Analyzing Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter: Grammy Wins, Critic Response, and Beyond
Within the first single on Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé addresses her critics, possibly alluding to the backlash she received following her performance at the CMA Awards in 2016.
“They used to say I spoke, ‘Too country’ / And the rejection came, said I wasn’t, ‘Country ‘nough,’” she sings, “Said I wouldn’t saddle up, but / If that ain’t country, tell me, what is? / Plant my bare feet on solid ground for years / They don’t, don’t know how hard I had to fight for this.”
During that time, fans noticed that the CMA Awards removed footage of her surprise performance with The Chicks. However, the organization clarified in a statement to E! News that they only took down a promotional clip.