I Was Here " is a song recorded by American R&B recording artist Beyoncé from her fourth studio album , '' 4 '' ( 2011 ) . It was written by Diane Warren , while production was handled by OneRepublic members Ryan Tedder and Brent Kutzle , alongside Kuk Harrell ; while Beyoncé is credited on the vocal production . " I Was Here " is a reflective R&B ballad , in which Beyoncé vulnerably reviews her past , wanting to leave an impact on the world before her life comes to an end . Described as a " career song " by Warren , its development was motivated by the September 11 attacks in the United States
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
I Was Here (song)