“BE ALIVE”

King Richard

Had you seen the film before you started writing?

DIXSON No, but I knew the story. I pulled from that information and presented a rough demo.

How did that go?

I played it for [Beyoncé] in person. I was afraid to look at her while I was playing it, [but] she had great things to say and that encouraged me to keep pushing. The track took shape after getting her vocals, rewrites and production notes.

The song incorporates the film’s themes of pride, including Black pride and family pride. Why was that important?

I know what it’s like to fight for what you love. I think that’s a universal message. Obviously, there are some pointed things that are aimed at the themes of the film, but others are universal: If you work hard, you get results.