I Was Here

"I Was Here" is a song recorded by American R&B recording artist Beyoncé Knowles from her fourth studio album, 4 (2011). It was written by Diane Warren, while production was handled by Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, and Kuk Harrell; Knowles is credited on the vocal production. "I Was Here" is a reflective ballad, in which Knowles vulnerably reviews her past, wanting to leave an impact on the world before her life comes to an end. The song's development was motivated by the September 11 attacks in the United States.
"I Was Here" garnered mixed to positive reviews from music critics, most of whom criticized the song's inclusion on the track-listing of the album and expressed discomfort about Knowles worrying about her legacy and wanting to leave an impact on the world, given that she was still below thirty years of age when she recorded this "career song", as described by Warren. Critics, nevertheless, favored Knowles' vocal performance on the song, which is complemented by piano keys and heavy drum beats. Following the release of 4, "I Was Here" charted at number 131 on the UK Singles Chart, at number 74 on the Swiss Singles Chart, and at number 44 on the South Korea Gaon International Singles Chart in early July 2011.In late July, the song was included on the soundtrack for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final. "I Was Here" was also part of Knowles' set list for her 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé, held in Roseland Ballroom, New York City in August 2011. The live video from the DVD Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 appeared online on November 16, 2011. It contained Knowles' home movies and her professional highlights. In May 2012, a video of the song was used during a video montage of Knowles holding her child Blue Ivy Carter while the song was played in the background. "I Was Here" was covered by Lea Michele for Glee's soundtrack album Glee: The Music, The Graduation Album (2012).

/LYRIC

I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time

Know there was something that, and something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets, to
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget

I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here

I want to say I lived each day, until I die
And know that I meant something in, somebody's life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will see

I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know

I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here

I just want them to know
That I gave my all, did my best
Brought someone to happiness
Left this world a little better just because

I was here

I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done, everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here

(I lived), I lived
(I loved), I was here
(I did), I did
(I've done), I was here
(I lived), I lived
(I loved), I loved
I was here

(I did), I did
(I've done)
I was here