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FLAMENCO: INTRO
This is another short and sweet one on the album. I have really enjoyed the track variety, in length, it just makes the whole project feel more cohesive. (and to be a listening experience not just song by song) She dives into yet another style musically and delivers gorgeous vocals.
FLAMENCO: LYRICS
[Verse 1]
My mind has been tellin’ me to settle right on down (Ooh)
Right now
Day ones have been tellin’ me that they won’t be around (Ooh)
They won’t be around
[Chorus]
I hope that you know that once I loved you (Oh)
I wish that I’d known you’d let me wonder (Oh)
I hope that God knows that I’m in need of help right now (Ooh)
Right about now
[Verse 2]
My soul is reminding me that we’re forever young
Ooh, mmm, ooh
Inhale and exhale my breath until the deed is done
Right about now, ayy, oh
[Chorus]
I hope that you know once it’s over
And take what you love, so hold me closer
Realize that you don’t know what you got until it’s gone
Right about now
FLAMENCO: VOCALS
Love the vocal stacks! There’s this flowing fullness that comes with it that she utilizes extremely well every time. It really gave a “strings” kind of effect in places. Her riffs and runs are effortless. LOVE the falsetto.
FLAMENCO: MUSIC
Giving to its namesake, the music is some light and beautiful Spanish vibe guitar. I love the addition of the claps as the precision. I really enjoy the production in the last few lines as she picks up vocally.
