Did you know that the late, great Kobe Bryant was a Beyonce fan and “XO” was his favorite song? View the analysis along with Beyonce’s Kobe Bryant concert tribute written by Rob Cunningham here
“XO” is a great song with a stellar music video. The cinematography of the video highlights the lyrics and performance excellently. It is important to note that the director chose to shoot the video at a carnival. This is a perfect location because it corresponds to what is taking place in the song. The character has only a limited time to express the love she has for another, and like every carnival the lights will eventually go out at some point.
“XO” is a R&B/pop collaboration that has resonated well with her fans, affectionally called The Bee Hive. Audiences can really tell that Beyonce had a lot fun making this song and shooting the video. It’s all about the celebration of life: smiles, hugs, kisses, dancing, adventure. There are so many romantic themes within the concept every lister and viewer can find something to take away from the project.
Beyonce recorded “XO” for her self-titled fifth studio album in 2013. Columbia Records released it in the US and Europe. The song was co-written and produced by Terius “The-Dream” Nash, Chauncey “Hit-Boy” Hollis and HazeBanga Music. The music video was directed by Terry Richardson and was filmed at Coney Island in New York.
Lyrics
Your love is bright as ever
Even in the shadows
Baby kiss me
Before they turn the lights out
Your heart is glowing
And I’m crashing into you
Baby kiss me
Before they turn the lights out
Before they turn the lights out
Baby love me lights out
Her love is a constant presence that can be seen no matter where they are in the song. She is aware that the night will not last forever and wants to accent the moment with a kiss. The way she feels in her heart is all-consuming and her love interest can’t help but to notice. If the love interest feels the same way a kiss is inevitable before they turn the lights out.
In the darkest night hour (in the darkest night hour)
I’ll search through the crowd (I’ll search through the crowd)
Your face is all that I see
I’ll give you everything
Baby love me lights out
Baby love me lights out
You can turn my lights out
These lyrics provide focus and context for the romantic situation. Not only does she notice that day has turned into night, but she can also feel the clock ticking. Her love interest is in direct sight and she knows once they observe each other on the same level-love will endure.
We don’t have forever
Ooh, baby daylight’s wasting
You better kiss me
Before our time has run out
Mmm yeah
Nobody sees what we see
They’re just hopelessly gazing, oh
Oh, baby take me, me
Before they turn the lights out
Before our time has run out
Baby love me lights out
Her gaze is not the same as everyone else’s, her expression of true love is visible throughout the entire day. She is confident her love interest will notice in enough time to express the true love they have.
Vocals
Beyonce sings with a captivating, softer, alto voice that matches the themes and sounds of the music.
Instrumentation
The instrumentation includes keyboards, synthesizers, percussion and electronic musical instruments.
Performance
Beyonce performed the song during The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. She performed it at the 2014 BRIT Awards and the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.