It’s been nearly three weeks since I saw Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour and I still can’t stop thinking about it. The show was more than just a concert; it was a full-scale, musical and theatrical masterpiece.
Naturally, since Beyoncé is all I want to listen to or talk about, her influence has made its way into my work in education. If you’re like me and can’t get enough of Cowboy Carter, here are some creative ways to bring Queen Bey into your classroom next year.
Heads up! Be sure to use age-appropriate versions or excerpts that align with your students’ needs. As always—you know your students best!
“AMERIICAN REQUIEM”
“It’s a lot of talkin’ goin’ on
While I sing my song
Can you hear me?
I said, “Do you hear me?”
The Cowboy Carter tour opens with the song “AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” and less than 60 seconds into the show, I hear lyrics that every teacher in the history of the world can probably relate to. I couldn’t help but wonder, how many times have I said these exact words without even realizing I was quoting Beyoncé?
“Looker there, looker in my hand
The grand baby of a moonshine man
Gadsden, Alabama
Got folks down in Galveston, rooted in Louisiana
They used to say I spoke, “Too country”
And the rejection came, said I wasn’t, “Country ‘nough”
Many teachers are familiar with the poem “Where I’m From” and the assignment of having students create their own in the same style. These lyrics from “AMERIICAN REQUIEUM” are another example of a type of descriptive writing that discusses where the author is from. Have students write their own autobiographies reflecting on where they are from, or use “AMERIICAN REQUIEM” to introduce the concepts covered in “Where I’m From”.
“BLACKBIIRD”
“BLACKBIIRD” – Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
“Blackbird” (Paul McCartney) – Original
“Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise”
The original Blackbird was written by Paul McCartney in 1968 as a response to the history of the Little Rock Nine. Nearly 60 years later, Beyoncé’s cover revisits the concept of civil rights in a new way. Encourage students to consider questions like: What has changed in our country since the writing of the original Blackbird? What challenges still persist? What civil rights issues are most visible today? Guide students to analyze the tone, message, and historical context of both versions to deepen their understanding of how music can convey resistance, resilience, and hope across generations.
“PROTECTOR”
“And I will lead you down that road if you lose your way
Born to be your protector, mm
Even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own
I will be your projector, mm, mhm”
While I don’t share the same kind of connection with my students that they have with their parents and caregivers, these lyrics deeply resonated with me. I hope I’m instilling skills and values in my students that they’ll carry with them for life. Have students listen to this song and reflect on life lessons they have learned and who they learned those lessons from.
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM – clean”
“There’s a heatwave (there’s a heatwave) coming at us (coming at us)
Too hot to think straight (too hot to think straight)
Too cold to panic (cold to panic)
All of the problems just feel dramatic (just feel dramatic)
And now we’re runnin’ to the first spot that we find, yeah”
As a science teacher, these lyrics provide an excellent hook for introducing different weather patterns. What exactly qualifies as a heatwave? What temperatures must be reached (and for how long) for it to be officially classified as one? When can extreme heat lead to delirium or other health risks? At what point should we “panic”? This can lead to lessons on climate, weather, and the human body’s response to extreme temperatures.
“JOLENE”
“JOLENE – clean” (Beyoncé) – Cowboy Carter
“Jolene” – (Dolly Parton) – Original
| Dolly Parton | Beyoncé |
| “Jolene (Jolene), Jolene (Jolene), Jolene, Jolene I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man Jolene (Jolene), Jolene (Jolene), Jolene, Jolene Please don’t take him just because you can“ |
“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene I’m warnin’ you, don’t come for my man (Jolene) Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene Don’t take the chance because you think you can“ |
There are so many creative ways to use the song Jolene! Have students listen to both versions (be sure to choose age-appropriate edits) and identify key differences in sound, tone, and style.
For middle schoolers, the song can open up discussions about point of view and how perspective shapes storytelling. At the high school level, students can dive deeper into a literary analysis, exploring themes, character motivation, feminism, and narrative structure across both versions.
“16 CARRIAGES”
“Sixteen carriages drivin’ away
While I watch them ride with my dreams away
To the summer sunset on a holy night
On a long black road, all the tears I fight”
By the time I got home from the show, I had starters for a variety of STEM assignments inspired by the lyrics from “16 CARRIAGES”; a high school physics lesson, a middle school geometry task, and an elementary school multiplication activity.
Physics: “If one of Beyoncé’s 16 carriages is traveling at a velocity of 1m/s on a frictionless service, what is the acceleration of her carriage?”
Middle School Geometry: “If the circumference of a wheel on one of Beyoncé’s 16 carriages is 38.5 inches, what is the radius of the wheel?”
Elementary Multiplication: “If Beyoncé triples the number of carriages she has, how many will she have?”
“Can we stand for somethin’?
Now is the time to face the wind (Ow)
Comin’ in peace and love, y’all
Oh, a lot of takin’ up space”
Cowboy Carter offers a strong foundation and inspiration for building a positive classroom culture, creating classroom contracts, and tackling tough conversations. Use the words of wisdom from Queen Bey to spark discussions with students about moments when they might need to “face the wind,” this year, when they will need to “take up space,” and when it might be wiser to yield that space to others.
About the Author
Amy Szczepanski (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.S. in both Biology and Environmental Science, a Master’s in Teaching, and has been teaching since 2014. Amy uses her experience to create highly engaging and effective content for both teachers and students. She loves all things STEM and is passionate about teacher advocacy.
Fun fact: Amy’s favorite hobby is taking long walks through New York City searching for delicious treats.
