Sandcastles was initially written by Vincent Berry, inspired by the heartbreak of a ten-year relationship with a girlfriend.

He immediately related to the lyrics and promised it would be his last time writing a song about this girl.

‘I did this song to heal myself and I think that is what people are experiencing when they hear it.’

Vincent Berry was homeless at the time when the song was included on the track listing of Beyoncé’s album Lemonade.

He did not want to sign a publishing agreement and opted out for keeping ownership of the track.

‘I wanted to own it and that is a harder road. That meant being homeless and sleeping in cars and garages and studios and that’s what I was willing to do.’

Eventually, he received a call from the singer’s team notifying him that the song he wrote was included on the album, along with a production credit he would share with Beyoncé.

We build sand castles
That washed away
I made you cry
When I walked away, ooh
And although I promised
That I couldn’t stay, babe
Every promise don’t work out that way, oh babe
Every promise don’t work out that way

Dishes smashed on my counter
From our last encounter
Pictures snatched out the frame
Bitch I scratched out your name
And your face
What is it about you?
That I can’t erase, baby
When every promise don’t work out that way
No no oh baby
When every promise don’t work out that way

And your heart is broken
Cause I walked away
Show me your scars
And I won’t walk away,
And I know I promised that I couldn’t stay, baby
Every promise don’t work out that way, no no no
Every promise don’t work out that way