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The Meaning Behind Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” Is About Going Back To Her Roots

In classic Beyoncé fashion, the Renaissance singer did something absolutely iconic on the Super Bowl stage yet again: While attending the 2024 Super Bowl, she announced new music. In an Instagram post, she revealed that tracks “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” were available to stream, delightfully surprising fans watching the game and casually scrolling through their feeds.  This isn’t just a one-off single either, this is merely the first taste of Act II out March 29.

Of course, Beyoncé had a plan to drop the surprise tracks. After appearing in a Verizon commercial alongside comedic actor Tony Hale, she teased new music and then shared it with the world shortly after its airtime.

The Houston native also dropped the official visualizer during the Super Bowl — where she was dressed in a leather vest and beehive hairdo. While the singer is referencing her home state in her surprise track’s title, she explicitly notes lyrically that, “This ain’t Texas.” IDK about you but I’m obsessed already.

Exploring some country sounds and themes, Beyoncé taps into a good, pure love song. The singer starts by singing, “This ain’t Texas (Oh) / Ain’t no hold ’em (Hey) / So lay your cards down, down, down, down / So park your Lexus (Ooh),” which totally sets the vibe for a good ‘ol country-pop-R&B jam.

In the outro, Beyoncé references Western themes again by singing, “Come take it to the floor now/And I’ll be damned if I cannot dance with you/Baby, pour that sugar and liquor on me too/Spurs, spurs, boots.” Beyoncé may have even hinted at her twangy tracks to come at the 2024 Grammys as she donned a cowboy hat.

Of course, this isn’t Beyoncé’s first time in the country genre. In 2016, many may recall that she joined The Chicks to sing “Daddy Lessons.” I, for one, am super excited about Beyoncé’s return to her country roots. The girl is from Texas, after all.

Needless to say, the artist can do it all — from pop to R&B all the way to house and country music‚ and we are thrilled to see the new era unfold. Fans are all going wild on Twitter/X, of course.

Additionally, Spotify has already added “Texas Hold ‘Em” to their “Hot Country” playlist. I’m ready to hoedown to these two new tracks and all that’s to come. YEE-HAW!

Maria Serra is the SEO editor at Her Campus Media, providing updates to evergreen content across all brands including Her Campus, College Fashionista, and Spoon University. She also writes new fashion content for College Fashionista, foodie finds and shopping tips for Spoon U readers, and sex and wellness stories for the HC girlies. As a certified emo girl, it’s no surprise that her previous work includes a wide array of music stories. In the recent past, she served as the assistant editor of Alternative Press magazine where she interviewed her favorite groups including The Aces and The Maine. She also worked with music PR firms including 2bEntertainment, and served on campaigns for rockers such as My Chemical Romance and Mod Sun. Currently, she works as a freelance writer with idobi Radio where she shares music and alternative news with fellow pop-punk lovers. She is planning to expand her work into the freelance world with everything from modern rock tunes all the way to more sex and wellness works. After all, she does have a minor in human sexuality and is quite proud to have that necessary and cool academic background. In her free time, she is a stand-up comedian, sketch performer, and improviser in the Cleveland area working primarily with Imposters Theater. Additionally, she is a dog mother to a perfectly round chihuahua-pug named Bobbie who has four teeth but is still a delightful companion nonetheless. She is debating on whether or not Bobbie needs her own TikTok account… we’ll see. mariaserra@hercampus.com