Released: 2022 • Features: BEAM
At a first glance, “ENERGY (feat. Beam)” by Beyoncé, primarily centers on the theme of individual power and confidence. Beyoncé essentially uses this track to convey the idea of exuding massive energy, living life to the fullest, and not letting anything or anyone steal her thunder. The song also includes political undertones and social commentary, adding depth to the central theme.
The first few lines “On stage, rocking, I’m stir crazy / Coco flow like 1980s / Come let’s tell a drop lazy / None of that maybe” encapsulate Beyoncé’s energetic presence and dynamic performance style. The reference to “Coco flow like 1980s” might tie into the luxurious, high-society vibe of the time, a nod to the haute couture fashion mogul Coco Chanel.
In the line, “Voting out 45, don’t get outta line”, Beyoncé voices her political stance, with “45” hinting at the 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump. She emphasizes her firm stance against Trump’s administration in a subtle yet strong manner.
When Beyoncé sings, “Gold links, raw denim / You know that we do it grande / You know that I’m gon’ be extra / When that camera go pop, pop, pop, pop, pop”, she layers her swagger and charisma with a sense of lavish lifestyle and public persona. She’s unabashed about being “extra”, flamboyant, and living larger-than-life.
In “He was on stop mode, got froze / Froze from page Vogue, no pose / Chat too much, full clip unload / That’s that Kodak energy” Beyoncé might be referring to the infectious energy she brings to each frame and performance. The reference to Vogue implies the magazine’s focus on glamour, style, and the high-end lifestyle, while “Kodak energy” signifies a candid, unfiltered energy, tying back to the song’s thematic elements of confidence and authenticity.
The line “I just entered the country with derringers / ‘Cause them Karens just turned into terrorists” is a bold statement loaded with social commentary. “Karens” is a term used to describe entitled, often racist, white women, while “derringers” are small-sized firearms. This could symbolize her taking a defensive stance against racism and social injustice. Through these lines, Beyoncé embeds a deeper narrative of resistance and standing up against societal ills within the song’s energetic theme.
Overall, “ENERGY (feat. Beam)” is a power anthem that, while rooted in flamboyance, style, and energy, brings forth an undercurrent of deeper socio-political commentary. As always, Beyoncé showcases her ability to couple celebration of her personal power with consciousness of the broader societal context in which she operates.
