Its a Resurrection with Beyoncé's Black Parade

A time for renewal. A resurrection with a Black Parade.

Written by Camille 

I think I am ready to claim the title for "Beyonce Blogger". Upon further listening to "Black Parade" by Beyonce, there was one lyric in particular that stuck out to me because I instantly was able to draw a connection, I was able to create an inference as to what it may have meant in larger social context.

The lyric, "We're wearing all kinds of white to the funeral" seemingly gives a symbolic meaning of resurrection. Normally we wear black to a funeral as a sign of mourning, and the opposite of mourning would be resurrection, revival, coming back up from a dark place. But how does that speak to the black community. Is there more to this connection between the title being "Black Parade" and her saying "we are wearing all kinds of white to the funeral"? Does this have any connection to yin and yang? That is what I want to explore within these next few blog posts(If I remember to do so lol!), because I don't want these to be extremely long.

This juxtaposition of blackness and whiteness can be seen in the lyric but also within the concept of yin and yang where opposites are complementary but interconnected. Maybe this could mean that within blackness that is composed of varying factors that being struggle, adversity, and mourning, there is an aspect of whiteness that is not connected to the derogatory meaning of lacking any aspect of black identity and culture, but rather a symbol of renewal and transcendence, black and white in this song can be seen as a symbol of balance. These opposing forces, used within this composition could represent balance.

She mentions the motherland, and to many Black Americans, the motherland is the continent of Africa. This song is about going back to your roots, similarly to "This Aint Texas" but rather this song is speaking more broadly alluding to Black Americans becoming reaquainted to the land that their ancestors once treaded, it could mean black americans becoming reaquainted to themselves and loving themselves and respecting themselves more.

When I think of Black Parade I think of a mass gathering of black americans and african americans. A gathering in celebration, in mourning, in solidarity, and in reclamation of the narrative, one that does not demonize and villianize Black- Americans and African-Americans. The term Black Parade could be interpreted as a procession or celebration of black culture, history, and identity. It may serve as a metaphorical journey through the richness and diversity of black experiences, highlighting achievements, resilience, and collective pride.

The theme is reclamation. Taking back what is rightfully yours. Reconnecting with your roots in whatever way you deem possible for you.