The song is an exploration of the difference in expectations, options, and experience, based on gender.
She shows the freedom men enjoy in their relationships while women, on the other hand, have to cope with being taken for granted. Beyonce examines the limitations of womanhood in a patriarchal society in contrast to the societal advantages offered to men. She chooses to explore what it means to be a man in a world where men are free to do as they please without social consequences that women would receive for the same behavior. In 'If I Were a Boy', Beyonce reflects on the differences between male and female experiences in relationships, imagining what life would be like if she were a man. You don't understand (yeah, you don't understand, oh) It's a little too late for you to come back 'Cause he's taken you for granted (granted) When you lose the one you wanted (you wanted)
Waiting for me to come home, to come home So they'd think that I was sleeping alone
