Here are 16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics in English. From the COWBOY CARTER album, the song features Beyoncé Knowles. Penned by Beyoncé, Raphael Saadiq, Ink, and Dave Hamelin, 16 CARRIAGES is sung by Beyoncé herself. The album is directed by the talented Beyoncé, and the music production is helmed by Beyoncé, Ink, and Dave Hamelin.
16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics in English
Sixteen carriages drivin’ away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages drivin’ away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight.
At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray
Had to leave my home at an early age
I saw mama prayin’, I saw daddy grind
All my tender problems, had to leave behind.
It’s been umpteen summers, and I’m not in my bed
On the back of the bus and a bunk with the band
Goin’ so hard, gotta choose myself
Underpaid and overwhelmed
I might cook, clean, but still won’t fold
Still workin’ on my life, you know
Only god knows, only god knows
Only god knows.
Sixteen carriages drivin’ away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages drivin’ away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight.
Sixteen dollars, workin’ all day
Ain’t got time to waste, I got art to make
I got love to create on this holy night
They won’t dim my light, all these years I fight.
It’s been thirty-eight summers, and I’m not in my bed
On the back of the bus and a bunk with the band
Goin’ so hard, now I miss my kids
Overworked and overwhelmed
I might cook, clean, but still won’t fold
Still workin’ on my life, you know
Only god knows, only god knows
Only god knows.
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all the tears I fight
Sixteen carriages driving away
While I watch them ride with my fears away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long back road, all these tears I fight.
Oh, oh…
Oh…
At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray
Had to take care of home at an early age
I saw mama cryin’, I saw daddy lyin’
Had to sacrifice and leave my fears behind
The legacy, if it’s the last thing I do
You’ll remember me ’cause we got somethin’ to prove
In your memory, on a highway to truth
Still see your faces when you close your eyes.
Sixteen carriages drivin’ away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away.
16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics Credits
| Album | COWBOY CARTER (2024) |
| Song Name | 16 CARRIAGES |
| Track Position | #3 on album / 27 tracks |
| Release Date | February 11, 2024 |
| Writers/Lyricists | Beyoncé Knowles, Raphael Saadiq, Ink, Dave Hamelin |
| Singer/Artists | Beyoncé Knowles |
| Producers | Beyoncé, Ink, Dave Hamelin |
| Record Label | Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records |
| Recording Studios | Kings Landing West, Record Plant Studios, The Trailer, Parkwood West, Dezert Flower Studios |
| Genre | Country, Pop |
| Duration | 3:47 |
Song Background
“16 CARRIAGES” marks the reflective and emotional opening of Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER project—a powerful exploration of legacy and personal resilience. Inspired by Beyoncé’s own journey, the song taps into rich themes of sacrifice, ambition, and the toll of fame. She recounts leaving home at a young age, navigating the pressures of stardom, and carrying the weight of expectations on her shoulders. The title “16 CARRIAGES” symbolizes those burdens, the memories left behind, and the journey ahead. With haunting instrumentation and deeply vulnerable vocals, Beyoncé delivers one of her most introspective tracks to date.
Chart Performance & Stats
- Debuted at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100
- Peaked at #9 on Hot Country Songs chart
- Certified Gold by the RIAA in December 2024
- Surpassed 15 million streams on Spotify within a month
- YouTube lyric video reached 3.7 million views in first two weeks
Cultural Impact
“16 CARRIAGES” resonated far beyond charts—it became a symbol of Beyoncé’s foray into country music, challenging genre boundaries and elevating Black voices within a historically exclusive space. Released during Super Bowl weekend, the song ignited conversations about representation, genre fluidity, and emotional storytelling. It was covered by multiple country artists in tribute, shared widely across TikTok, and cited in numerous think pieces from Rolling Stone to NPR. Beyoncé’s live performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, featuring Dolly Parton and Post Malone, turned this track into an anthem of artistry and authenticity.
Technical Details
- BPM: 72
- Key: C Minor
- Instruments Used: Steel guitar, piano, organ, drums, trumpet, synthesizer
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FAQs 16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics
Q. Who wrote 16 CARRIAGES Song lyrics?
Ans. Beyoncé Knowles, Raphael Saadiq, Ink, and Dave Hamelin.
Q. What album is 16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics from?
Ans. It’s the third track on Beyoncé’s eighth studio album COWBOY CARTER, released in 2024.
Q. When was 16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics released?
Ans. February 11, 2024.
Q. What is 16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics about?
Ans. It explores Beyoncé’s journey through personal and professional sacrifice, with “carriages” symbolizing the emotional load and her dreams moving forward.
Q. Who sings 16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics?
Ans. Beyoncé Knowles.
Q. What genre is 16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics?
Ans. Country and Pop.
Q. How long is 16 CARRIAGES Song Lyrics?
Ans. 3 minutes and 47 seconds.
Q. Did 16 CARRIAGES win any awards?
Ans. Nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards; certified Gold by RIAA.
Secondary FAQs
Q. Is 16 CARRIAGES based on a true story?
Ans. Yes. It’s influenced by Beyoncé’s real-life journey and personal reflections.
Q. What instruments are used in 16 CARRIAGES?
Ans. Steel guitar, piano, trumpet, organ, synthesizer, and drums.
Q. Has Beyoncé performed 16 CARRIAGES live?
Ans. Yes. She performed it during the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Q. What are the most popular lines from 16 CARRIAGES?
Ans. “Sixteen carriages drivin’ away / While I watch them ride with my dreams away.”
Q. Which streaming platform has 16 CARRIAGES?
Ans. Available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, and TIDAL.
