A Single Girl Power Ballad for the Engaged?

I think I have watched this video a hundred times and tried with all my heart to hate the song. I know this song is going to be hot. Hotter than the hills that burn around me every year. It's catchy and it sounds like all the rest of her singles. Can you say insta-hit? I have tried to find fault with this song because I can't decide if it truly is a single girl power ballad or a reaffirmation of antiquated social values that make women delusional.

Beyonce claims that after a bad relationship, that obviously left her unwed or unengaged,she doesn't need the former man's permission to let another man get "up on" her. In fact that new man and her are "tight" like those hideous "Dereon jeans" she designs. If that former lover had really wanted her, he would have sealed the deal with a big ol'diamond ring. But then she goes on to say, after much butt-shaking and pelvic-thrusting,that she doesn't want to be "treated to the things of this world" she just "prefers love",just "deserves love". It is a man that will "deliver" her "to a destiny",love her forever, complete her, claiming she is the "only one". But if not Beyonce will move on to the next dude that will love her. Oh and that ring. Gotta have that ring. So, B lays it down for us pretty clearly, her "love don't cost a thing" er that was J-lo.

So what is a girl to believe? Is my relationship,my engagement,my being wed to David invalid because he didn't love me enough to go into debt for a ring? I have been told by other people from the beginning of my relationship to David to not do anything rash until I have a ring on my finger. Well people, I am doing something rash and I have no ring on my finger and probably never will. It's not like a ring is a safety net or a guarantee. I know it's about what the ring represents. I have David's word and he has mine and if that isn't enough nothing is. But here is the bitter kicker,come close, let me whisper it to you, oh hell, I REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT A RING! My eyes follow the rings on the hands of women I see. I look at rings online and at jewelery counters statewide.David knows because I link him pics of rings and he just laughs. HE LAUGHS! I have even considered buying my own ring a la Britney Spears marrying K-Fed. But I know I won't because no matter how much the girl who loves pretty, sparkly, expensive accessories in me cries and begs I know I'd much rather have a designer handbag instead.