4. "I Was Here" (4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i41qWJ6QjPI Easily the best and most interesting ballad on '4', 'I Was Here' is a beautiful, midtempo and hauntingly gorgeous tune that blends downtempo beats and an uplifting message to create something quite strange and entracing. Taking its cue from New Age-style music, I Was Here is a life-affirming song about what legacy you will leave behind, a legacy more important than awards and titles, a legacy of love and family and being good to people. It's a very reflective, ethereal song as Beyonce contemplates both her own mortality and her own current status. The song is a glimmering example of great songwriting and great perception from a pop performer that everyone can relate to - the fact that this song has been likened to a bittersweet swan song and perfect for graduations and moving on testifies to the song's powers.