Beyonce has critics up in arms slamming her attitude in her new single released on March 18. But I think they’re misunderstanding her new anthem. Is she standing up to her childhood bullies?

Beyonce’s surprising new single, “Bow Down,” has fans and foe, singer Keyshia Cole, up in arms about her super confident new lyrics.

“I’m so crowned, bow, bow down b*tches,” and “I’m bigger than life, my name in the lights,” and “I’m the number one chick, ain’t need no hype,” have Keyshia and other commenters in a lather.

They’re convinced that Beyonce is carried away with her wealth, success and high-powered friendships. After all, Beyonce is now besties with Michelle Obama. Keyshia Cole went on Twitter clearly in response to “Bow Down” and tweeted, “First ‘Women need to stick together’ now b*tches better bow. Smh. But it’s all G!,” and then followed with another tweet, “I dont kept it real from the star! #Respect THAT” and “can’t stand when people all self righteous when it’s convenient it makes them look good. Lmao!”

But Keyshia, and other Beyonce bashers, I have another possible explanation for Bey’s loud and proud new single.

First, let me just point out, that I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a woman “owning” her success. Beyonce has succeeded — why can’t she express that she’s proud of herself? Would she have received so much of a negative reaction if she was a man rapping about all of his success? I don’t think so!

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg just published a book, “Lean In,” in which she talks about how when women are strong and ambitious, they are often seen negatively, whereas men with the very same qualities are admired.

So I think sexism accounts for some of the criticism of Beyonce’s unabashed celebration of her own success.

Beyonce May Be Addressing Other Issues Through Her Music

But there’s also another issue that Beyonce may be addressing here.

Could she be talking back to girls who once bullied her when she grew up in her hometown of Houston, Texas?

“H town, I’m coming down, coming down. Get it on the ground, I know you were little girls, you grabbed a bee-ing in my world, Don’t forget it, don’t forget it, Respect that, bow down, b*tches,” she sings.

Maybe that’s why the cover art for the single is a photo of a tween Beyonce surrounded by trophies. No doubt, Beyonce was an early achiever, and all of this may not have gone over well with her former school classmates. We all know how achievers can be bullied, simply because others are jealous.

I hope that’s not the case, but it could be a good explanation for why Queen Bee is now singing out and possibly back at her former critics and telling them to, “Bow Down.”

Beyonce Is A Great Role Model

In any case, I’m not going to criticize Beyonce for the high spirited, “Bow Down.” She’s a hard working professional. A loving wife and mother. She’s helping First Lady Michelle Obama promote her very important, Let’s Move campaign, to fight childhood obesity. She’s a great role model.

HollywoodLifers, we need to support our strong and successful career women and not tear them down when they express themselves! Do you agree? Let me know.

WATCH: Beyonce New Song ‘Bow Down’ About Bullies?

– Bonnie Fuller

More Beyonce ‘Bow Down’ News:

1. Keyshia Cole Slams Beyonce For New Song ‘Bow Down’
2. Beyonce Releases Controversial New Single — Listen