Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) - Lyrics Meaning

Named by Rolling Stone as the best song of 2008, Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" enjoyed extensive commercial success. Parodied on Saturday Night Live by Justin Timberlake within weeks of its release, the song quickly entered the popular pantheon and has stayed there. Its lyrics have had some women cheering while others gnash their teeth at its supposed message.

To some, the song is an anti-feminist anthem, as they believe it implies that marriage and a ring are the only goals of the single woman. They bemoan that the song seems to be all about attracting a man and getting him to propose. These gripers, however, seem to be missing the point of the lyrics as expressed by Beyonce and others who have paid more attention to the words.

Focusing on the actual lyrics, the song turns out to be about female empowerment and the ability to move on from a man who won't commit. While the song is sung to a jealous man, the reason for his jealousy is a woman who isn't waiting around for him to make up his mind. Instead, the song celebrates recapturing life after a break up and enjoying the attention of new potential dates.