Best Thing I Never Had

Joselyn Rivera, Beyoncé

About Best Thing I Never Had

"Best Thing I Never Had" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her fourth studio album, 4 (2011). It was released by Columbia Records on June 1, 2011, as the third single from the album. "Best Thing I Never Had" was composed by Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Symbolyc One, Caleb McCampbell, Antonio Dixon, Beyoncé, and Shea Taylor. The song was originally not written as a ballad, but was inspired by the drumming on Doug E. Fresh's 1985 single "The Show". Beyoncé said that both men and women should be able to relate to the song. A pop and R&B ballad, the subjects of "Best Thing I Never Had" are revenge and karma. Not wanting to feel broken-hearted, the female protagonist sings that she feels happy to have left her lover, who did not recognize the potential for a happy life with her. Some critics viewed it as a sequel to Beyoncé's 2006 single "Irreplaceable" as the two songs are thematically similar. However, some lyrics, including "showed your ass" and "sucks to be you right now", were criticized. The ballad was also likened to Vanessa Carlton's 2002 single "A Thousand Miles" (2002). 


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What goes around comes back around
(Hey my baby)
What goes around comes back around
(Hey my baby)
I say what goes around comes back around
(Hey my baby)
What goes around comes back around

There was a time
I thought that you did everything right
No lies, no wrong
Boy I, must've been outta my mind
So when I think of the time that I almost loved you
You showed your ass and I, I saw the real you

Thank God you blew it
I thank God I dodged a bullet
I'm so over you
So baby good lookin' out

I wanted you bad
I'm so through with that
'Cause honestly you turned out to be the
Best thing I never had
You turned out to be the
Best thing I never had
And I'm gon' always be the best thing you never had
Oh I bet it sucks to be you right now

So sad you're hurt
Boo hoo, oh, did you expect me to care?
You don't deserve my tears
I guess that's why they ain't there
When I think that there was a time that I almost loved you
You showed your ass and baby yes, I saw the real you

Thank God you blew it
I thank God I dodged a bullet
I'm so over you
Baby good lookin' out

I wanted you bad
I'm so through with that
'Cause honestly you turned out to be the
Best thing I never had
I said you turned out to be the
Best thing I never had
Hmm, and I'll never be the best thing you never had
Oh baby, I bet it sucks to be you right now

I know you want me back
It's time to face the facts
That I'm the one that's got away
Lord knows that it would take another place
Another time, another world, another life
Thank God I found the good in goodbye

I used to want you so bad
I'm so through with that
'Cause honestly you turned out to be the
Best thing I never had
Oh you turned out to be the
Best thing I never had
Oh and I will always be the best thing you never had
Ooh best thing you never had

I used to want you so bad
I'm so through with that
'Cause honestly you turned out to be the
Best thing I never had
Oh you turned out to be the
Best thing I never had
Whoa, I'll never be the best thing you never had
Oh baby, I bet it sucks to be you right now

(What goes around comes back around)
(What goes around comes back around)
Bet it sucks to be you right now
(What goes around comes back around)
Bet it sucks to be you right now
(What goes around comes back around)
Bet it sucks to be you right now

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Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter (born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child, and rose to fame in the late 1990s as lead singer of R&B girl-group Destiny's Child. Managed by her father, Mathew Knowles, the group became one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. Their hiatus saw the release of Beyoncé's debut album, Dangerously in Love (2003), which established her as a solo artist worldwide, earned five Grammy Awards and featured the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy". more »

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Written by: Shea Taylor, Antonio Dixon, Beyonce Knowles, Kenneth Edmonds, Patrick Smith, Larry Griffin Jr, Caleb McCampbell

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Name
"Best Thing I Never Had" is the second single from Beyoncé’s fourth studio album called "4."
Release Date
The song was released on June 1, 2011, and quickly gained popularity due to the empowering lyrics that resonated with many listeners.
Billboard Performance
It reached peak positions on various charts worldwide, including the 16th spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK's Singles Chart.
Songwriters
Several well-known songwriters and producers collaborated on the creation of "Best Thing I Never Had," including Babyface, Patrick 'J. Que' Smith, Caleb McCampbell, Antonio Dixon, and Beyoncé herself.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Diane Martel, features a narrative about revenge and regret. It depicts Beyoncé on her wedding day, contrasting with scenes from a high school prom where her boyfriend treated her poorly.
R&B Influence
The song was praised for its R&B influences, resembling ballads traditionally performed by artists such as Anita Baker and Whitney Houston.
Lyrics Theme
Its lyrics convey the thankful message of Beyoncé about the failed relationship, which could have resulted in regret if it hadn't ended.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists, including Emeli Sandé and The Piano Guys, have covered "Best Thing I Never Had," a testament to its universal appeal.
Live Performances
Beyoncé first performed this song live on the Late Show with David Letterman and later incorporated it into the setlist for her 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concert and the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.
Nominations
"Best Thing I Never Had" got nominated for the Best Song of the Summer at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards and also received a nomination for Outstanding Song at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards.

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