Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Showcases an Italian Opera on ‘Daughter’

Cowboy Carter sees Beyoncé exploring the country genre, with notable guests like Willie Nelson, but it is also an opportunity for her to show off her operatic skill. Album cut “Daughter” features the famous Italian aria “Caro Mio Ben.”

The acoustic guitar-led track tells a melodramatic, violent tale, with lines like “Now I ripped your dress and you’re all black and blue/ Look what you made me do.” It references Christian imagery, from rosaries to chapels, before Beyoncé launches an impressive rendition of “Caro Mio Ben,” which was written by Tommaso Giordani for a London concert in the 1700s. The aria’s lyrics translate to “My dear beloved/ Believe me at least/ Without you my heart languishes.”

In an Instagram post explaining Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé  noted that it is a deep dive into the country genre from her perspective.

“The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me,” she wrote. “Act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work. I have a few surprises on the album, and have collaborated with some brilliant artists who I deeply respect. I hope that you can hear my heart and soul, and all the love and passion that I poured into every detail and every sound.”

Cowboy Carter features collaborations with Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Tanner Adell, Willie Nelson, and more, and includes a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”