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"If I Were a Boy" (CD Single) (by Beyonce Knowles, R&B/Pop)

common sense media says

Beyonce wears the pants in this soulful ballad.

parents & educators say
See all 11 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this contemplative, somewhat cynical ballad is the first single from Beyonce's album scheduled for release in November 2008. The song references stereotypical "guy" behavior, and there are some references to cheating and infidelity (and one reference to beer), but overall the lyrics are age-appropriate for kids.

Positive messages: The song is about stepping into another person's shoes to see things from their side, but it could also promote some gender stereotypes.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: References to flirting and being unfaithful, but nothing explicit.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One reference to beer: "Drink beer with the guys/And chase after girls."
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "If I Were a Boy" (CD Single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the issue at the heart of the song. If you could put yourself in a guy or girl's shoes for a day, do you think you'd treat members of the opposite sex differently? Do you think the song promotes gender stereotypes? Are boys that different than girls when it comes to relationships? Families can also talk about how this song is different from Beyonce's other music. Does this understated song seem like an unusual choice for an album's first single?

What's the story?

What's the story?
IF I WERE A BOY is a departure from Beyonce's typical big, sassy sound. She's in a contemplative, wistful mood as she considers all the things she'd get up to if she were a guy -- like rolling out of bed and throwing on any old thing, drinking beer with the dudes, flirting, pulling the "my cell phone wasn't working" excuse. Then she muses about the fact that she'd make a better man because she's been on the other side and knows how it feels to be hurt.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Beyonce fans more into booty-shaking dance floor tracks might find this a little delicate; there's a hint of cynicism and bitterness here. But it's good to see the Queen Bee doing something different, even if "If I Were a Boy" seems a tad bland as a stand-alone single. It's sweet, the vocals are strong, and it might be a perfect foil for some of the other stuff on the new album.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 9, 2008
Genre: R&B/Pop
This review was written by Denise Duval
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Karluveva13
teen, 14 years old
12
 
Perfect for tweens and teens
Beyonce has a very big voice and this song is very nice. Me and my mother likes this song! My brothers does not like the song but me and sister does.
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chicjessi
kid, 12 years old
10
 
I love it when Beyonce sings that 75% if boys arent that great. She explains that some boys are bad and crazy. I love it. (This video will show you boys how to act).
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ufo
kid, 11 years old
6
 
Beonce'
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CrystalNorris
teen, 17 years old
17
 
beyonce "If i were a boy"
i think that she is a very good actress and singer and i admire her
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lilmissfrankie
kid, 12 years old
8
 
NICE
i love this song i sing it all the time as for beyonce i think you are awesome and keep rocking :)
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Music4Life
teen, 14 years old
8
 
Near the ending of the video the man says It's not like I'm sleeping with a girl and Beyonce says It's not like I'm sleeping with a guy. But that was the only thing I found semi-innaproppriate. Beyonce is amazing. This song is very good.
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Squid Kid
kid, 13 years old
9
 
If I Were a Boy...
It's all about seeing things from a new perspective, and I can relate to Beyonce' here because, being a tomboy, I sometimes wonder what it's like to be part of the opposite gender. The beer part is a little innappropriate, though. I wonder if boys wonder about how it would be if they were girls?
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cheer15
teen, 16 years old
9
 
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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Spongebob Fan
kid, 13 years old
9
 
Although Younger Kids Won't Care About Listening, Tweens And Up Fine.
Beyonce is a good role model, so I'll just start by saying that. Now, let's get to the song. Younger kids (eight and younger) won't care about hearing it, it goes way too slow. Tweens and up would think it's fine, as in would they listen to it, but when it comes to what's actually in the song, anybody could listen. The only "concern" is a small beer reference "drink beer with the guys". Other than that reference it doesn't matter. Not my favorite song, but it's fine.
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Katy0
teen, 17 years old
10
 
Lovely Voice
Beyonce's huge voice lightens up what would be a rather dull song.
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sara4ever95
teen, 16 years old
11
 
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