Bow Down / ***Flawless by Beyoncé feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2024)

I'm out that H-town, coming, coming down
I'm coming down dripping candy on the ground
H, H-town, town, I'm coming down
Coming down dripping candy on the ground

I know when you were little girls
You dreamt of being in my world
Don't forget it, don't forget it

Respect that, bow down bitches
I took some time to live my life
But don't think I'm just his little wife
Don't get it twisted, get it twisted
This my sh*t, bow down bitches

Bow down bitches, bow bow down bitches
Bow down bitches, bow bow down bitches
H-Town vicious, H-H-Town vicious
I'm so crown, bow bow down bitches

I'm out that H-town
Coming, coming down
I'm coming down dripping candy on the ground
H-H-town, town, I'm coming down
Coming down dripping candy on the ground

I been on, I been on, I been on
Tell me who gon' take me off
Take me off, take me off, take me off

'Cause I been on, I been on, I been on
Tell me who gon' take me off
Take me off, take me off, take me off

Rolling high, leather and wood
Keep it trill, that's what good
Kiss my momma, show that love
Pop them bottles in that club
I heard your boo was talking lip
I told my crew, to smack that trick
Smack that trick, smack that trick
Guess what they did, smack that trick
Gold everything, gold ass chain
Gold ass rings, gold ass fangs
You can see me stunt when you turn on ya screen
You can see me stunt when you turn on ya screen
I'm bigger than life, my name in the lights
I'm the number one chick, ain't need no hype
The capital B means, I'm 'bout that life
The capital B means, I'm 'bout that life

I been on, I been on, I been on
Tell me who gon' take me off
Take me off, take me off, take me off
'Cause I been on

I remember my baby hair with my dookie braids
Frenchy's, Boudin in the parking lot
Shout out to Willie D
I was in that Willie D video when I was about fourteen, looking crazy
Shout out to Pimp C
You know we used to sneak and listen to that UGK
Didn't do your girl but your sister was alright, damn
In ya homeboy's Caddy last night man, ha ha

Hold up, Texas trill
H-town going down, man

In 'Bow Down/Flawless,' Beyoncé talks about her success and her position as the "number one chick." She starts by proclaiming her H-town heritage (an abbreviation for Houston) and how she is "dripping candy on the ground." This is a reference to her wealth and how she is so successful that she leaves a trail of "candy" or material possessions.

Beyoncé then speaks to younger girls and women, telling them to respect her place at the top, and she orders them to "bow down bitches." She knows that she is a role model to many girls who once dreamed of being like her. And yet, she does not want anyone to mistake her as Jay-Z's subordinate. She has taken the time to create a successful solo career, and she intends to maintain her autonomy.

Nicki Minaj then comes in for the outro, where she references Texas culture and shouts out to Houston-based rappers Pimp C and Willie D. She even references that she once appeared in a Willie D music video when she was only 14 years old.

I'm out that H-town, coming, coming down
I'm leaving Houston and slowly descending

I'm coming down dripping candy on the ground
My presence is sweet and enchanting

H, H-town, town, I'm coming down
I'm referring to Houston where I'm from

Coming down dripping candy on the ground
My energy leaves a lasting impression

I know when you were little girls
I understand that you looked up to me as a younger person

You dreamt of being in my world
You aspired to be in my position

Don't forget it, don't forget it
Remember that fact

Respect that, bow down bitches
Acknowledge and honor my success

I took some time to live my life
I stepped away to experience life outside of the industry

But don't think I'm just his little wife
Don't underestimate my independence

Don't get it twisted, get it twisted
Don't misunderstand me

This my sh*t, bow down bitches
This is my power and success, acknowledge it

Bow down bitches, bow bow down bitches
Pay homage to me, acknowledge my worth

H-Town vicious, H-H-Town vicious
Houston has a strong and ruthless energy

I'm so crown, bow bow down bitches
I'm the queen, show me respect

I been on, I been on, I been on
I've been successful for a long time

Tell me who gon' take me off
Who can compete with my level of success?

Take me off, take me off, take me off
No one can remove me from my throne

Rolling high, leather and wood
I'm driving a luxurious car

Keep it trill, that's what good
I'm staying true to myself

Kiss my momma, show that love
I show respect to my family

Pop them bottles in that club
I'm having fun with my friends

I heard your boo was talking lip
I heard your significant other was gossiping about me

I told my crew, to smack that trick
I told my friends to confront them

Smack that trick, smack that trick
Teach them a lesson

Gold everything, gold ass chain
I'm wearing expensive jewelry

Gold ass rings, gold ass fangs
All my accessories are extravagant

You can see me stunt when you turn on ya screen
You can see my lifestyle on display through media

I'm bigger than life, my name in the lights
I'm larger than existence, my name is everywhere

I'm the number one chick, ain't need no hype
I'm already the greatest, no promotion needed

The capital B means, I'm 'bout that life
The capital B in my name is the start of my mantra

I been on
I'm accomplished

I remember my baby hair with my dookie braids
I remember my childhood hairstyle

Frenchy's, Boudin in the parking lot
I recall specific hometown locations

Shout out to Willie D
Respect to a notable artist

I was in that Willie D video when I was about fourteen, looking crazy
I was wild and carefree at a young age, even on camera

Shout out to Pimp C
Respect to another notable artist

You know we used to sneak and listen to that UGK
I remember listening to music with friends as teenagers

Didn't do your girl but your sister was alright, damn
I didn't pursue you, but your sister was attractive

In ya homeboy's Caddy last night man, ha ha
I was in a Cadillac with one of your friends last night, haha

Hold up, Texas trill
Pause, Texas has a genuine energy

H-town going down, man
Houston has a lot happening