Jealous

Album: Beyoncé (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This gut-wrenching slow jam finds Beyoncé upset with her man, who stood her up for dinner. She's jealous that she can't play the same games that he plays because of her love. The singer takes her "Freakum dress out my closet" and runs into an ex that "she used to flex in Texas."
  • The video was directed by Francesco Carrozzini, who previously helmed A$AP Rocky's "Phoenix" clip, as well having shot photos of Beyoncé for outlets like Vogue. He shot the visual in New York City in late November 2013, after receiving a call from the singer's camp a few days prior. The clip was Queen Bey's storyline, Carrozzini told MTV News of the process. "It's not the traditional way I would do a video — how I did for A$AP or for other artists where you just come up with an idea and present it to the artist."

    "She had a very precise storyline in her head and it was written and filled with references — and so a big part of the creativity is her," he added.
  • After Beyoncé exits the bar, she walks out into a city street and is met by a multitude of fans and camera phones. According to Carrozzini, the reactions of the fans in the video was wholly genuine. "We really shot it — some people in the video did not know we were filming," he said.

    "I think the real idea of the video is in a moment like that — in a private moment like that, she can never be by herself," Carrozzini added "This song is not about someone who feels those emotions, it's about Beyoncé feeling those emotions. It's personal to her. It's her that cannot be by herself no matter where she goes or what she does, because she's who she is."
  • When asked by MTV News if the actor playing Beyonce's love interest was intended to portray a specific person in her life, Carrozzini laughed. "She has [an idea], I'm sure," he replied, coyly.
  • The song's remix features additional vocals by Chris Brown, who admits to Beyoncé that he gets, "a little insecure when your phone go off." He goes on to confess that his jealousy is leading to him having a bit too much of that bottle and he ends up drunk texting.

    This was the first time the two superstars appeared on the same record.
  • The track soundtracked a Nike commercial featuring Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles. The ad depicts Biles training for her big day as "Jealous" plays in the background.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?