PUBLIC HOLIDAYS – THE EMPLOYEE’S BEST FRIEND…

Public holiday! The one thing every worker I know loves so much. A very important thing about public holiday is, what day of the week would it fall on? The best are those that fall on a Friday or Monday, meaning a longer weekend.

So I decided to chill out this past public holiday. I had Monday and Tuesday free. The plan was to take time off reality and just relax/unwind. I practically slept all through Saturday, then on Sunday I completed the first part of the two in one John Grisham novel I borrowed (The Last Juror and The Broker). Monday I did chores and read before heading to my colleagues place in town. That night I saw the movie – The Shallows starring the ever so beautiful Blake Lively. The next day, which was Tuesday, I saw another movie – The mechanic (Resurrection) starring Jason Statham.

Oh no, I didn’t see the movies alone, I had friends with me on both movie days. I chose the last Showtime (7pm) on Monday and the very first Showtime (11am) on Tuesday because I knew the cinema halls would be empty. What could be more annoying than watching a movie with people who are noisy or always clapping or some pressing their mobile phones and then the light from the screen gets into your eyes?

Aside the customary popcorn, I did have some nice stuff to eat - overpriced Chinese rice with sea food (strangely I actually enjoyed the sea food) shrimps to be specific. Normally I hate anything sea food. I finally got to taste the milkshake I have always wanted. The one thing that was on my list I couldn’t get was the Irish special smoothie that has a bit of baileys in the mix. That stuff is amazing.

Anyway, what hit me in all these purchases is that almost everything is billed in thousands of Naira in this country! There is no such thing as cheap hangouts anymore! Totally sucks.

You watch foreign movies and the amount spent on a ‘date’ is like $5, $2...A simple cup of coffee, burgers and fries. The price maybe be equivalent to our bill of a thousand naira plus and above but common, hearing such tiny amount is kind of encouraging. Definitely a sort of jedi mind trick, but I sure would feel better paying single digit on the surface…

Say you want to have just a casual hangout with someone, take a walk in casual jeans and simple t-shirt. It shouldn’t cost much biko, or bore a big hole in your pocket. It’s little things that take the pressure off us; take a walk, enjoy the calm of nature, buy fries and burgers, hot dogs or shawarma…, have a smoothie with you or ice cream or any drink that you fancy. 

These things should be very affordable and readily available. One shouldn’t have to save for that simple hangout or have to consider that ‘there is rice at home’ and actually cajole him or herself that it doesn’t hurt to spend on one’s self once in a while to unwind. *sigh

****

I have always written about being truly happy, enjoying the little things of life and just living that picture you have of a perfect happy life. Well, it's actually all a process. One step at a time. I decided to take my advice and start living that simple, quiet life I have always visualized, doing the things I love.

First step is to develop my hobbies. Turns out my hobbies are quite expensive to achieve. But I know it’s going to be totally worth it. Drive to a deserted field, take numerous shots with my DSLR camera, read different blog posts or any interesting article online, write a post or short story on my dream laptop, listen to music and hear every detail of the instruments in the song via my Beats by Dre earpiece. Take my thoughts off work and life pressures, slide into my lil safe haven of happiness.

I think the most fortunate persons are those that make money from doing things they truly love and have passion for. They’ve turned what should have been their hobby to a career. But then that's risky for me because I tend to be too intense and then take it so seriously that I would end up killing the fun.

For now I am focused on understanding my camera, it’s quite tricky but I know in time I would master it and take really great shots, maybe start covering people’s occasions with time. Scratch that, I doubt I want to do photography for money.

I was watching a movie recently – The Perfect Match staring Cassie and Terrence J, there I saw it! My perfect dream house or something similar to it, but then how to incorporate a surrounding farm to the building and make it a farm house is the major puzzle now. I’ve always said I would design my house myself, well the initial structure before an architect gets to do the final work. God willing my dreams and desires shall come to pass.

Like I once told Makua, there is a picture of what we all desire in life but to get there we just might have to do some other things we don't really enjoy (sort of like we are making sacrifice now) in order to be able to achieve our desires in future. So yea, I’m working my ass off now trying to raise capital to achieve my goals, with proper planning and majorly God's grace I know I’ll get there.

Notice how major part of this post is about me? Me doing stuff I love, me enjoying my own company and being happy by myself…? yup, because this –

“The thing about being single is - you should cherish it

Because, in a week or a lifetime of being alone, you may only get one moment

One moment when you're not tied up in a relationship with anyone…

One moment when you stand on your own, really truly single

And then, it's gone…”

(How to be single movie closing narration)

Well, what do I know? ...I am but just a kid an employee, waiting eagerly for the next public holiday

MUSIC REVIEW – BLUE NEIGHBOURHOOD (Troye Sivan)

Let me just put it straight and simple; if you don't like Troye Sivan's music we can't date.

Avidole gave me Troye Sivan's Wild EP early this year. After about a month of laying idle on my phone, I listened to it one afternoon, while doing chores. I didn't really pay attention to the songs.

A month ago I was trying to sleep, I decided to sample albums I hadn’t played in a long while. Then I heard the track - Wild! Let's just say I didn't sleep again. I had to Google him. Who the heck was Troye Sivan? I can't exactly remember how I went from Wikipedia to YouTube that day in trying to unravel the pure talent named Troye Sivan.

I stumbled on his Blue Neighborhood trilogy videos comprising the songs (Wild, Fools and Talk me down). The videos are everything! Sad, beautiful story filled with the misery that comes with a lost love. The videos tell a story of innocence, young love, happiness, confusion, pain, loss and well…forbidden love.

The Trilogy video was recently nominated by MTV in the newly created category – Breakthrough long form Video against works by Beyonce, Chris Brown and Justin Bieber. Word on the street is that the category was specially created so Beyonce’s Lemonade can be given an award. Only time would tell.

I had to download the entire Blue Neighborhood album and I’ve been playing it ever since! My favourite track is Talk me down. There's this calming effect the song has on me. The song is about loss and dealing with the pain/loneliness that comes with it, the longing for the good old times. The opening lyrics hit me the first time I heard the song -

I wanna sleep next to you

But that's all I wanna do right now

And I wanna come home to you

But home is just a room full of my safest sounds

….

I'd rather fuel a fantasy than deal with this alone

My favourite lines of the song is –

I know I like to draw that line when it starts to get too real

But the less time that I spend with you, the less you need to heal

Another song I love very much is Heaven. The lyrics of the song is a no brainer. This is one song I relate to. The struggle to live right but then how much of you are you willing to sacrifice to live right or basically your entire happiness is on the line.

Without losing a piece of me

How do I get to heaven?

Without changing a part of me

How do I get to heaven?

All my time is wasted

Feeling like my heart's mistaken, oh

So if I'm losing a piece of me

Maybe I don't want heaven?

Wild, Fools, Blue, Youth, Suburbia, Cool, For him, Ease - are feel good songs on the album. Then songs like DKLA, Bite, Lost boy, Heaven and The Quiet would drag you down that beautiful melancholic road.

What I love most about the album is the deep lyrics, no song here has cheap writing or cliché wordings.

This is the kind of album you play when you need to take your mind off things. Take a trip to no place in particular, have Blue Neighbourhood album on playback. Relax your thoughts as you drive. The windows are down to allow the passing breeze beat against your face. The calmness of his songs takes you to that place of tranquility.

The one song I needed to have heard before the war - The Quiet by Troye Sivan.

This part of the lyrics just sums up exactly how I was feeling while the silence was raging:

I'd rather be spitting blood

Than have this silence fuck me up

....

And I don't wanna walk away

But you left me no choice

Only talking to myself here

Now you've muffled your voice

I'd rather have broken bones

Than feel myself turn to stone

Aaah! Just tell me

Say anything

Anything hurts less than the quiet

I don't mind that I know that you're wrong

I don't mind that you think you're right

All I want is a fight to fight

Anything but quiet

DESIRE

That one person you keep running into at work. They always call out your name softly, you wave back with a weak smile. Most times, they walk up to you, taking your hand in a handshake and hardly ever let go.

You can see the burning flames in their eyes. Their eyes says it all. They want you. You can trace the gaze of their eyes to your lips. Most times, that’s where their eyes are fixated.

The desire is so loudly spoken in the silence between moments that lingers.

They try to make small talk always. Even when the conversation is over, they try to keep it going, not wanting you to leave. You can almost feel the pain in their chest when you depart.

You know they want you, you know they crave to place those lips of theirs on yours. To know what you taste like. Feel the softness and tenderness of your lips.

A light touch of lip on lip, desire bursting in firestorms as the blood rushes through raving veins.

Lips part, the kiss goes deeper and tongues begin to explore.

They long for you…

But you don’t want them. You won’t lead them on. So you don’t play along or make allusive moves that’ll give them green light. You keep acting naïve and oblivious to their longing.

Sometimes when you feel alone and vulnerable, you see them walk by. Your mind wanders, what if you indulged. Just once. 

It wouldn’t hurt, shouldn’t hurt. Office romance? The scandals that could follow.

Be spontaneous and do something crazy. Set your boring life on fire. They brought the gasoline, now you light the match.

But then their finger plays with yours, you feel the metal rub against your fingers.

Your eyes travels down to their finger…in that moment, the gold band reminds you once again.

This one is definitely off limits.

But it sure feels good to be wanted….

RECESSION IS REAL

My boss shared a piece on recession he read online and I found it very enlightening. Considering the difficult economic climate we are currently facing, I feel it’s important I share excerpts from the post with you guys.

Lately my mantra has been ‘there is rice at home’. I can’t count how many times I have told myself this to prevent myself from spending recklessly. See, truth is economy don cast and we all need to save.

In case you are wondering what I mean by there is rice at home, I got it from a meme I saw on twitter which said – when you grow up and start making money for yourself, that’s when you understand why your parents always told you there is rice at home when you were a child.

The times are hard and we have to be smart, learn how to cut our expenses and manage our scarce resources.

What is economic recession? 

An economic recession is simply defined as a significant decline in the economic activity spread across the economy that usually lasts more than a few months. More economically speaking, a recession is a decline in a country’s Gross Domestic Product or a negative real economic growth for two or more successive quarters in a year. 

What happens during recession?

1. Rise of Unemployment rate

During a recession, there is a general trend of rising unemployment rates and decreasing overall output. With fewer people contributing to the economy, the overall economy is bound to be affected. Income growth would be stalled. While there would be more people in the market looking for employment, the demand for recruiting people is far lesser.

When people are earning lower incomes, their spending power decreases. As such, there is a reduction in spending. Businesses are limited in their ability to pass along any increases in expenses in the form of higher prices. In order to move goods off the shelves, businesses are more likely to reduce prices. This eventually causes deflation.

With prices drifting downward and commodities becoming more affordable, consumer spending will once again kick off and increase. The increase in consumer spending, over time

, leads to an increase in industrial production. This in turn improves corporate profits leading to increased employment and improved earnings, etc. This is how the economic cycle takes place.

That’s why people say economy won’t grow continuously without recession.

2. Stock market plummet

People are generally conservative during recession. Those who lose their jobs because of recession start selling off their investments because they need money to sustain while they get another job. The increased number of people selling their stocks causes the stock market to fall sharply

3. Real Estate plummet

During a recession, people turn to fiscal conservatism. This affects the real estate industry as well, as there is lesser demand in the real estate market. People put off buying and selling of property during the periods of economic recession. Another scenario is where the increasing levels of unemployment during a recession cause affected homeowners to sell their home to accommodate changing job demands.

On the other hand, because of the higher supply of houses on sale as compared to the low demand, an economic recession will forcefully reduce the selling prices of homes. As such, the economic recession has a positive impact on potential homebuyers. This is also because there are lower mortgage rates that are caused by changes in interest rates.

How to prepare for recession?

1. Create a worst-case scenario

Create a worst-case cash flow forecast. Predict how bad it could be if you lost your job or if your business dropped in sales by about 50%.

2. Build up an Emergency fund

Prepare an emergency fund with enough money to cover at least 6 months of expenses.

3. Have a consistently rebalanced investment portfoli

This ensures that you lock the capital gain of certain asset classes when it is booming.

4. No matter what field of your profession, always strike to be the best

Always strive to be the best. Avoid becoming redundant or “fat” in your company. If you do not prove your worth, you will be the first to be led to the exit door during a recession.

5. Diversify your income source

Please beware if you are in a business that serves just 1-2 major customers. You will be at a great risk during a recession. For employees, work out some forms of alternative income besides the main employment.

6. Know your funding sources and manage the relationship properly

Another way to prepare yourself for a slowdown is to know your funding sources and manage the relationship properly. Remember, when funding sources tighten they do so selectively and this applies to their sources of business as well as the credits.

7. Learn to live on less than your income

You may see pay cuts in your job during an economic recession, so look now for ways to trim your budget as much as possible.

8. Last resort – compromise on your lifestyle

When everything doesn’t seem to work out for you, go for the last resort: try reducing your lifestyle dramatically. Sell that luxury car. Move to a smaller house. Cut down on expensive dining.

Cash is King

Cash is king during recession. It is only in your best financial interest to acquire assets (stocks, real estate) during a recession.

Conclusion

There is a possible recession looming. Some people will be harmed and subsequently, the economy will be blamed. They are probably right now maintaining the status quo and simply hoping it doesn’t happen.

Prepare now and you will find that you will not be affected very dramatically. This will leave you in a better edge. Preparation for a recession will enable you to react to changing times and take advantage of select opportunities.

This was copied and I felt I should share it, given the times we are in. 

PSYCHO ANALYSIS

I’m not a good person.

I’ll say I’m more of a flight risk. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not proud of it.

I need to understand that people are not toys, and they have emotions just same way I do. I can’t keep pushing people away and thinking it’s okay to come back later.

It’s been dark and gloomy the past few weeks, but now I see sunshine and rainbows, but that doesn’t give me the right to barge into the lives of those I pushed away during the dark days.

Human relationship has never really been my strong suit. It’s funny how I moved from being that jovial guy in my childhood, the guy who played and laughed with everyone to this paranoid, timid and screwed up kid.

I guess as I grew up, my demons began to show up. Slowly I moved from that outgoing kid to the loner teenager up till my late twenties. Now I can best describe myself as being isolated.

I’m an indoor guy, I love my peace and quiet. I hate dealing and any form of argument. It makes me go mad and crazy when someone is trying to make me deal or talk things through. When I do talk shii out, it’s like my energy starts getting drained with my system working overdrive.

I should have seen it coming though, when I was in primary/secondary school, I was that guy who rarely went out during break. I’d stay the entire thirty minutes in the classroom while most pupils would be out playing games. Apparently my indoor/loner nature has always been there.

I long gave up on people. Why? I realized people are not worth it. I give so much and expect same commitment but lo, time and again I get disappointed.  Or back in those days when I foolishly used to trust people and open up to them about issues but all I get was being misunderstood (very frustrating) or my words being used against me. Slowly, I let it all go, there’s just no use. Then again people’s hypocrisy and judgmental nature just put me off totally. So basically, I try to shut people out and stay in my cocoon but life doesn’t work that way.

I get to interact with people and I don’t know why despite my trying to be on my own, they still find a way of drawing close and then my madness starts and it all gets messy till well, we either strike a balance or we just tear apart.

I'm very insecure, shy and private. Forget I tend to pour out stuff on this blog, I hate someone figuring me out without me opening up to you. I want it to be on my terms. That's how Aweezy was scaring me then in training school. I'm used to people misunderstanding me, infact, I’m highly misjudged. But Aweezy saw through me and he gave me a complete analysis of myself one day. I didn't let it show but I was scared. I felt naked, like I wanted the ground to open and swallow me.

I like my opening up to be on my terms, not by you looking into my soul and figuring me out. When people start talking about me, I start getting jittery like you are going to cut deep and expose my demons and you won't be able to handle it. You'd finally see me but then you'll walk away leaving me in the cold because you can't handle it. Anytime I’m the topic of discussion I just stay smiling but really I’m all nervous inside and dying slowly, holding my breath.

It’s hard being me. “It’s not easy to be me” – Foo Fighters

So much shit I’m dealing with - withdrawal phases when I just want to be alone and don’t want the world to see me or when I have to shut down my social media to stay away from peeps. Then there’s me constantly telling myself I don’t have OCD, so I try not to arrange those naira notes in a particular pattern, or do stuff in certain routine or try to actually leave some unread emails and some notifications unanswered but nah…I still break at times, or the constant urge to check if I locked the doors. *sighs

So many wars I’m fighting within me it becomes a bit exhausting living. I’m weird and I don’t like most things other people like. I have long given up on trying to fit in. I remember in SS1 when I actually bought Ja Rules rap album, same with 50 cent and Eminen’s albums. I was going to force myself to like rap music and also start watching soccer, at a point I got tired and said to hell mehn! This ain't my shiii !!

Most times I want need to stay away from people, not because I desire to, but because I think I have done enough damage already. I have ruined enough friendships and I’m tired of giving people the impression that I am unstable or crazy.

But in all, one thing I need to know is, when I decide to push people away, I should know they also have feelings. They are not puppets, I have no right whatsoever to go back to them like I never left. It’s not fair toying with people that way. I think maybe I’m better off alone, away from the world. A little secret; I actually feel better (slightly relived like a weight has been taken off of me) when I push people away during my dark moody days.

I should really learn to deal with stuff and talk things over. That’s the mistake I made in my last relationship. I should have talked things out like every other normal human being does, instead of just walking away. Also, I need to lower my expectations from people, just do things because it’s who I am. The guy who likes assisting when he can and loves providing solutions to problems. I need to constantly remind myself that because you are nice to someone doesn’t mean they too would be nice to you. Sucks, but that’s just how life is.

The world seems messed up to me and people are not really all that. I hate shallow conversations and idle hangouts. I love reading novels, blogs, any interesting content and music. One thing that has really kept me from losing it is music. I would have totally wigged out by now if not for music.

I have built this small cycle of friends, let go of excess weights and drama in order to keep myself sane. Life seems so much easier being alone (or have I taken the easy way out?), what I need to learn how to live with and enjoy is the loneliness that comes with it at times.

Isolation is not protection. No amount of distance numbs the pain – Lisa Gardner (The next Accident)

Well, what do I know...I am but just a kid.

MUSIC REVIEW – The Hill (Travis Greene)

When I first listened to the album, what came to mind was - Travis must have gone through stuff before releasing this album. I decided to google his story (I always do that about new artists I discover).

He was born a still-born but was resuscitated. When he was four years old, he also fell from a building and died. But the blood of Christ spoke for him and he was revived. Then it hit me, tell me why someone who been through all that would deny Christ or the power of his resurrection?

In the album titled Track - The Hill, he tells his story. Though the song starts slow and seems a bit boring at first, but then it peaks. Singing along with him repeatedly gives the lyrics deeper meaning and it just hits you and all you can see is the prize Christ paid for us.

At the end of the track Travis gives the testimony of when he wife was in labor at 21 weeks, the doctor said they needed to abort the child and they should try again. But something rose within him and his wife that said they trust God too much to give up! I took that word! Trust God too much to give up! On the hill there is a cross, on the cross there is blood for me…

The first songs I heard off of the album were Intentional and Made a way.

Intentional track had me hooked for months. I played it over and over again, the lyrics were a blessing. Don’t give up, we don’t have to worry for our God is intentional!

Then I heard Made a way. Good Lord! That song carries rhema. I knew I had to get the full album, and boy, I was glad I did.

There was a day I was going to work, the week had been everything far from pleasant. I was playing Made a way, singing along and then I got very emotional. I could feel the tears swelling. I was driving so I had to arrange myself before people start wondering what’s up with me.

This album is one of the best gospel albums in recent times. It was released last year and still has lot of impact. I recommend this album for anyone going through a difficult time and I can almost guarantee you that before you are done listening you’ll feel that weight, whatever it is weighing you down lifted. You know that unexplainable peace, the peace that passeth all human understanding, the joy of victory. When singing along you’ll feel so lifted and all your worries turn to dust. This album is a blessing.

From the very first track to the last one, it all songs of victory in Christ Jesus. The opening track – (Here for you) puts you in the mood for true praise, and the second track – (Gave it all) takes you even higher. By the third track – (Intentional), you are already lost in praise and swimming in victory over whatever situation you are facing.

Then from the fifth song – (Made away) to the eleventh song – (Soul will sing), you get into true worship. The final song – (Love me too much) which is a declaration of God’s undying love takes you back to a victory dance of praise.

Track list:

    

1. Here for you

2.    Gave it all

3.    Intentional

4.    You got up

5.    Made a way

6.    Thank you for being God

7.    Who you were

8.    The Hill

9.    You keep me

10. Just want you

11. Soul will sing

12. Love me too much

The only downside I’ll say there is to this album is this – it has always been my sentiment that the use of oh-oh-oh as hook in songs is just a cheap trick of making songs interesting, well he used that trick in almost all of the songs.

Aside that, it’s a great album to lift one’s spirit and also to see anyone through trying times and pain. It also reassures us of our safety in Christ.

MUSIC REVIEW – LEMONADE (Beyonce)

Three things:

1.) You'll not appreciate this album until you listen to it with a sound earpiece or a deck with good woofer.

2.) You need to watch the movie to understand the songs and get the full concept of the album.

3.) Don't listen to the album in shuffle mode. Follow the songs track by track and flow with the story.

Lemonade in its entirety is a master piece. I love the mix of genres in the album. R&B, Pop, Trap, Reggae, there’s even a country song! The versatility is commendable.

Her first three albums were about hit singles while her last three has been about the direction of each album as a work of art with a clear message being told in every song.

When she released music videos for all the songs on B’day I knew she was a visual person. She needed to show people exactly what she was trying to say in her songs, she needed them to not only hear but also see the story. Dropping all videos at once when Beyonce was released didn't give the full impact I felt she was going for. There was a disconnect somewhere.

Finally, she got it right with the lemonade movie. The voice over, the flow of the songs and segments puts the viewer/listener in the story.

Lemonade is pure truth. She spoke from a place of hurt and pain which she artistically turned it into something beautiful.

I'm not going to argue if it's about Jay-Z or not. Heck, inspiration could be from her parent’s broken marriage. Art doesn't necessarily need to be a reflection of the artist's personal life.

If indeed it's was her personal life, the lyrics on daddy lessons where she sings about her dad before he died makes you question it all. Once thing we all know for sure is, her dad isn't dead.

Why don't we forget who inspired the album or who Becky with good hair is and just enjoy this lovely glass of lemonade?

My favourite song on the album is All night. Funny, Bey recently said it was also her favourite track on the album at her formation tour.

The album has a Metacritic score of 92. One of the highest ever for a female album. It is universally acclaimed and the best reviewed album of 2016 so far. Even Rolling stone had to bow down and gave the album 5 stars, something they rarely do.

I’m going to break down the album based on the Lemonade movie.This shall encompass excerpts of the various segments of the movie which features poetry by Warsan Shire, a Somali-British poet, as well as the songs.

"Intuition"

Where do you go when you go quiet?

You remind me of my father, a magician... able to exist in two places at once. In the tradition of men in my blood, you come home at 3 a.m. and lie to me.

What are you hiding?

Track 1 - Pray you catch me

This is a perfect album opening track. The solemn quietness of the song leaves you pondering and wondering what the album would be about.

Best lines:

Nothing else ever seems to hurt like the smile on your face

When it’s only in my memory, it don’t hit me quite the same

….

What are you doing my love?

[

"Denial"

…but still inside me, coiled deep, was the need to know

Are you cheating on me?

Track 2 – Hold on

This song totally got me at first listen. The song is of reggae genre.

The visuals of the song made it even more enjoyable. The way she opens the door and then the water rushes out onto the stairs #badass.

Best lines:

How did it come down to this? Scrolling through your call list

I don’t wanna lose my pride, but I’mma fuck me up a bitch

"Anger"

Why can't you see me? Why can't you see me? Why can't you see me? Everyone else can.

Track 3 – Don’t hurt yourself

Impressive rock influenced track. The diversity of the genres in the album is one thing that makes it a stand out album.

If he doesn’t step up she’ll leave him ass on the floor! Unapologetically vulgar and full of swear words! You can feel her anger and rage on this track.

Best lines:

Uh, this is your final warning

You know I give you life

If you try this shit again

You gonna lose your wife

(in the visuals she takes her ring off and throws it at the camera, lights out!)

"Apathy"

Ashes to ashes, dust to side chicks.

Track 4 – Sorry

From the anger and rage you feel when you discover they’ve been doing you wrong, you cross over to the stage when you are done with them. You couldn’t care less if the humping a goat. You just done and you aren’t sorry about it. To hell with them and their b.s

Best lines:

Looking at my watch he should’ve been home

Today I regret the night I put that ring on

He always got them fucking excuses

I pray to the Lord you reveal what his truth is

….

He better call Becky with the good hair

"Emptiness"

Every fear ... every nightmare ... anyone has ever had.

Track 5 – 6 inch

This is a pop song that talks about female empowerment. She is known for always having a female empowerment song in every album. This is the point where she’s her own boss, even without her man she can still shut down shii and go about her business.

"Accountability"

Mother dearest, let me inherit the earth. Teach me how to make him beg. Let me make up for the years he made you wait. Did he bend your reflection? Did he make you forget your own name? Did he convince you he was a god? Did you get on your knees daily? Do his eyes close like doors? Are you a slave to the back of his head?

Am I talking about your husband or your father?

Track 6 – Daddy Lessons

I never thought Beyonce would be able to nail a country music song so effortlessly! She totally crossed over on this on.

We all know about her dad’s infidelity drama. That’s what the song references majorly. This is about her dad warning her about men like him who go about breaking girl’s heart.

"Reformation"

I ask him to look me in the eye when I come home.

Why do you deny yourself heaven?

Why do you consider yourself undeserving?

Why are you afraid of love?

You think it's not possible for someone like you.

But you are the love of my life.

Track 7 – Love Drought

This song was a major bore on first listen. The lyrics of the song saved it for me. When I got the words clearly I felt the deep message and I connected with the song.

This is the point where she begins to question things. Is it worth throwing away all they’ve built? She has let out all the rage and anger and is now considering saving their relationship.

She sings -

Ten times out of nine, I know you are lying

But nine times outta ten I know you’re trying

So I’m trying to be fair

And you’re trying to be there and to care

And you’re caught up in your permanent emotions

Best lines:

I always paid attention, been devoted

Tell me, what did I do wrong?

Oh, already asked that, my bad

But you my lifeline, think you tryna kill me?

"Forgiveness"

If we're gonna heal, let it be glorious.

Track 8 – Sandcastles

This is the point at which she forgave. The song is a short ballad filled with raw feeling and honestly. Watching the visuals, you’d be tempted to conclude Jay Z actually shitted. The way he looked guilty, broken and vulnerable in the video.

Still, I feel the song was too real and beautiful to be that.

Best lines:

And your heart is broken ‘cause I walked away

Show me your scars and I won’t walk away

And I know I promised that I couldn’t stay

But every promise don’t work out that way

"Resurrection"

When your back gets against the wall and your wall against your back, who you call? Hey! Who you call? Who you call? You gotta call Him. You gotta call Jesus. You gotta call Him. You gotta call Him 'cause you ain't got another hope.

Track 9 – Forward

This is more or less a transition interlude that had James Blake taking most of the song with Bey merging with him at the end.

This is the point they both decide to win the battle and forge ahead with rebuilding their relationship.

Best lines:

Go back to your sleep in your favorite spot

Just next to me…

"Hope"

Track 10 – Freedom

The drums at the intro of this song is everything. You know it’s going to be a banger once you hear the intro. Having Kendrick Lamar on this song was a wise thought.

Best lines:

I’ma keep running

Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves

"Redemption"

I had my ups and downs, but I always find the inner strength to pull myself up. I was served lemons, but I made lemonade.

Track 11 – All Night

The opening verse of this song tells it all. What the song is about – Forgiveness. This is the highlight of the album, a beautiful climax and end of a love story which had gone through doubt, pain, war and now forgiveness.

Opening verse –

Found the truth beneath your lies

And true love never has to hide

I’ll trade your broken wings for mine

I’ve seen your scars and kissed your crime

Someone tweeted - when you start listening to lemonade and by Don’t hurt yourself you’ve already gone crazy and torn up all your hubby’s things only to reach All Night and realize the album was actually about forgiveness.

Best lines:

Nothing real can be threatened

True love breathes salvation back into me

With every tear came redemption

And my torturer became a remedy

…

How I missed you, my love

Track 12 – Formation

A great trap song in its own right with hit beats and catch phrases. But then this is one song I’ll say doesn’t fit into the album.  The album would have ended at All night, that’s when the love story ended.

The visuals of the song is pure art. Each scene was very impressive and that lil guy bursting those hot dance moves that finally got the police men to surrender.

Best lines:

You know you that bitch when you cause all this conversation

Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper