In Episode 046: Suck Cess of The Axiom Amnesia Theory with Heit & Cheri, we discussed Harry Belafonte’s criticism of Jay-Z and Beyonce as not being socially responsible. Within days of Belafonte’s statement, Beyonce decided that she would show up for a photo-op at the United Nations and become involved in World Humanitarian Day, to pay homage to humanitarians around the world. She then announced the upcoming release of a new single to coincide with World Humanitarian Day. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to spot the impetus for her sudden desire to “honor” humanitarians.
Beyonce basically just went through her discography to pull out a song that would fit most closely to the theme of humanitarianism. Enter the single, “I Was Here,” which appeared oh her album “4″ released June 24, 2011. She didn’t even bother to make it a single until after Belafonte’s criticism. And, as an added bit of trivia, it was the only song on that album that wasn’t co-written by Beyonce.
Analysis of the lyrics
Even before seeing the actual video, it was clear that this was a PR stunt, but let’s take a look at the lyrics of the song. It’ll be quite clear that this song is about neither humanitarian efforts nor the celebration of humanitarians:
I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, and something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won’t forget
This first verse of the song is about an individual thriving to be remembered. There is not something as small as a minute hint that the individual, Beyonce, wants to be rembered for doing anything positive. It points to some idea of being popular, or famous, and leaving an impression for the world to marvel, no matter how detrimental that footprint may be.
The line in the chorus that says “I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted,” reflects the need to do something that the invidual decided to do for self. “Everything that I wanted,”–when thought of while looking back on Beyonce’s life, is dancing on stage and singing about being a diva. Buying expensive hair, jewelry, and clothing items–and selling expensive products–is what this so-called artist has left, thus far, to be remember by. Anyone with that amount of resources and camera time, who has the ability to do what most people can, has decided to do those things. Consequently, the impression, or image, that we see of the person is what will remain after they are gone. So, the wrap-up of the chorus shows the true intent–simply being known. Essentially, “I will leave my mark so everyone will know I was here.”
The song takes a turn in the second verse, and makes suggestions of social responsibility:
I want to say I lived each day, until I die
And know that I meant something in, somebody’s life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will see
Pointing out the fact that she wants to know that she meant something is stroking the ego. Even if something done affects someone else’s life positively, it was done so the good-deed doer could feel good about themselves. They want a reward in return for touching someone’s heart. Even the phrase “the hearts I have touched will be the proof” does not specifically suggest that anything positive was done to affect the lives of others. Touching someone’s heart could have truly negative results. Have you ever heard of “a broken heart?” A broken heart would definitely make a difference.
Beyonce in her own words about the single and video
Of course, as with any campaign to restore one’s damaged image, it’s necessary to do a few interviews. In typical fashion, Beyonce made an appearance on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 to amplify her message–that she was doing something good.
There were times during the interview when Beyonce seemed to search for words–almost like she was at a loss because she was trying to explain something about which she was practically clueless. The most telling part, however, was the following exchange (see video below):
Anderson Cooper: Do you know what you hope to do on that day?
Beyonce: Well, I’ve thought of many different things. Um, I know one thing I’m gonna start working on, now. Everyday I’m gonna try to do something, and basically give examples of act of kindness that I think people will gravitate towards…
Beyonce’s desire to change her image is a good thing
Let’s be clear, we think that it is a good thing that Beyonce has recognized that she needs to step up her game. Her most recent actions seem to support the notion that she wants to be viewed as more than a pelvis-gyrating starlet. We saw this with her open letter to Michelle Obama. She would much rather be a member of that club of elites than remain in the Hollywood zone. Regardless of how much money Beyonce has, she is not viewed in the same category of elite as a Michelle Obama, and she’s obviously trying to get there. The thing is, there are no shortcuts. Either she is interested in helping people or she is interested in having the image that she is helping people.
Actual humanitarians ignored in the process
What we have seen, now, is actual humanitarians being overshadowed by the megastar who showed how elegant she is by donning an expensive, shiny dress in the “I Was Here” video. Do a quick search for “World Humanitarian Day,” and you’ll see what we mean. The first page of results is littered with Beyonce’s name and video. Even though reports suggest that “proceeds” from the video and single’s sales will go to “the United Nations’ global campaign to run humanitarian aid organization,” how much more has Beyonce benefited in publicity received by this PR campaign?
Beyonce’s publicity stunt actually worked to give her the shine and spotlight she is used to receiving. People definitely know that Beyonce was there, but the names of the numerous humanitarians who have been there for years–before it was even a thought in Beyonce’s mind–are relegated to the blindspot on this historic day. And, it’s all so that Beyonce can leave a lasting impression for the world to remember–a self-centered objective. The footprints of the world’s actual humanitarians are successfully being covered to fulfill the dream of Beyonce to leave her own footprints in the sands of time.
In the end, we would like nothing more than to see Beyonce use her world stage as a platform to address substantive issues–things that she has really thought through. When she does this, it will be easy for her to articulate, because it is something that she will have conceived within her own mind, not just some quick-fix publicity stunt. It will take some practice, but it is completely attainable if she is truly interested in helping people, rather than merely appearing to help people. After all, she is Beyonce, and people will listen.
“I Was Here” Full Lyrics
I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, and something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won’t forgetI was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was hereI want to say I lived each day, until I die
And know that I meant something in, somebody’s life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will seeI was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will knowI was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was hereI just want them to know
That I gave my all, did my best
Brought someone to hapiness
Left this world a little better just becauseI was here
I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here x2
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