Therapist Reacts To: American Requiem by Beyonce *WOW*

I am just now getting to Beyonce's new album and I'll be reacting in order. First up, I am listing to American Requiem and wow, I didn't expect this. I didn't know what type of country vibe she'd be going with but this is insanely good.
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NOT LEGAL/MEDICAL ADVICE: This video is made solely for the purpose of commentary for entertainment and educational purposes, and no therapist -client relationship is created through comments or interaction with this channel. My reactions are my own personal reactions, which I am entitled to have. I am not communicating a diagnosis of any person in this video as no one in this video is my client and I am not assessing them.
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[@bperez8656]

1. American Requiem - lays the cards out on the table about the history of the country, bad ideas, good ideas, judgments. The racist judgment against her that no matter how skilled and qualified she is they will never accept her. Acoustic country: 2. Blackbird - Paul McCartney wrote it for black women during civil rights movement 3. 16 Carriages - tells the story of her childhood sacrifice 4. Protector - dedicated to her daughter 5. My Rose - dedicated to her son 6. Smoke Hour with Willie Nelson introduces the “Outlaw Western Country” portion of the album and begins to shape almost like a movie. 7. Texas Hold Em - meets a man and tells him to lay his guard down and be vulnerable 8. Bodyguard - she reveals her possessiveness over him 9. Dolly P - Dolly Parton actually requested Beyoncé cover this 2 years prior to the album coming out 10. Jolene - Beyoncé reveals her indignation over a woman trying to mess with her happy marriage and family 11. Daughter - she fantasizes over the murder of Jolene and then begins mourning in a haunting Italian Opera 12. Spaghetti - a social criticism towards American nationalists who used to call Spaghetti westerns made in Italy, unAmerican despite them hiring American actors, so she surprises everyone with a country accent rap song as a way to say, this is still country…. 13. Alligator Tears - calls out peoples fake criticism and victimization. 14. Smoke Hour 2 Introduces the Modern Pop Country part of the album 15. Just For Fun 16. 2 Most Wanted 17. LEVII JEANS 18. Flamenco 19. The Linda Martell Show - forewarns us that Beyoncé is warmed up and about to start doing what she does best, which is genre bending to perfection to create unique art. Let’s us know the rest of the album is for fun. 20. Yaya - displays historic successful fusion of genres that created rock 21. Oh Louisiana - Let’s us know that her Louisiana roots are what educate her musical choices Experimental Genre bending: 22. Desert Eagle 23. Riverdance 24. 2 Hands 2 Heaven 25. Tyrant - this song has double and triple meanings! 26. Sweet / Honey / Buckin 27. AMEN - a masterful close and social criticism that ties right back to the first song ❤️ MASTERPIECE!!!

[@TheAnastyB]

Her new album is amazing. Loved the video, can always rely on your intelligence and appreciation of art and humanity.

[@mendwithmere]

This means so much 💗

[@4blaire4]

​@@mendwithmerehi, can you react to American by Lana del rey please?

[@obviously_ali2139]

@@4blaire4literally her most underrated song 😫

[@4blaire4]

@@obviously_ali2139 ikr! Lana should've sang it at Coachella tbh

[@Ms.Delphine1204]

Thank you for this. You should watch Lemonade, a lot to unpack there.

[@mendwithmere]

I loved Lemonade!!! I’d love to!

[@tom_j.]

Omggg Beyoncé is my favorite artist next to Lana, so happy you're doing this, idk if you heard the other Beyoncé albums but I feel like you would love her song Sandcastles❤️

[@kllrj08]

Same here!

[@jordanhora9292]

I also think the father's line could be a call to action for all of us to make right the sins of our forefathers of this country and the forefathers of bad ideas. Also, the line about "not saddling up", is equally interesting as putting a saddle on a horse is taking away their freedom in a sense and also could be a metaphor for the breaking of a wild stallion

[@vanessasmith4773]

Best song ever, love the way it has so much strength

[@roseamberzine5846]

The song is very unique.

[@alexh5619]

This was pretty powerful. I don’t intentionally listen to Beyoncé, but I am along for the ride!

[@OfficialPrettyLittleLiars]

Excited to see you hear more of this album!

[@oliviagomes8835]

I feel like the one you would really like off the new album would be the track Daughter. It delves slightly into female rage and Beyonce’s relationship with her father and how it has moulded her character.

[@FrenchRedHawk2011]

Yes, I would love for her to take a look at "Daughter." It is my favorite song off of the album.

[@symon123100]

Love your content ! Please do “DAUGHTER” next time 🙌🏿

[@predohenr]

you should react to protector, it is about her being proud of being a mother, it's so touching 💌

[@jalenwoodard1]

“I am the one to cleanse me of my father’s sins” is a metaphor for how Americans (especially but not exclusively white people) need to atone for their fathers’ sins. She may also be saying that social change happens only when we strive to be better than our predecessors

[@mendwithmere]

Yes, now I’m reflecting lots and could she mean the founding fathers?

[@jalenwoodard1]

@@mendwithmereThat’s a good read!

[@robinvolpi]

Thoughtful reaction, thank you. 🌺 This album is meant to serve as a musical education of the African Americans historic place w/in Country music, which would sound like Irish Folk (great in It's own right, mind you) if it weren't for the Blues & Gospel of the enslaved Africans. This includes the BANJO, which was created by enslaved Africans in the Caribbean then, later brought to The States. Yes, the banjo wasn't created by the Appalachians but by Africans. I could also go into the Black artists that many of the earlier big name white country artists learned from then portrayed as their style.... as it was with Elvis and Black artists like Roy Hamilton, Big Mama Thornton, Chuck Berry and Sister Rosetta Tharpe - The Godmother of Rock & Roll), but it would take awhile. ;) Beyonce adds a bit of those artists work into this album as well. Her last few projects have been a meld of grand musical production, a mosaic of Black History and how the two interconnect. It appears that Beyonce is in a period of the Reclamation and Rejoicing of African American Culture, trying to correct the record due to the erasure and gate keeping whilst also trying to push The Culture forward in Unity, Knowledge and Beautiful Experiences and Conversations. 😎 It's what she's become known for. The Superficial and surface level won't fully appreciate this album over the more curious and expansive minded.

[@mendwithmere]

Thank you so much for sharing this. The album is incredible and it’s important that we all recognize that our history has been white washed in many ways, especially with music, and she’s educating us while pushing forward for unity. It’s a very delicate, yet she is doing it fiercely. I’m now researching about the banjo and the artists mentioned above. So many thoughts on it! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@robinvolpi]

@@mendwithmere You're most welcome. :) Check out the historian/documentarian Ken Burns documentary. Also, a phenomenal Black Americana/Folk/Country/Blues artist named Rhiannon Giddens who plays the banjo and viola. I've listened to her beautiful voice and instrumentation for years and Beyonce featured her on the Texas Hold'em track, playing the banjo. :) She's also a bit of an educator and historian on the banjo and African roots in country. Do check her out as well when you have time. :)

[@camealabass4314]

American Requiem {mass grave or burial}" funeral is laying to rest the past that we have suffered as a nation and now moving to a new way of life. "Black Bird" was written by Paul McCartney (Beatles) during the 60's civil rights for Black Women. The extra vocals are 4 current young black female country singers that have all paid homage to Bey in their songs and or interviews. "Daughter" is following the don't mess with me or mine vibe from "Jolene" {which is actually from her mother's perspective, who is from Louisianna} and having fantasy's that she needs to ask forgiveness for that she then sings an Italian Opera (Lost Love). Then she followed it up with "Spaghettii" (Spaghetti Western outlaws' reference) saying She's going to handle whatever comes her way and not letting the industry play her. Willie Jones and Shaboozey are new age Black male country artist. Willie Nelson is a pioneer in folk country style music and is known for supporting and singing about unity. Post Malone is doing a country album too. "Oh Louisiana" is a sample from Chuck Berry. Linda Martell 1st Black female country artist to hit mainstream popularity and sing at the Grand Ole Opry. This album is so important for the culture, at least to this Black Nashville Native Girl! Also the horse on the cover is a "Lipizzan Horse" They are born Greyish Black and lose their pigmentation over time. "Sweet" is sampling Patsy Cline's " Fall to Pieces". Last this album was recorded 1st after Lemonade then "Renaissance" 2nd, but she felt after the pandemic "Renaissance" was needed to lift the mood. That's why the last part of this album flows right into the 1st song on "Renaissance."

[@mimibadge]

Absolutely nailed the “pretty that we never settled in” metaphor. Also the “big ideas”, American dream, American being referred to as the “great experiment” etc. “Hello my old friend, you changed your face but not the way you play pretend” also refers to the way racism evolves and becomes more concealed or has changed methodology and allows people claim plausible deniability and play “pretend” when they’re confronted on it.

[@jalenwoodard1]

She dropped this on Good Friday (a Christian holiday widely celebrated in America about the death of Jesus) before Easter. She makes an analogy to the death and rebirth of a new and more accepting America

[@Ms.Delphine1204]

A fucking genius.

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

What I also love about this album is it's smart, but also just FUN to listen to. I need more fun music on my playlists these days

[@hbeyhive]

Your reaction is just AMAZINGGGGG!!!! Please do more

[@mendwithmere]

I’m gonna do them all!

[@kllrj08]

So glad to get your thoughts and perspective on this Masterpiece of an album, her magnum opus if you will. I always love how insightful your Lana Del Rey (my other fav artist) reactions are and appreciate how respectful of Beyoncé as a woman of color and the subsequent subject matter she delves into on this opening track. Can’t wait to see you experience the rest of the album! 🙌🏾❤

[@mendwithmere]

That means so much!

[@eslam417]

Your face and your voice makes me comfortable, keep gon' 🙏🏻

[@bperez8656]

Unique album layout How country used to be: Folk story telling: 1. Acoustic Country 2. Outlaw Western Country Modern country: 3. Pop Country Future Country: 4. Bey Country (genreless fusions)

[@saphire2214]

Just discovered your channel. Excited to watch you experience Cowboy Carter and hear your breakdown.

[@loganlibr]

i was wanting to request this omg!! jon batiste is one of the writers on this song too hehe

[@mendwithmere]

Wait whaaaat???? For real?? I’m freaking out

[@loganlibr]

@@mendwithmere i think yt deleted my comment but i tried to send u to jon's ig where he talked about working on the song :) also i totally hear for what it's worth now that u point it out 😻

[@paulaflier2454]

Love your videos! You should definitely check Marinas & the diamonds. I recommend the song Obsessions

[@samueldanielli]

how i love your videos, you have no idea

[@JoyScott13]

Loved this! I would love to see your reaction to Labour (and As Good a Reason) by Paris Paloma!

[@sene1000]

You should do ya ya and 11 most wanted

[@jamiekay3650]

Glad to see you pop up in my feed. Nothing wrong with an uncrustable for dinner. When my divorce happened, there were weekends I didn’t have my daughter and just ate lucky charms. Save your energy where you can. 💜

[@mendwithmere]

Love how much you feel me! So good to know I’m not alone with that lack of energy and need to conserve ❤

[@random_84]

I think you would like Love Drought from Beyoncé

[@OriBanin-fy5sn]

Wow

[@ITS.LANA.REY24]

Hi mere! Would love if u would react to the song “the other woman” by Lana del rey! This song has a deep meaning,hope u would react! Love ur videos!

[@user-rh3ir7by8y]

Say! Does This Song Remind The 1965 Classic Candy by The Astors? Yes? Or No?

[@stanleyaquino7027]

Please, react to Daughter by Beyoncé ❤

[@ksenijajemensek6126]

Please 🙏 can you react to the song Daughter ?

[@kimberlystudmire3708]

This song explains how Black people are not accepted in the country music sector when we originated country music so she’s talking about settling in the beautiful house of country music

[@josepinzon1515]

Just come find me already

[@jalenwoodard1]

I love your videos and appreciated your reaction but you seem out of your depth here. I’d encourage you to read up on the impetus of the album. Political and social context as well as context on Beyoncé’s upbringing and recent experiences are needed to understand not just this song but the entire album

[@mendwithmere]

Hi! Yes, I’m realizing that. I try not to read or listen to anything so it’s an authentic reaction but I’m realizing in this case, it’s needed. I’ve recorded the first four reactions to the first four songs, I think I’ll research more bc I don’t want to do a disservice here. Thank you ❤

[@HoneySwtDrms]

Please stop using "POC" in place of the specificity of Black American.

[@mendwithmere]

Understood. Thank you for telling me this.

[@mr.caldwell7065]

She's talking about the sins of our countries' fathers and her own father

[@josepinzon1515]

I am sorry for the sick degenerate things I did. I can never own or control Mussia, I can just be the talent. 1 mill per year in perpetuity and license to build whatever the fuck I want and you figure out how to let humanity tell me what they want to build. That is that simple. Just ask aand it shall be delivered

[@sebastianlee9969]

It's unfortunately that you as a supposedly be a psychological person. Always to deflect the true meaning of this song. American Requiem. Beyonce went to great lengths to not be Preaching,but clearly states the issues concerning American unresolved social justice and practices. She even stated that the deceptions of the statue are beautiful but made of stones and lies. You know very well that Explanation doesn't have anything to do with her father. She Referring to the lack of change in America. Singing "WE " having to change our fathers sins. If we want to an all inclusive America from dismantle that underbelly ugliness of discrimination and unequally. In all its form and definitions of different names. As this is where the the horrendous horror are buried. American 🇺🇸 Requiem. Praying the need to change. Or WE America Will not live long as we know it. Enough Said.

[@mendwithmere]

I completely agree. It hit me in the night and I almost took this reaction down. It had nothing to do with her actual father. I think it’s the founding fathers of this country which continued down to all of us and it’s our duty to change it, especially my duty as a white woman. Forgive me on this one. I’m going to do a follow up video.

[@sebastianlee9969]

@@mendwithmere hello I have to say that you are an exemplified lovely woman. I noticed that some of these artists,puts words of wisdom and a wholesome seeds of fortitude and unity. That hopefully in time will recognize our natural love for people of moral courage and sincerely for one another. Their music not only gives us a way of entertainment, some escapism and encouragement. Johnny Cash, hurt, and long black coat. Bob Dylan blowing in the wind. And now Beyonce American Requiem. Please Keep doing what you're doing and blessings. It's more of us loving kindness! than the others.

[@tonywalton1052]

Our american history is not 'pretty'? Really? Which country has a "pretty" history? It's never pretty.

[@teddybrooks6149]

The difference is America tries to gaslight people to make them think it was as a black person who didn’t actually learn about how brutal and horrific my ancestors were brought to this country till like a couple years ago

[@iMakePlaylists365]

Awesome 👏 🙏🏼 Will you explore Taylor Swifts’ grief playlists?? 😀🫶🏻

[@mendwithmere]

I just searched for them on iTunes. Which one are you meaning? I’ll check it out!

[@shewhowatchesalot]

They are on AppleMusic

[@iMakePlaylists365]

@@mendwithmereThere are 5! 1 for each stage (denial/etc). I have a playlist on my channel titled “G.R.I.E.F.” that I put out there to be helpful. Lots to say about that, but I have the songs on there in the order Taylor placed them. Also… They’re on iTunes. Maybe Spotify too, by now? And there are vids of the entire playlists (that’s quite an undertaking, though; there’s something like 75 songs involved). Very interesting stuff, and I’m specifically interested to hear your professional perspective on it. 🙏🏼🧠🫶🏻