Maj wrote:In Beyonce's video, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," she keeps saying that if [he] liked it, he should have put a ring on it. The implication, of course, is that her guy should have asked her to marry him.
But she's wearing armor [only] on the hand that you put the engagement ring on (in the US). Doesn't that also imply that she would have turned him down?
It's a song about being happy and free after a breakup with a shitty guy who didn't want to commit.
Let me break it down.
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies
This verse is an attention getting refrain that names the people the song is aimed at, and is celebrating.
Now put your hands up
Putting your hand up is a way to be noticed, in this context it means that you should be proud.
Up in the club, we just broke up, I'm doing my own little thing
She's in the club enjoying herself after a breakup.
Decided to dip and now you wanna trip
'Cause another brother noticed me
In this case, "you" is her ex. He's jealous because she's dancing with another man, and generally acting like an asshole over it.
I'm up on him, he up on me
She she the new guy like each other.
Don't pay him any attention
Just cried my tears, for three good years
Ya can't be mad at me
You, again, is the ex. He doesn't have any right to be jealous, especially after all he put her through.
'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
'Cause if you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Translation: You were an asshole who was just string me along and shitting on me for three fucking years and now that I'm having a good time with someone else you think that you're the one being wronged, go fuck yourself.
If you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Repeat
I got gloss on my lips, a man on my hips
Got me tighter in my Dereon jeans
Acting up, drink in my cup
I can care less what you think
I'll do whatever I want, you don't have the right to control me.
I need no permission, did I mention
Don't pay him any attention
'Cause you had your turn, and now you gonna learn
What it really feels like to miss me
The same thing, just in different words.
'Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
'Cause if you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
If you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Repeat of the chorus.
Don't treat me to the things of the world
I'm not that kind of girl
Your love is what I prefer, what I deserve
And this part is very important. It shows that her ex basically tried to buy her with things. Instead of actually engaging with her and being there for her, he'd be off doing his own stuff, give her expensive presents, and expect her to drop everything for him. It was a one-sided relationship where he got all the love and support and she just got material goods that she neither needed nor wanted.
Here's a man that makes me, then takes me
And delivers me to a destiny, to infinity and beyond
Pull me into your arms, say I'm the one you own
If you don't, you'll be alone, and like a ghost, I'll be gone
This guy treats me like I'm important in a way that you never did. But you actually have a chance. If you treat me like I actually matter to you, then you'll have a shot, but you can't just keep taking me for granted.
The chorus is catchy, but the song really isn't about marriage. It's about being treated like a human being rather than as an expensive accessory.
Gotcha. 
