`` If I Were a Boy '' - is a song by American R&B singer BeyoncÃ Knowles , written by Toby Gad , BC Jean and BeyoncÃ Knowles for her third solo album , I Am ... Sasha Fierce ( 2008 ) . `` If I Were a Boy '' is a pop song recorded by American R&B singer BeyoncÃ Knowles . It was composed by Toby Gad and BC Jean .