“I’m in a very good place right now. I’m very happy. I’m growing up, and I’m really comfortable with myself. I’m getting wiser and smarter. … I know that people see celebrities, and they seem like they’re so perfect – they seem like their life is so great, and they have money and fame. But I’m a human being. I cry. I’m very passionate and sensitive. My feelings get hurt. I get scared and nervous like everyone else. And I wanted to show that about myself.It’s [The album] is about love. I’m a woman, I’m married, and this portion of my life is all in the album. It’s a lot more personal. I’m very private and I don’t talk about a lot of things, but there are certain songs that are on the album that are very personal. It’s [The album] my diary. It’s my story… I still have my album of fun songs.” - Beyoncé Knowles’ statement on the release of the album in 2008.