Music Video Analysis Beyoncé – “Run the world (Girls)”

Run the WorldBeyoncé is an RnB, pop, soul and hip hop artist and just like many other female artists throughout their videos they are show to be strong and independent. This allows the audience to be drawn in as she is inspirational to women.

Here are some Examples throughout the video…

GoodwinThe video applies Goodwin’s theory as some of the lyrics match the visuals. For example “Who Run the World” is sung when a car blows up and Beyoncé in a forceful manner throws her hand up in a fist. From this shot we see how strong women are and that Beyoncé thinks that we do in fact run the world.

LyricsBoy don't even try to touch thisBoy this beat is crazyThis is how they made meHouston, Texas babyThis goes out to all my girlsThat's in the club rocking the latestWho will buy it for themselves and get more money laterI think I need a barberNone of these ** can fade meIm so good with this,I remind you im so hood with thisBoy im just playing, come here babyHope you still like me, ** pay meMy persuasion can build a nationEndless power, our love we can devourYou'll do anything for me[Chorus]Who run the world? Girls! x4Who run this motha? Girls! x4Who run the world? Girls! x4

Music and VisualsThe relationship between music and visuals in this music video is that the dance sequences go to the beat of the music. The sharp cuts from each shot follow the beat.

Genre CharacteristicsThe genre characteristics of the pop and RnB genre of music normally consists of a dance routine that fits in with the music. This is present in this music video. Also another characteristics would be glamorous women and strong men. This is also present throughout as Beyoncé and her backing dancers are very glamorous and cool whereas the men are strong and forceful.

Demands of the record labelBeyoncé is signed to Columbia Records. There are lots of close-ups throughout the music video as Beyoncé as she is the one of their main attributes so she wants to be recognised. This allows the audience to know that it is Beyoncé's song.

Intertexual ReferencesThe intertexual reference in this music video is to the film ‘Black Beauty’. In most of the film a black horse is shown and in Beyoncé's music video she is riding a horse at the beginning.

Why this video?I like this video firstly because I really like the song. Also, I really like Beyoncé's style of music so I was interested in analysing one of her music videos. I like the way women are presented in this video: strong and independent, they can ‘run the world’. The use of a dance routine makes the video powerful as the movements they use are strong. I really like this music video so thought it was good to choose a song I would enjoy to analyse.