In 2011, American singer, Beyoncé Knowles performed “Love On Top” at the Video Music Awards (VMA’s). Not only did she put on a fantastic performance, this was her tactic in announcing her pregnancy with her daughter, Blue Ivy. I feel that Beyoncé used this song in particular because of the repetition of the word “baby” and the repeating lyrics, “And finally you put me first.” These lyrics are significant because she is, indeed, pregnant during this performance. She is about to enter motherhood, where babies long for their mothers and put their mothers before anyone else; an emotional connection between a mother and baby. Additionally, the lyrics “Can’t you see the glow on the window pane?” could be referencing pregnancy as well. The word “glow” is significant because women tend to “glow” with energy when they are pregnant. In correlation to this idea, I feel that the lyrics “Everyone asks me why I’m smiling from ear to ear,” is her way of saying “I have something exciting to tell you all!”
She begins her performance by saying, “Tonight I want you to stand up on your feet. I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me” which is the first hint she gives that she is pregnant. As a whole, her song “Love On Top” is assumed to be dedicated to someone that loves her dearly; her husband Jay-Z. However, she changes the meaning of this song when she starts with an introduction stating that she has “love growing inside [of her.]” Giving the emotion of love somewhat of a personification.
Even though Beyoncé usually performs with passion, emotion and energy, this performance in particular seems to have more energy than most of her performances. Her body language is more exaggerated as if she is about to tell her audience something spectacular. The melody becomes louder and toward the end of the song, the speed of the music gradually increases. It feels as if there is going to be a climax and a burst of excitement. This changed my view of this song because I have listened to this song so many times before and originally I thought she was addressing her husband. Instead this, performance changed my outlook of the song. It seems as though she is speaking to her audience rather than just plainly singing her song.
Toward the end of her performance, she sings louder and harder and her body language is even more pronounced. Then, she drops her microphone, takes off her blazer and rubs her baby-bump, finally announcing her pregnancy to her fans. Her performance as a whole was referring to her pregnancy. You could not see her baby-bump when she had a her blazer on and long and behold, once it came off, you can tell that she was pregnant. This song was an excellent choice in announcing her fantastic news. She successfully changed the meaning behind this song and gave it a new meaning. Not only could this song portray her lover for her spouse but also her excitement in entering motherhood and the connection she already feels with her baby. Instead of singing about her spouse, she is singing out the connection she has with the life that is growing inside of her.
