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Run the World (Girls)

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"Run the World"
Song

"Run the World (Girls)" is a song recorded by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles. The "female-empowerment" song was written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Knowles, Nick "Afrojack" van de Wall, Wesley "Diplo" Pentz, David "Switch" Taylor, and Adidja Palmer and production was handled by Switch, Knowles and Shea Taylor. Originally speculated to be titled "Girls (Who Run the World)", an unedited demo of the song leaked on the internet on April 18, 2011. "Run the World (Girls)" was later officially released on April 21, 2011 as the lead single from her studio album 4. The song heavily samples "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer, following the same alternative hip hop-dancehall genres, mixed with the pop and R&B sounds of Knowles. The song's title and lyrics contain an unapologetically aggressive message towards female empowerment.

"Run the World (Girls)" initially divided critics, most of whom complimented the song's sample and Knowles' aggressiveness while others criticized the song's musical direction. Several critics compared the track to other female empowering singles released by Knowles in the past such as "Independent Women" (2000), "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008), and "Diva" (2009), stating that "Run the World (Girls)" takes a more direct and assertive approach towards female empowerment.

The accompanying music video for the single was directed by Francis Lawrence and was filmed in California over the span of three days. A sneak peek of the video was revealed on Knowles' official website on April 20, 2011, describing the video as a "B Revolution". In an interview with MTV News, director Francis Lawrence described the music video as "one of the biggest Beyoncé music videos ever done," comparing it to that of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (2009).

Background

A man wearing a checkered shirt and navy jacket and pants
Diplo assisted with the production of "Run the World", but is not officially credited.

In an interview with The Capital FM Network in early March 2011, Shea Taylor confirmed that the "first single is huge and will premiere at the end of April".[1] "Run the World" was written by Knowles and Terius Nash and was produced by Knowles, Switch and Taylor.[2] Diplo also contributed to the song's production, although he is not credited on the track.[3] The song was originally rumored to be titled "Girls (Who Run the World)".[3] On April 14, 2011, two snippets of the song leaked online[4][5] while an unfinished demo of "Run the World (Girls)" leaked online on April 18, 2011.[6]

After having been awarded the Millennium Award by Billboard in early May 2011 for recognizing her career achievements and influence in the music industry, Knowles was approached by the monthly magazine for an interview in which she discussed about her career as a solo artist and her then-upcoming fourth studio album. When asked about the boldness of "Run the World", Knowles elaborated:

It's definitely riskier than something a bit more... simple. I just heard the track and loved that it was so different: it felt a bit African, a bit electronic and futuristic. It reminded me of what I love, which is mixing different cultures and eras — things that typically don't go together — to create a new sound. I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That's how I've gotten to where I am.

— Beyoncé Knowles, [7]

Release

Because of the online leaks, the release of "Run the World (Girls)" was rushed.[2][8] It premiered on US radio on April 21, 2011 at 8 a.m. EST, and was made available for download on iTunes Stores worldwide the same day.[2] According to some reports, the single leaked on iTunes for free a few hours ahead of its official release. It was briefly available to download for free via podcast service Concrete Loop.[9] "Run the World (Girls)" impacated mainstream, urban contemporary and urban adult contemporary radio on April 26, 2011.[10][11] According to MTV News, "Run the World (Girls)" was very well-received by Knowles' fans on Twitter.[12]

Artwork

The cover art for "Run the World (Girls)" was released on April 20, 2011, the day before the songs official release. On the cover, Knowles strikes a bold pose while standing in the sand. With her fist in the air covered in fore-arm protectors, Knowles wears a hip cut draping yellow Emilio Pucci dress and black stiletto boots.[2] The Los Angeles Times indicated that the photos point to a "post-apocalyptic war zone, donning an elaborate gold headdress and holding a red flag emblazoned with a black 'B'."[13] The photo was taken on April 14, 2011.[14]

Tray Hova of Vibe complimented the cover art of the single, stating that Knowles looks "resplendent as hell" on the cover and additionaly stated that "Nobody's complaining about Bey season here."[15] Similarly, Eleanor Young writing for Marie Claire described the cover art as "sizzling".[16] Ray Rogers of Billboard stated that Knowles "clearly transmits her trademark message of female empowerment" when she raises her clenched fist on the cover.[7] On the other hand, Becky Bain of Idolator gave the single cover a negative review, describing it as "pretty disappointing".[17] She stated that with a "ballistic, over-the-top club banger" song like "Run the World (Girls)", she expected something more than just a body shot of Knowles, and criticized the cover for being confusing regarding the location of the photo shoot; she wrote, "Where the heck is she? Under a freeway? At the beach?". However, Bain complimented Knowles on her choice of stilettos as "serious business".[17]

Composition

"Run the World (Girls)"
"Run the World" uses a militaristic beat sampled from "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer and has lyrics that speak of female empowerment.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Run the World" is an R&B[18] and pop song.[19] Jocelyn Vena of MTV News described the song as a "club banger"[20] as well as a "female empowerment/girl power type of song",[21] like several of Knowles' previous singles, including "Independent Women" (2000) with the Destiny's Child and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008).[22][23] Shea Taylor said that the track draws more from the pop music genre than R&B, and is reminiscent of Michael Jackson's "prime" work.[24] "Run the World (Girls)" also generates dancehall influences[25] in the tradition of "Get Me Bodied" (2007).[26] The "high energy" song contains elements of go-go,[27] and is set to a marching beat which samples popular club song, "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer and Vybz Kartel.[6][28] It consists of heavy synth pangs and a militaristic drumbeat beneath Knowles shout vocals.[19] Sharp African percussion is represented in the song by intense band-style drums.[29][30] Several music critics, including Kathy McCabe of The Daily Telegraph likened "Run the World" to "Single Ladies" and "Diva" (2009).[31] Additionally Johnston Breihan of The Village Voice compared the song to schoolyard chants, due to its "cheer-team beats" and the repetitive use of the word "Girls".[32]

As stated by Rap-Up, Knowles is dominant over men in "Run the World".[33] Lamb described the song's lyrics as a declaration that women run the world.[30] "Run the World" opens with a brief piano intro[34] and with a heavy club beat with Knowles chanting: "Girls! / We run this mutha / Girls! / Who run the world."[35] "Some of them men think they freak this like we do / But no they don't / Make your cheque come at they neck / Disrespect us no they won't [...] This goes out to all my girls that's in the club rocking the latest / Who will buy it for themselves and get more money later".[36] Briefly transitioning to smoother, more persuasive, but still boastful vocals, she chants: I think I need a barber/ None of these ho's can fight me/ I'm so good with this/ I remind you I'm so 'hood with this".[37] The song then features a breakdown, which serves as its bridge.[30] With gooey harmonies and sultry vocals, Knowles affirms that her "persuasion can build a nation".[30] She then delivers the repetitive hook lines which also serve as the chorus lines.[38][38] In the second verse, Knowles makes reference to how education makes women strong and independent: "I'm reppin' for the girls who're over the world / Have me raise a glass for the college grads [..]", and asks the opposite sex to "please accept my shine."[39] Other lyrics of this theme include the line: "smart enough to make these millions, strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business."[40] As stated by Jocelyn Vena of MTV News, Knowles sings in her signature staccato style on the second verse of the song.[35] She then chants the chorus again after the bridge lines.[40] Her vocals fade out as the song closes.[35]

Critical reception

If there is one current recording artist that would surprise no one in singing about running the world, it would be Beyonce. What is left for a musical star of her caliber, owner of 16 Grammy Awards, and a movie star as well? Female empowerment has always been a key element of the music of Beyonce from Destiny's Child's "Independent Women, Part 1" through her own "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". It just has never been so overt as a declaration that women do, in fact, run the world[...] The aggressive, addictive rhythm track and words of female power are enough to make this song stand out among current pop releases, but it is the break beginning with a sultry Beyonce seducing us with, "My persuasion can build a nation," that sends it all over the top.
—About.com's Bill Lamb on the aggressive theme and occurring message of "Run the World (Girls)".[30]

Amos Barshad writing for the New York Magazine described "Run the World" as "kind of a monster — aggressive and intense and totally committed". He called the song "declarative" and felt that as a lead single, it was "bluntly effective."[41] After the song's official premiere, Rap-Up described its beat as "hypnotizing".[33] Matt Donnelly of The Los Angeles Times compared it to several of Knowles' past singles, stating that the song has a "harder edge" than "Independent Women Pt. 1" (2000), but it does not contain "the gritty, futuristic chic of 'Diva'".[42] Latifah Muhammad of AOL's The Boombox felt that musically the song took a different route for Knowles, stating that it was much more unapologetically aggressive in its lyrical message than that of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".[43] Muhammad continued to compliment "Run the World"'s beat, stating that Knowles remained "draped fittingly" beneath the song's insistent marching beat.[43] Jenna Clarke of The Sydney Morning Herald referred to it as an " infectious sounding track" having a catchy dance beat with empowering lyrics. She also wrote that the song showcases "a grittier sounding Beyoncé", yet still following the "power footsteps" of her other chart topping hits such as "Single Ladies" and "Crazy In Love" (2003).[44] Jocelyn Vena of MTV News viewed "Run the World" as a "sassy [song with] girl-power lyrics paired with [a] club appeal." She also wrote that the song is loud and proud in its relentless message, and that Knowles "is clearly rallying the troops to her side" in this first single off her forthcoming fourth studio album release.[37]

Andrew Winistorfer of Prefix Magazine felt that some listeners will consider themselves "to be too cool for Beyoncé", and therefore they are going to act like "[they] hate this before [they] hear it." He went on saying that "Run the World" reminds him of Rihanna in 2004 and concluded by writing that those who have not yet realized that "women are powerful via a Beyoncé song, [wi]ll never learn."[25] Nick Minichind of VH1 lauded the song for several pointed comments on empowerment which according to him, "are skillfully weaved into the lyrics, without feeling out of place." He also wrote that "Run the World" restores the girls' own subjectivity. and that the bridge shows a "practically Cleopatra-channeling Beyoncé."[34] Jarett Wieselman of the New York Post considered "Run the World" to be one of the most exciting tracks Knowles has ever released.[45] Sadao Turner of Ryan Seacrest's website complimented the song's sample from "Pon De Floor" hook, while calling the song a "club banger" and its lyrics "infectious".[46] Lewis Corner from Digital Spy enjoyed "Run the World" and described it as "yet another female-empowerment revolution that is sure to dominate dancefloors this summer".[18] On a separate single review, Robert Copsey, also writing for Digital Spy, awarded the song four stars out of five, complimenting the "earthy beats, hypnotising hooks and militant drums pound[ing] relentlessly as Queen B declares it's 'GRLZ who run this mutha' with more woman-friendly conviction than Geri Halliwell at a Spice Girls convention circa 1998. He also added that "[...] with no identifiable structure, the uber-trendy, uber-squiggly Major Lazer 'Pon De Floor' sample is free to roam as it sees fit; adding up to an aggressive, head-spinning and ferocious club stomper.[47]

Bill Lamb of About.com awarded "Run the World" four and a half stars out of five, praising how seamlessly it manages to fit as a natural progression for Knowles' music dating back to classic work with Destiny's Child.[30] He also remarked that it is thrilling in its ability to push even further into exploration of Knowles' artistry and that "it just has never been so overt as a declaration that women do, in fact, run the world."[30] Lamb concluded by writing that the "aggressive [and] addictive rhythm track" and words of female power are enough to make the song stand out among current pop releases, and that Knowles ends up seducing listeners with the break lines: "My persuasion can build a nation".[30] An editor of OK! wrote that only after a few hours, "Run the World" has "become a permanent fixture on our playlists." He went on stating that "[...] Even as we write, the chorus to Beyoncé's 'Run The World (Girls)' is replaying over in our heads, distracting us from anything non-Beyoncé/running the world related."[48] Kevin O'Donnell of Spin Magazine described the song as "a rousing girl power anthem", which bears resemblance to "Single Ladies" and "If I Were a Boy" (2008). He also mentioned that "Run The World" is far rowdier than any of those songs because of its "synth squiggles and raw chanting."[49] Nadine Cheung of AOL Radio noted that the song showcases "a healthy mix" of marching drums and African percussion.[29] Tom Breihan of Pitchfork Media wrote that "Run the World" is "as devotedly pro-female as the title would lead you to expect", and that it is "as dancefloor-directed" as Knowles gets, in the tradition of "Get Me Bodied" and "Single Ladies".[26]

"Run the World" garnered mixed reviews from some critics who, while commending Knowles for taking risks, agreed that the song was too divergent from her previous work. In his review of the song, Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani wrote "[Knowles] misses the mark big time here" and called the song "plain daft". He however praised the song's bridge, "which features B's warm, gooey harmonies and the lyric 'My persuasion can build a nation.'"[50] Despite lauding "Run the World" for its demandingly aggressive message as well as its club-status beat, Brad Wete of Entertainment Weekly noted the continuation of past themes, writing that it would be "appreciated" to see Knowles "switching lanes a bit content-wise [...] She is fully capable of making a classic album as genius and relatable as Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."[38] Adam Rosenberg of the Rolling Stone awarded the song three and a half stars out of five, writing that "[f]rom 'Independent Women' to 'Single Ladies', girl power has long been Beyoncé's Topic A, and 'Run the World (Girls)' is a blistering return to the theme. She forsakes fashionable sounds — no Eurodisco synths! — to belt over Diplo and Switch's ferocious dancehall beat. The message is party-hearty feminism. But with [Lady] Gaga, Britney [Spears], Katy [Perry], Rihanna and Taylor [Swift] all vying to be the queen of pop, you can bet Beyoncé is not looking to share the throne."[51] Maura Johnston of The Village Voice disapproved of the lack of structure in "Run the World", calling it "a bit overstuffed, but fairly enjoyable".[52]

Chart performance

Only three days after its release to digital download outlets, the single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 18 on April 24, 2011.[53] One week later, it moved to number 11 on the singles chart[54] and debuted at number five on its R&B chart.[55]

For the issue dated May 7, 2011, "Run the World" debuted at number 23 on the Hot Digital Songs chart with 77,000 downloads sold.[56] It also debuted at position 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and started at number 65 on the Radio Songs chart with 18 million listener impressions the same week.[56] For the same issue date, "Run the World" was the highest debut on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, opening at number 41.[57] The following week, the single registered a 39% decrease in downloads transitioning into a total of 47,000, causing the song to slip to number 39 on the Hot Digital Songs chart.[58] It also fell to number 71 on the Radio Songs chart with 16.2 million listener impressions.[59] Accordingly, the song fell to number 48 on the Hot 100 chart issue dated May 14, 2011.[60] "Run the World" was the highest debut starting at number 37 on the US Pop Songs chart issue dated May 21, 2011.[61] For the same week ending, the song continued to tumble down the Hot 100 chart, landing at number 65.[62] One week later, the single opened at number 43 on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart, becoming Knowles' nineteenth solo entry on that chart.[63]

"Run the World" was the hot shot debut at number 40 on Canadian Hot 100 chart issue dated May 7, 2011.[64] Paul Tuch of Nielsen SoundScan qualified the debut as "impressive" as the song was released mid-chart week at both digital and radio. It remains Knowles' best entry as a solo artist on the chart.[65]

In Ireland, the single debuted at number 11 on April 28, 2011, being the highest chart debut of that week[66] and in France, "Run the World" debuted at number 33 with 2,065 copies sold.[67] On May 1, 2011, the song made its debut at number 12 on the Australian Singles Chart where it was the highest debuting single of that week,[68] and at number six on its urban chart.[69] One day later, "Run the World" debuted at number 21 in New Zealand, where it also got the title of the highest debut of that week.[70] The single debuted at number 27 on the Dutch Top 40 chart on May 6, 2011.[71]

Music video

Background and development

The music video for "Run the World (Girls)" was directed by Francis Lawrence, who previously directed two music videos for Destiny's Child: "Independent Women" (2000) and "Emotion" (2001).[21] Knowles worked with eight different choreographers,[5] including Frank Gatson and Sheryl Murakami. She also hired 242 dancers[72] and Mozambican kwaito dance group, Tofo Tofo, to appear in the video.[73] The group teached Knowles some native dance moves, which were then incorporated into the video's routine.[74] Behind the scenes looks of the music video showed that the video was expected to be heavy on choreography and depicts Knowles in a blonde Pompadour and white Givenchy couture gown while filming scenes in the Mojave Desert, California.[20][75] Other scenes were filmed in Inglewood, California.[76] Images from the shoot leaked online on April 12, 2011, showing Knowles standing in a smoky, post-apocalyptic war zone,[77] wearing a gladiator outfit with a gold crown, and waving a red flag with a "B" logo.[76] She was surrounded by dancers in brightly coloured skirts, topped off with black military-style jackets and peaked caps.[78] Other images showed an army of women posing against a ravaged car graffitied with "Révolution", with posters of Knowles' face behind them.[76] On April 13, more images were leaked, showing Knowles wearing a bright yellow dress paired with black knee-high boots and gloves on the sand.[14]

On April 20, 2011, a teaser for the music video was released on Knowles' official website which described the video as a "B Revolution". It opened with dawn breaking behind a barbed-wire fence, cutting to the word "Révolution" painted in red on a broken-down car.[3] Knowles then appeared riding a rogue black horse.[2][3] The video required three days of shooting, starting on April 11, 2011 and ending on April 13, 2011.[79] In an interview with MTV News, director Francis Lawrence discussed the music video more in depth:

"I just shot a Beyoncé video at the beginning of this last week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, which was fun, and I hadn't done a video since 2009. It'll be big, it'll probably be one of the bigger Beyoncé music videos ever done. And, I can say that I think the song is unbelievable. The Gaga thing took me by surprise, 'cause I've done videos for probably 15 years, and I had forgotten what it felt like to have a video premiere and have it be anticipated and have it explode. And yeah I hope the same for Beyoncé, but I don't know if that's gonna happen. It is a fantastic song, so I really hope that song catches for her, and I think the video's gonna be really fun and cool and different for her."[79]

On May 4, 2011, an additional 20-second sneak peek of the music video was revealed, showing a troupe of females modeling in rural terrain, however Knowles is not actually seen during the clip.[80] A third teaser of the video was released on May 10, 2011, showing Knowles standing in front of a burning car, riding a horse, and assembling her troops for battle in the post-apocalyptic clip.[81] At private listening party held on May 12, 2011 for Knowles' fourth studio album, she offered a select group of fans a preview of five songs from her fourth studio album as well as the official video for "Run the World (Girls)", which reportedly features a lion walking into a dance number and the singer writhing around in the sand.[82] The video was scheduled to premiere on May 13, 2011 at 12:01 a.m,[83] however Vevo confirmed via Twitter that the video would be delayed, due to Knowles "perfecting it".[84] The video premiered on American Idol on May 18, 2011.[85] The same day, a clock appeared on Knowles' official website counting down to the online premiere.[86]

Synopsis

The video begins with Knowles riding a black horse in an open desert field. Knowles is seen dancing to the intro to the song on top of a wrecked car that has the word "Révolution" spray-painted across it. Throughout the intro of the video, scenes of rioting men and modelling women are interlaced into the scene. A close-up of Knowles surrounded in a gold-headpiece is shown before zooming-out to reveal an entire female army and lion besides Knowles.[87] As a male army approaches Knowles, she begins to sing while dancing with two male backup dancers. Midway into the first verse, Knowles dispatches into the male army and attacks different men while seducing them at the same time. Scenes of Knowles holding onto two chained hyenas[87] are also interlaced into the video. As Knowles sing the pre-chorus, she stands in front of the spray-painted car while wearing a gold metallic dress and matching shoes. As the chorus begins, the "Révolution"-car is engulfed in flames, causing the army of men to fall to the ground. After scenes of Knowles wearing a black overcoat are shown, Knowles begins to dance with her female-army while wearing the yellow dress depicted on the single's cover art, while the male army throw smoke bombs at the females, causing a variety of colored smoke to surround the women. Knowles is than shown performing in the sand alone, while wearing a black body suit with holes cut out from it. This scene is also shown upside-down as Knowles performs certain tricks in video. Afterwards, Knowles is shown dancing with her female army again, this time with numerous other females joining her in front of the mens army. The video ends with the women approaching the men and saluting as Knowles rips off a badge from the lead male and place it on herself.

Reception

The video received general acclaim from critics. On the night of the video's premiere, Rap-Up complimented Knowles on starting a "dance revolution", and additionally favored Knowles' "heavily-choreographed visuals" and "menagerie of wild animals, outrageous fashion, and epic dance sequences".[87] Eric Hendersom of Slant Magazine was impressed with the video, writing: "Beyoncé comes off like a barely sentient but cohesive and rational human being in real life. Too much so for a star of her stature. Her reserve of crazy is far from bottomless, and she seems to save it all for her music videos, and I love her for that [...] [The video is] awesome in distressingly fragmented ways."[88] Billy Johnson of Yahoo! Music wrote that "[he] humbly bow[s] down to the Houston, Texas queen." after watching the video. He complimented her costuming as well as choreography and continued writing thta Beyoncé unveils "her masterful game plan" in the "Run The World (Girls)" video. He also called it Knowles' best video in her near 15-year career. Johnson concluded by saying that "[...] while the set design is compelling, the true treat is Beyoncé's dancing. Beyoncé has always been a good dancer. 'Run The World (Girls)' is "America's Best Dance Crew" fly [...] It's refreshing to see Beyoncé, at this stage of her career, making a return embodying the passion and hunger of a new artist with a whole lot to prove.[89] Gina Serpe of E! Online commented that "anyone with two X chromosomes may be ready to grab some armor, suit up and join the Beyonce army after watching this, though the XY folk aren't left out, either: there are lions! Chains! Drooling hyenas! Cars on fire! Riot police! A close up of the old one-fingered salute!"[90] Claiming that the "Queen B returns to claim her throne", James Montgomery of MTV News gave the video a positive review, adding that Knowles' message in the video is as subtle as "a jackhammer" and added to its theme as a "pneumatically powered anthem". He further praised the video, describing it as "a big, brash thing, full of elaborate, hip-displacing dance routines, haute-couture costuming, wide-screen cinematography and expensive-looking sets."[91] Larry Fitzmaurice of Pitchfork Media teased that "a thousand YouTube bedroom dancers flood[ing] the Internet with their own takes" were to come in the near future.[92] The Huffington Post added that Knowles largely brings back the elements that made "Single Ladies"'s video a "mega hit": women's empowerment, and a brand new dance.[93]

Becky Bain of Idolator gave the video a mixed review, stating that although the "epic clip" contains choreography that "rival[s] the moves in 'Single Ladies'", Bain disregarded the video's theme as hard to understand.[94] Nina Shen Rastogi of Slate Magazine felt that "at a time when there are a lot of actual revolutions going on, the political 'message' of the video (which seems to something like 'fierce outfits and killer dance moves = power') feels a little thin. But at the very least, the gorgeous video has sold me on the actual song."[95]

Live performances

Knowles first performed "Run the World" live on May 17, 2011 on Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular at the United Center in Chicago. She wore a tuxedo leotard with red heels, and was accompanied by 40 female back-up dancers.[96] The show was organised to commemorate the 25th and final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Celebrities including Madonna, Tom Hanks, John Legend, Dakota Fanning, Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes amongst others were also present.[97] The crowd held up blue lights in the arena as Knowles ran through the song twice while the guest of honor danced along. According to the Chicago Tribune, the singer "received the loudest applause" of the show.[98]

Formats and track listings

  • Digital download
  1. "Run the World (Girls)" (Single version) – 3:56

Charts

Chart (2011) Peak
position
Australian Singles Chart[99] 12
Australian Urban Singles Chart[69] 6
Belgium Singles Chart (Flanders)[99] 18
Belgium Singles Chart (Wallonia)[99] 30
Canadian Hot 100[100] 40
Danish Singles Chart[99] 27
Dutch Top 40[71] 25
French Singles Chart[99] 33
Irish Singles Chart[66] 11
Italian Singles Chart[101] 20
New Zealand Singles Chart[70] 21
Norwegian Singles Chart[99] 9
Scottish Singles Chart[102] 9
Slovak Airplay Chart[103] 30
South Korea Gaon Chart (International Chart)[104] 2
Spanish Singles Chart[105] 21
Swiss Singles Chart[99] 45
UK Singles Chart[54] 11
UK R&B Chart[55] 5
US Billboard Hot 100[56] 33
US Hot Dance Club Songs[63] 43
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[106] 30
US Pop Songs[61] 37

Radio dates and release history

Country Date Format
Worldwide April 21, 2011 Digital download[2]
Australia Contemporary hit radio[107]
United States April 26, 2011 Contemporary hit radio[10]
Urban radio[11]
Urban adult contemporary radio[11]

References

  1. ^ "Beyoncé to release new single?". The Capital FM Network. Global Radio. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Dinh, Jame (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Run The World (Girls)' To Hit Radio, iTunes Thursday". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d Lipshutz, Jason (April 20, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Run the World (Girls)' Single to Hit iTunes Tomorrow". Billboard. New York: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  4. ^ "Snippet of Beyoncé's New Single Hits the Net". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 14, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  5. ^ a b Ramirez, Erika (April 14, 2011). "Listen: Beyoncé Single Snippet Leaks?". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  6. ^ a b "Beyoncé Drops Official Version Of 'Run The World (Girls)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 18, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  7. ^ a b Trust, Gary (May 11, 2011). "Beyoncé: The Billboard Music Awards Q&A". Billboard. New York: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
  8. ^ "Beyoncé's "sassy" comeback single gains buzz". Yahoo! News. Yahoo!. April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  9. ^ Copsey, Robert (April 21, 2011). "Beyoncé's 'Girls' leaks on iTunes for free". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  10. ^ a b "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on April 22, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  11. ^ a b c "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on April 22, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  12. ^ "Beyoncé Crafts Another Female Anthem, Fans React". MTV Rapfix. MTV Networks. April 19, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  13. ^ "Beyoncé Cover Art - Run This World (Girls)". MTV News. MTV Networks. April 21, 2011.
  14. ^ a b "Beyoncé Shines Bright on Day 3 of Video Shoot". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. April 15, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  15. ^ Hova, Tray (April 20, 2011). "Peep This: Beyoncé's Single Art For 'Run The World (Girls)'". Vibe. InterMedia Partners. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
  16. ^ Young, Eleanor (April 21, 2011). "First Look! Beyoncé's Sizzling Single Cover". Marie Claire. IPC Media. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  17. ^ a b "Beyoncé's "Run The World (Girls)" Single Cover Less Exciting Than The Song". Idolator. Retrieved April 21, 2011.
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