From the very first note, Solange’s “A Seat at the Table” felt like a personal love letter to Black people. This deeply thoughtful and intelligent album was a sanctuary and sound bath where Black voices, pain, beauty, and joy live without compromise. Solange crafted something that told us our feelings were valid, our experiences were real, and our healing was necessary. Nearly a decade later after the project’s Sept. 30, 2016 release date, its lyrics still sit deep within our spirit.
Suggested Reading
With 8 interludes, 1 closing, and 12 songs to keep the vibe simmering, this acclaimed expression project held gems just for us. Here are 13 highlights from “A Seat at the Table” that still shine with us today.
“Rise”
Starting off insanely strong, Solange opens the album with a call to ground yourself, let go, and start fresh — a gentle reminder that healing begins with you.
“Weary”
“I’m weary of the ways of the world.” As we look around at such political chaos, these lyrics are resonating more than ever. And according to Solange, you do belong, and if you feel you’re chasing the world, you’re doing it all wrong.
“Cranes in the Sky”
Solange lays bare the struggle of trying to escape pain through distractions, capturing a truth that hits close to home for so many of us. “Sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds,” she says. Whew… a bar.
“Mad”
With unapologetic honesty, Solange reminds us that anger is valid — and sometimes, it’s the only response we can muster up in a world that refuses to listen. When Lil Wayne said, “Doing it all ain’t enough,” we felt that. “I got a lot to be mad about.”
“Don’t You Wait”
A candid reflection of giving too much to those who simply aren’t worth your time, just to look back for “temporary nothings.” According to Solange, when it comes to destructive relationship dynamics — move around. “Don’t wait on me.”
“Interlude: Tina Taught Me”
“I think part of it is accepting that it’s so much beauty in being Black… And it really saddens me when we’re not allowed to express that pride in being Black. And that if you do, you’re considered anti-White,” Solange’s mother, Ms. Tina, boldly stated. “Why does that make you angry? That is to suppress me and to make me not be proud.”
“Don’t Touch My Hair”
“Don’t touch my hair, when it’s the feelings I wear. Don’t touch my soul, when it’s the rhythm I know.” These lyrics had Black women seeing themselves through an entirely new lens following the summer of 2016. Mind you, poetry aside, we still have to literally tell people not to touch our hair. It’s a thing.
“Where Do We Go”
A quiet, contemplative track where Solange questions belonging, community, and the paths we take toward healing and understanding. That awkward phase of transition can be cloudy. She expresses that thought process flawlessly on this track.
“F.U.B.U”
“All my niggas in the whole wide world, made this song to make it all y’all’s turn for us. This shit is for us.” Legendary introduction. And for that reason, I will not be explaining further. However, we have unapologetically unified behind the shared issues on this track. Chills.
“Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)
A perfect ode to self care. Solange is reminding folks that there’s “War outside these walls,” and if your home ain’t peaceful, it’s okay to let go.
“Don’t Wish Me Well”
This track exudes bravery, reminding you to be yourself and follow your path. “And I’m going all the way,” she warns. “But I’ll leave on the lights for you.”
“Scales”
Solange wrote to Black men from her heart on the track “Scales,” empowering and encouraging them to be all they are, wherever they are. “You’re a superstar,” she says. “Ain’t no apologizing for all of the things you want. So if dreams only go so far, they’ll come to where you are.”
Solange’s Revelation: “A Seat at the Table”
“I had to make this album to become a better me, but also a better mother. I couldn’t carry everything and give my son the most undivided attention and love and nurturing as I was working through these battles,” the Saint Heron founder told Fader.
“That is the biggest blessing of this album: that I was able to channel that through my work and not bring it home. I want my son to be able to exist in this world without all of those burdens. I want him to be smart and aware, and I want him to be equipped. I don’t want him to carry the burden and pass on the traumas that exist when you’re existing here.”
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