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Daddy Lessons

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"Daddy Lessons"
Promotional single by Beyoncé featuring the Chicks
from the album Lemonade
ReleasedNovember 20, 2016
Recorded2014
Genre
Length
  • 4:49 (album version)
  • 6:25 (main version)
  • 4:51 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Beyoncé
  • Derek Dixie (co-production)
  • Alex Delicata (co-production)

"Daddy Lessons" is a song by American singer Beyoncé. It is the sixth track on her sixth studio album, Lemonade (2016), released through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. The song's music video is part of Beyoncé's 2016 film Lemonade, aired on HBO alongside the album's release.[4]

The song was written and produced by Wynter Gordon, Beyoncé, Kevin Cossom and Alex Delicata. A remix with the Dixie Chicks (later renamed the Chicks) was released as a promotional single on November 2, 2016.[5]

Background and composition

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Written and produced by Wynter Gordon, Beyoncé, Kevin Cossom and Alex Delicata, it is the singer's first Americana-country music record.[6] In an interview with Billboard, Kevin Cossom talked about the creative process and the song's meaning:[7]

"Working with Wynter Gordon was awesome, [...] because she's just so free and everything's so organic. We were in my condo in Miami, [...] I called over a good friend of mine, Alex Delicata, who is also co-producer and writer. He played the guitar, we harmonies, stomping and clapping, and that was the vibe. [...] I just honestly let her vibe out. It was obviously a female record. When it comes to that, I like to listen as far as the perspective of a woman or how they're feeling. It's pretty much daddy lessons. A girl that grew up tough. Her father was hard on her, didn't want nobody to take advantage of her. Definitely one of those situations. It painted a country picture in our minds. It didn't take the hip-hop element to make it tough, which I think is very cool especially for Beyoncé. And it goes with her being from Texas. Her vibe to it just makes sense for how it all came together."

At the end of the interview Cossom comments on the inclusion of the country genre in the singer's musical background, stating:[7]

"Lemonade is very worldly in comparison to the last project, which was way more urban. This project is worldly and the record "Daddy Lessons" just happened to work. Once a formula works, people want to use that formula again until it doesn't work anymore but what's awesome about Beyoncé is she doesn't have to play by the rules: she creates them."

Critical reception

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Naming "Daddy Lessons" the best song on Lemonade, Carl Wilson for Slate writes that the track is

"certainly the best country pastiche ever heard on a contemporary R&B album, and it could be the country song of the year, period. It's reminiscent in theme and tone of classic Nashville mama/papa ballads by the likes of Dolly Parton or Tom T. Hall but, of course, from an utterly distinct vantage point."[8]

There was controversy on if "Daddy Lessons" constituted a country track.[9] In 2016, the Recording Academy's country music committee rejected the inclusion of "Daddy Lessons".[10][11]

Recognition and accolades

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"Daddy Lessons" and its performance at the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards won Collaboration of the Year and Most Unforgettable Moment of the Year, respectively, at the 2017 Golden Boot Awards.[12] Slate placed "Daddy Lessons" in its top 31 songs of 2016 list,[citation needed] while NPR considered the track the 63rd best song of 2016.[13]

Impact and controversy

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Textual allusion to the relationship with her father

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According to some publications, the song may be a reference to the singer's turbulent relationship with her father, Mathew Knowles. Michelle Kim of The Fader reported that "Beyoncé also confronts the parallels between her husband and her father, who was found to have also cheated on her mother during their 31-year marriage" but which "nevertheless, Lemonade doesn't chronicle all the twists and turns that Beyoncé and her father's relationship has undergone. While Beyoncé owes a lot to her persistent and sometimes even controlling father, die hard Beyoncé fans know that it's always been complicated".[14] Joi-Marie McKenzie of ABC News writes that the singer "got introspective, sharing what she learned about men from her father" and she also has "shut down rumors that her father had never met her daughter, Blue Ivy, in the song's corresponding music video. Home footage showed the two happily playing".[15]

During an academic lecture at Texas Southern University, Mathew Knowles, interviewed by Sirius XM's Mark Thompson, clarified leaked rumors following the release of the song, saying:[16]

"I can only speak of being a proud father. I think Beyoncé pushed the envelope of creativity on this HBO special. [...] The media would have you think I've never spoken to Beyoncé. But as you can see in the documentary, that me and Blue Ivy was playing. I'm a grown-up, I'm 64 years old, it doesn't bother me what people say about me. I know the facts. I know how many times I see my kids, and they speak to me so that's not important to me."

Black cowboy culture

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The song has been credited as starting a trend of "pop stars toying with American West and Southern aesthetics,"[17] as well as setting the precedent for "The Yeehaw Agenda", the trend of reclaiming black cowboy culture through music and fashion.[18][19]

Reactions to the performance at the Country Music Association Awards

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Beyoncé's performance of "Daddy Lessons" at the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards along with the Dixie Chicks (later renamed the Chicks) sparked controversy among country music fans. As Alex Abad-Santos of Vox described the backlash: "Some of their sentiment was due to Beyoncé's liberal-leaning politics, some of it was rooted in her perceived lack of country cred, and some of it was downright racist."[20][21][22] Although some country artists spoke out against having the singer perform at the awards ceremony, including Travis Tritt who said "As I see it, country music has appealed to millions for many years. We can stand on our own and don't need pop artists on our awards shows",[23] many artists complimented the pop star's inclusion in the musical lineup, including Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Cassadee Pope, and Brad Paisley.[24]

In a statement accompanying the release of her eight studio album, the country-rooted Cowboy Carter, in 2024, Beyoncé made reference to an experience of exclusion from the country music establishment that inspired her to delve deeper into the genre and formed the impetus for the album; this was widely believed to refer to the "Daddy Lessons" performance at the CMAs.[25][26] The album's lyrics further invoke this controversy, as she sings on opening track "Ameriican Requiem": "Used to say I spoke 'too country' / Then the rejection came, said I wasn’t country 'nough".[27]

Commercial performance

[edit]

After the release of Lemonade, "Daddy Lessons" debuted and peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 41[28] and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart at number 26.[28] In overseas charts, the song entered in digital charts in top 10 in the Netherlands and Sweden. The song also reached the top 40 in the UK, and was certified silver by British Phonographic Industry (BPI)[29] in February 2021.

After the release of the country music dual lead singles "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages" for Beyoncé's eighth studio album Cowboy Carter (2024), "Daddy Lessons" increased up 370% on music streaming service.[30]

Remix

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On November 2, 2016, Beyoncé released a remix of "Daddy Lessons" with the American country band the Dixie Chicks (later renamed the Chicks) free of charge on her website.[5] On November 20, 2016, "Daddy Lessons" was released as a promotional single on iTunes and multiple streaming services. The song samples Darrell Scott's song "Long Time Gone" which was covered by the Chicks as the lead single on their 2002 album Home.[31]

Cover versions

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"Daddy Lessons" was added to the Chicks' during their DCX MMXVI World Tour. On April 30, 2016, the song was covered for the first time at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England[32] and remained in their setlist throughout the remainder of the European leg of the tour in addition to the North American leg of the tour. Billboard describes the performance as "faithful" to the original song.[32]

In 2019, the song was covered in the episode "Chapter Fifty-Six: The Dark Secret of Harvest House" from the third season of the television series Riverdale, performed by Camila Mendes.[33]

In 2024 the song was covered by Reneé Rapp during her concert at the Olympia Bruno Coquatrix in Paris.[34]

Live performances

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"Daddy Lessons" was part of the setlist of Beyonce's The Formation World Tour with the first performance taking place in Miami at the Marlins Park on April 27, 2016.[35] Beyoncé and the Chicks also performed the song with excerpts from the band's "Long Time Gone" at the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards on November 2, 2016. A studio version was released after the performance.[36]

Charts

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Chart (2016) Peak
position
Australia Urban Singles (ARIA)[37] 12
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[38] 62
France (SNEP)[39] 90
Netherlands Digital Songs (Billboard)[40] 7
Scotland (OCC)[41] 25
Sweden Digital Songs (Billboard)[42] 7
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[43] 73
UK Singles (OCC)[44] 40
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[45] 13
US Billboard Hot 100[46] 41
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[47] 26

Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[48] Gold 35,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[49] Gold 30,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[50] Platinum 80,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[51] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[52] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ "Beyonce's Country Song 'Daddy Lessons' Rejected by Grammys". Rolling Stone. 8 December 2016. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  2. ^ Liebig, Lorie (3 November 2016). "See Beyonce, Dixie Chicks Surprise the CMA Awards with 'Daddy Lessons' and 'Long Time Gone' Mashup". Wide Open Country. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  3. ^ Reynolds, Megan (3 November 2016). "Watch Beyoncé and the Dixie Chicks Kill 'Daddy Lessons' at the CMA Awards". Jezebel. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  4. ^ "Beyoncé Releases New Album Lemonade Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Jack White, the Weeknd, James Blake". Pitchfork Media. April 23, 2016. Archived from the original on April 25, 2016. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
  5. ^ a b "Daddy Lessons featuring the Dixie Chicks". SoundCloud.
  6. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (2016-11-03). "Beyonce's 'Daddy Lessons': 10 Fun Facts". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  7. ^ a b Platon, Adelle (2016-04-28). "Beyonce's Folky 'Lemonade' Track 'Daddy Lessons': Co-Writer Kevin Cossom Shares the Story Behind the 'Tough' Song". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  8. ^ Wilson, Carl (2016-04-25). "Beyoncé's Lemonade Is a Spectacle to Rival "Thriller." But How Is It as Strictly Music?". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
  9. ^ Guarino, Mark (2016-06-01). "Beyoncé's Daddy Lessons is a shrewd wink to country". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2016-06-02. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  10. ^ Fekadu, Mesfin (December 7, 2016). "AP Source: Grammy country committee rejects Beyonce song". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  11. ^ Hudak, Joseph (2016-12-08). "Beyonce's Country Song 'Daddy Lessons' Rejected by Grammys". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  12. ^ Stecker, Liv (2017-06-05). "Dixie Chicks and Beyonce Earn Two 2017 Golden Boot Awards". The Boot. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  13. ^ "Top 100 Songs of 2016".
  14. ^ Kim, Michelle (2016-04-25). "A Brief History Of Beyoncé And Her Father, Mathew Knowles". The Fader. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  15. ^ McKenzie, Joi-Marie (2016-05-19). "Beyonce Has 'Proud Dad' Moment With Father Mathew Knowles". ABC News. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  16. ^ Bailey, Alyssa (2016-04-27). "Beyoncé's Father Comments on Those 'Lemonade' Lyrics". Elle. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  17. ^ "Giddy Up! Here's What You Need to Know About the Yeehaw Agenda". Rolling Stone. 8 March 2019.
  18. ^ "How the 'Yeehaw Agenda' Disrupted Texas Country Culture for Good". Texas Monthly. 2019-09-06. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
  19. ^ "This Year's Grammys Were the Ultimate Tribute to Yeehaw Culture". Observer. 2019-02-11. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
  20. ^ "Conservative country music fans lash out at CMA performance by Beyoncé and the Dixie Chicks". Los Angeles Times. 2016-11-04. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  21. ^ Abad-Santos, Alex (2016-11-04). "Beyoncé, the CMAs, and the fight over country music's politics, explained". Vox. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  22. ^ Ali, Rasha (2016-11-02). "Beyonce's CMAs Appearance Sparks Social Media Backlash From Country Music Fans". The Wrap. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  23. ^ Furdyk, Brent (2016-11-04). "Country Star Travis Tritt Blasts Beyonce's CMA Awards Performance In Twitter Rant: 'We Don't Need Pop Artists At Our Award Shows'". ET Canada. Archived from the original on November 5, 2016. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  24. ^ Blake, Liza (2016-11-02). "Brad Paisley, Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini & More React to Beyonce Performing at 2016 CMA Awards". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  25. ^ Strauss, Matthew (March 19, 2024). "Beyoncé Reveals Cowboy Carter Artwork, Shares Statement on New Album". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on March 31, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  26. ^ Kornhaber, Spencer (March 29, 2024). "The Violence of 'Cowboy Carter'". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on March 31, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  27. ^ McMillan Cottom, Tressie (Apr 4, 2024). "Beyoncé Asks, and Answers, a Crucial Question in Her Latest Album". New York Times.
  28. ^ a b "All 12 of Beyonce's 'Lemonade' Tracks Debut on Hot 100". Billboard.biz. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  29. ^ "BRIT Certified".
  30. ^ Unterberger, Andrew; Denis, Kyle; Lipshutz, Jason (February 14, 2024). "Beyoncé's 'Daddy Lessons' Up 370% in Streams Following Reveal of Her New Country Era". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  31. ^ "See Beyonce, The Chicks' Surprise 'Daddy Lessons' at CMA Awards". Rolling Stone. 3 November 2016.
  32. ^ a b "Dixie Chicks Cover Beyonce's 'Daddy Lessons': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  33. ^ "Riverdale season 3 soundtrack". WaterTower Music. Archived from the original on 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2020-02-28.
  34. ^ Grow, Kory (February 14, 2024). "Reneé Rapp Shares Her 'Daddy Lessons' With Beyoncé Cover in Paris". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  35. ^ "Beyoncé Kicks Off 'Formation' Tour in Miami, Jay Z Shows Support But Doesn't Perform". ET. 27 April 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  36. ^ "Beyoncé made country magic with the Dixie Chicks on 'Daddy Lessons'". USA Today. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  37. ^ "ARIA Australian Top 40 Urban Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association.
  38. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  39. ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Singles Téléchargés". SNEP. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  40. ^ "Netherlands Digital Songs". Billboard. May 2, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  41. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  42. ^ "Sweden Digital Songs". Billboard. May 2, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  43. ^ "Beyoncé - Daddy Lessons". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on August 5, 2016. Retrieved June 5, 2016.
  44. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  45. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  46. ^ "Desiigner Holds Off Drake Atop Hot 100, Prince & Beyonce Hit Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  47. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  48. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2021 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  49. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Beyoncé – Daddy Lessons" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  50. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Beyoncé – Daddy Lessons". Music Canada. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  51. ^ "British single certifications – Beyonce – Daddy Lessons". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  52. ^ "American single certifications – Beyonce – Daddy Lessons". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
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