In the frenzy over the album’s unconventional release, “Jealous” largely went unnoticed. Most reviews of*Beyoncé didn’t mention it, and those that did had barely anything to say about it. It wasn’t the catchiest song on the record, nor was it an obvious pick for radio singles or*awards shows. It wasn’t the most GIF-able song (“I woke up like this”, and it didn’t teach us any new words (#serfbort). It didn't feature any of the album’s high-profile collaborators, nor did it offer any juicy insights into her sex life or her path to motherhood. The accompanying*music video, while gorgeous,was*often*ranked*as one of the least interesting of the bunch.
But "Jealous" is where Beyoncé sends what may be the most interesting message of any song on the album. (Beyoncé's*writing credits*have come under fire before, so it's very likely she had some help in crafting it. But regardless of who ultimately penned the music and lyrics, it's Beyoncé who chose to include the song on the album.)The track begins when a half-naked Beyoncé realizes she's been stood up for a sexy dinner date, so she responds in typical Beyoncé fashion: She dons her*freakum dress*and stays out all night, enforcing her no-tolerance policy for being underappreciated. Then, during the bridge, something unusual happens:
And I hate you for your lies and your covers And I hate us for making good love to each other
And I love making you jealous but don’t judge me
And I know that I’m being hateful but that ain’t nothing
That ain’t nothing
I’m just jealous
I’m just human
Don’t judge me
Did you catch that? It’s not exactly an apology, and it’s not exactly an admission that she's somehow responsible for her date (Jay Z, presumably) not showing. But it is, by my count, only the second time in her solo career that Beyoncé has ever admitted that just maybe it’s*she*who’s in the wrong. (The other time was*“Flaws and All,”*a track from the 2007 re-release of*B’Day*in which she ’fesses up to being a mean, neglectful “bitch in the afternoon.”)
THIS IS LESS THAN 50% OF THE ARTICLE. DO NOT GIVE ME STUPID WPS. THANKS.
Yes, Jealous is definitely one of the best on the album! It's underrated compared to the singles and the tracks that are generally considered the album standouts.
I agree. I love how she explored the growing pains and not just the extremes of relationships, but the in betweens -- the "I love you more than oxygen" or the, "get out you sorry bastard" moments -- those are easy, much more black and white and far less complex than the mental space Jealous describes. It's probably one of the most raw and honest relationship related songs she's made. Definitely a step forward.
