"If I Were a Boy" is a song performed by American singer Beyonc茅, from her third studio album I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). "If I Were a Boy" was written by BC Jean and Toby Gad, who also handled its production alongside Beyonc茅. Inspired by the difficult break-up of a romantic relationship, the song was initially recorded by Jean, whose record company rejected it. Beyonc茅 then recorded her own version. Jean was upset when she learned that Beyonc茅 was releasing it as a single, but eventually, they reached an agreement. Columbia Records released "If I Were a Boy" to US radio on October 8, 2008, as a double A-side single album's alongside "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" as the lead singles. The two songs showcased the contrast between Beyonc茅's personality and her aggressive onstage persona, Sasha Fierce. A Spanish version of the song, titled "Si Yo Fuera un Chico", was digitally released in Mexico and Spain. "If I Were a Boy" is a pop and R&B introspective ballad which draws influences from folk rock through its instrumentation of which includes acoustic guitars, drums and strings. The song's lyrics lament the misunderstandings between the genders and indict the male side of relationships. "If I Were a Boy" was well received by critics, who complimented Beyonc茅's tormented and emotive vocal performance and called the song her best work to date. The single was a commercial success as it placed in the top ten on twenty-five different singles charts. It topped the charts in more than eight European countries, including the United Kingdom, where it is Beyonc茅's best-selling single, though it only comes in third once streaming data is included.. "If I Were a Boy" peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned multi-platinum certifications in Australia, Canada, and the US. more »