Plastic Off The Sofa

Album: Renaissance (2022)
Charted: 41
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Songfacts®:

  • On her 2016 album Lemonade, Beyoncé recounted her emotional journey after Jay-Z's (alleged) infidelity. On "Plastic Off The Sofa" she tells fans she's forgiven her husband.

    Say, say you won't change
    I love the little things that make you you
    Ooh, the rest of the world is strange, stay in our lane
    Just you and me and our family


    The title doesn't appear in the lyric, but if you take the plastic off the sofa, it means you're ready to use it - that could be good news for Jay.
  • "Plastic Off The Sofa" is a warm love song where Beyoncé tells us some of Jay-Z's endearing quirks.

    It's the way you wear your emotions on both of your sleeves,
    To the face you make when I tell you that I have to leave


    And sympathizes with her husband's troubled upbringing.

    I know you had it rough growin' up, but that's okay
    I like it rough
    Even when you let your feelings get in the way


    Born Shawn Carter in Brooklyn, New York, his mom Gloria raised Jay-Z and his three siblings after their father, Adnis Reeves, abandoned the family. Jay made his living as a drug dealer before finding success as a rapper.
  • Beyoncé is protective of her husband, and here she refers to criticism about their relationship.

    Oh, we don't need the world's acceptance, they're too hard on me
    They're too hard on you, boy
    I'll always be your secret weapon in your arsenal, your arsenal
  • Beyoncé recorded "Plastic Off The Sofa" for Renaissance. While much of the album channels dance music, this song is a lush slow jam where the Texan star showcases her vocal dexterity.
  • Beyoncé wrote "Plastic Off The Sofa" with:

    Alternative R&B singer-songwriter Syd. She is a founder member of the band The Internet, whose other members include "Bad Habit" singer Steve Lacy.

    The Internet bass player Patrick Paige II,

    LA-based songwriter and producer Nick Green. He is a frequent contributor to The Internet's records.

    Florida-born Latino R&B singer Sabrina Claudio. She is best known for her 2017 critically acclaimed mixtape About Time, which spawned her Gold-certified single "Belong To You."

    Beyoncé and Syd co-produced the track with additional production by Leven Kali.
  • The musicians are:

    Background vocals: Sabrina Claudio
    Bass: Patrick Paige II
    Guitar: Derek Renfroe
    Synthesizer: Leven Kali
  • This song earned Beyoncé a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance. It was one of four awards she picked up at the 2023 ceremony, setting a new record for most Grammy wins by an artist with 32.

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