"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles. It was released by Columbia Records with "If I Were a Boy" as a double A-side lead single from her third solo studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce, on October 12, 2008. The songs were released simultaneously to demonstrate the contrast between the two conflicting personae of Knowles. "Single Ladies" was inspired by Knowles' and Jay-Z's secret marriage in April 2008.
Composed by Christopher Stewart, The-Dream, Kuk Harrell and Knowles, "Single Ladies" is a dance-pop and R&B song with dancehall and bounce influences. Lyrically, the song makes reference to marriage. "Single Ladies" received critical acclaim for its catchy hook and theme of female empowerment; some critics noted its aural similarities to Knowles' 2007 single "Get Me Bodied". The song was named one of the best singles of 2008 by several media outlets; Rolling Stone ranked it number one on its list of the Best 100 Singles of 2008. "Single Ladies" won numerous awards, including Song of the Year at the 52nd Grammy Awards ceremony.