Listen

Album: Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture (2006)
Charted: 8 61
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written for the movie Dreamgirls, where Beyoncé stars as Deena Jones, a character based on Diana Ross. Jones feels trapped in the film and unable to find her voice, until she breaks out with this song where she asserts herself. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Donovan Berry - El Dorado, AR
  • During its second week at #1 on the Billboard 200 in January 2007, The Dreamgirls soundtrack sold 60,000 copies, the lowest sales figure for a chart-topping album.
  • In December 2008 this song returned to the UK chart and indeed entered the Top 10 for the first time, after a performance by Beyoncé in a duet with Alexandra Burke on the X-Factor TV show.
  • The song entered the Top 40 of the Hot 100 for the first time in October 2010 when a version by the Glee cast debuted at #38. The chart entry was as a result of the song being performed on the first episode of the second series of the show.

Comments: 5

  • Janie Kelly from Indianapolis,inwow oh wow, i thought the song she sang I'd rather go blind was one of the best,untill i heard this song, i never followed beyonce before closely,but she certainly has a new fan that is 65 years old, but knows a great vocalist,, i wish i would of followed earlier, but now isolated, i have a lot of time to catch up...lol..pls stay safe,and listen to a different artist, my late husband introduced tony bennett's music to me ,i was into rock lol, and many years later i introduced him to gaga, imagine that and then history was made in the music world, always try a new sound or artist...it opened up my life, janie kelly much love
  • Mathew from 23i love beyonces songs
  • Lisa from Lawrence, NyNot the biggest Bey fan here, but she knocks this one OUT OF THE PARK!!!!! To me its the "every married woman" song, her dreams are put on hold, her man just won't listen and she finally finds herself again, feels those old dreams bubbling up inside, remembers who SHE is, apart from WE, and it just goes from a light flicker to an all out EXPLOSION of emotion. I know I cry every time I hear it, like bawling, get me the whole tissue box, tears. I bring it up to my married friends and they are all like "YES! That's how I feel too!" I SO wish Bey would do more of this (this proves she has the chops to do it!) and less of the "check out my rear" stuff. She is BEAUTIFUL and can be a class act when she chooses. Not that I mind the "fun stuff" ("Crazy in Love", "Single Ladies" "Ring the Alarm"etc), but I feel like she demeans herself with the "booty" stuff. She is more than a
    "booty", she should respect herself, like she does here. But I guess the "fans" like the "booty" stuff, that is what pays the bills (Bills, Bills, Bills"?), so I sort of get it.
  • Merqury from Accra, GhanaImpeccable vocals by Beyonce on this song.
  • Katy from Portland, Ori can relate to this song because a lot of times i feel like my voice or opinion isn't hurt or doesn't matter. it's inspiring to me.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.