Soldier (Destiny's Child song)

{{multiple image|align=left|footer=American rappers T.I. (left) and Lil Wayne (right) are the featured artists on the song further serving as its co-writers. || image1 =T.I. at Bumbershoot.jpg|width1=130|image2=Lil Wayne in Concert.jpg|width2=150}}

Sean Garrett and Rich Harrison assisted the artists in writing the song "Soldier", with Harrison handling production alongside Destiny's Child member Beyoncé Knowles.{{cite AV media notes|title=Destiny Fulfilled|others=Destiny's Child|year=2004 |publisher=Columbia Records}} It is the only song on the album to feature any guest performers. "Soldier" was recorded by Jim Caruana at Sony Music Studios in New York City in 2004, with mixing by Dexter Simmons and mastering by Tom Coyne. Garrett initially wrote "Soldier" in a taxi while going to the studio where the band worked on Destiny Fulfilled; he sang the hook to the members afterwards and they liked it. Garrett further revealed about his collaboration with the group, "I loved how Destiny's Child evolved and became this really incredible pop group but I wanted to introduce them to the hood from the perspective of having the world look at them in a different way... What was great about that was they all liked guys from the streets. Each verse was a representation of the guy they were actually into."{{cite news|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/11/sean-garrett-25-essential-songs/destinys-child-soldier|title=Sean Garrett Tells All: The Stories Behind His Classic Records|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|date=November 22, 2012|access-date=July 21, 2014|archive-date=July 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727211142/http://www.complex.com/music/2012/11/sean-garrett-25-essential-songs/destinys-child-soldier|url-status=live}}

During an interview with MTV News, Rowland said that with "Soldier" each member wanted to talk about their preference for a man during their solo verses, the place where he lives and his physical appearance. Beyoncé stated that as the song had a "Southern feel" and beat, they wanted to collaborate with Lil Wayne and T.I. who according to her added "rawness, realness and edge to the song".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1493304/beyonce-salutes-jay-z-on-destinys-child-track-soldier/|title=Beyonce Salutes Jay-Z On Destiny's Child Track 'Soldier'|publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks|first=Corey|last=Moss|date=October 29, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725174749/http://www.mtv.com/news/1493304/beyonce-salutes-jay-z-on-destinys-child-track-soldier/|url-status=dead}}{{cite AV media|people=Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams|year=2004|title=Destiny's Child – The Making of "Soldier" Video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0KmMY_1x0s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/x0KmMY_1x0s |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=July 24, 2014|format=video}}{{cbignore}} During an interview in 2014, Lil Wayne discussed his contribution in the song, "That set me off. Them little eight bars right there, that got me there boy. If you ask me why, it was Beyoncé. That shit was big."{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/03/20/lil-wayne-talks-skateboarding-pussy-his-legacy-in-crwn-part-2/|title=Lil Wayne Talks Skateboarding, Pu**y, & His Legacy in CRWN Part 2|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devin Lazerine|date=March 20, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=October 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011174533/http://www.rap-up.com/2014/03/20/lil-wayne-talks-skateboarding-pussy-his-legacy-in-crwn-part-2/|url-status=live}} "Soldier" was included on the group's compilation albums #1's (2005) and Playlist: The Very Best of Destiny's Child (2012).{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/1s-mw0000178918|title=#1's – Destiny's Child|publisher=AllMusic. Macrovision Company|first=Andy|last=Kellman|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=September 12, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140912064928/http://www.allmusic.com/album/1s-mw0000178918|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/playlist-the-very-best-of-destinys-child-mw0002414843|title=Playlist: The Very Best of Destiny's Child – Destiny's Child|publisher=AllMusic. Rovi Corporation|first=Stephen|last=Thomas Erlewine|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=November 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115072353/http://www.allmusic.com/album/playlist-the-very-best-of-destinys-child-mw0002414843|url-status=live}}

"Soldier" is a mid-tempo Southern hip hop song;{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/2290-1s/ |title=Album review: Destiny's Child: #1's |first=Jess |last=Harvell |publisher=Pitchfork Media |date=October 26, 2005 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216201618/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/16985-1s |archive-date=February 16, 2008 }} Alex MacPherson of Stylus Magazine further found elements of Crunk&B music while Kelefa Sanneh of The New York Times noted electropop elements in its composition.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/22/arts/music/22snoo.html|title=New CD's – Destiny's Child 'Destiny Fulfilled'|work=The New York Times|first=Kelefa|last=Sanneh|author-link=Kelefa Sanneh|date=November 22, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=May 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528062546/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/22/arts/music/22snoo.html|url-status=live}} Discussing the song musically, Kitty Empire from The Observer classified it as a "ghetto anthem-in-waiting that echoes the Southern bent of much contemporary hip hop".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/nov/14/popandrock.nirvana|title=Pop CDs of the week: Destiny's Child|first=Kitty|last=Empire|author-link=Kitty Empire|work=The Observer|publisher=Guardian Media Group|date=November 14, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725180322/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/nov/14/popandrock.nirvana|url-status=live}} According to the sheet music published on the website Musicnotes.com by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, "Soldier" was composed using common time in the key of C minor with a pulsing hip hop tempo of 75 beats per minute. The vocal elements span from the low note of G₃ to the high note of F₅.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0064078|title=Soldier by Destiny's Child – Digital Sheet Music|publisher=Musicnotes.com. Sony/ATV Music Publishing|first1=Clifford|last1=Harris|first2=Dwayne|last2=Carter|first3=Michelle|last3=Williams|first4=Rich|last4=Harrison|first5=Sean|last5=Garrett|first6=Kelly|last6=Rowland|first7=Beyoncé|last7=Knowles|date=March 31, 2008|access-date=July 19, 2014|id=MN0064078}} The song is instrumentally complete with ticking staccato synths, fractured, syncopated keyboard instruments, organ stabs, and off-kilter kick drums.{{cite news|url=http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2005/01/destinys_child_destiny_fulfilled_columbia/|title=Destiny's Child- Destiny Fulfilled (Columbia)|last=Ehrlich|first=Dimitri|date=January 3, 2005|work=Vibe|publisher=Vibe Media|volume=13|number=1|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020144653/http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2005/01/destinys_child_destiny_fulfilled_columbia/|archive-date=October 20, 2006|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216202837/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/track_review/30035-soldier-ft-ti-lil-wayne|title=Destiny's Child "Soldier [ft. T.I. & Lil Wayne]" [Track Review]|publisher=Pitchfork Media|first=Tom|last=Breihan|date=January 13, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=February 16, 2008 }} Pitchfork Media's Tom Breihan felt that its beat was similar to materials by Dr. Dre. Dimitri Ehrlich from Vibe found major influence of Jay-Z in "Soldier" further saying that "T.I. and Lil Wayne... seem like stand-ins for Hova".

{{listen

|filename = Soldier sample.ogg

|title="Soldier"

|description = A 24-second sample of "Soldier" featuring Destiny's Child chanting the lines "I know some soldiers in here/Where they at? Where they at?"

|filetype = Ogg

}}

Lyrically, "Soldier" is a continuation of the previous song on Destiny Fulfilled, "Lose My Breath". As the singers feel that their man does not fulfill them in the way they want, they tell him "I need a soldier", further "upping their standards". They request their man to be a "thug", proclaiming their love for "country boys";{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,784896,00.html|title=Destiny Fulfilled (2004): Destiny's Child|last=Sinclair|first=Tom|date=November 26, 2004|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Inc|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805160926/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,784896,00.html|url-status=dead}} their preference include a "soldier" who is "street" and "hood". MacPherson further felt that the trio cruised the ghetto for suitable men with "Soldier", an "ode to gangsta love". Corey Moss of MTV felt that the song was one of the most personal moments on Destiny Fulfilled in the sense that Beyoncé's then-relatively secret relationship with rapper Jay-Z was acknowledged "on record for the first time". Moss further elaborated, "Albeit minor, her [Beyoncé's] verse (about falling for a guy from the BK, as in Jay's Brooklyn stomping grounds) offers a rare moment of commentary on the couple, which has thus far only been chronicled by tabloid photographers."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/d/destinys_child/news_feature/041108/index3.jhtml|title=Destiny's Child: Reunited And It Feels So Good|publisher=MTV. MTV Networks|page=1 and 3|first=Corey|last=Moss|date=November 8, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=October 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007092327/http://www.mtv.com/bands/d/destinys_child/news_feature/041108/index3.jhtml|url-status=dead}} The song opens with T.I. rhyming lines and glorifying the profound love "between a thug and a thugette". As the song progresses, each member of Destiny's Child describes their own favorite type of man, later harmonizing together for the chorus.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6592847/review/6594165 |title=Destiny's Child: Destiny Fulfilled |last=Eliscu |first=Jenny |date=October 25, 2004 |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=Wenner Media |access-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608004841/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6592847/review/6594165 |archive-date=June 8, 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2005/01/13/destinys-child-foolishly-lauds-soldiers/|title=Destiny's Child foolishly lauds 'soldiers'|work=The Baltimore Sun|publisher=Tribune Company|first=Rasho|last=Ollison|date=January 13, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726020535/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2005-01-13/entertainment/0501130350_1_soldier-destiny-child-hood|url-status=live}} Midway through the song, Lil Wayne's verse contains a reference to rapper B.G. Michelle Williams is the last artist to sing her solo lines, which were described as "the sexiest" by Rashod Ollisong of The Baltimore Sun.

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from the website AllMusic described "Soldier" as one of the "hard-driving dance cuts" of Destiny Fulfilled further choosing it as a highlight.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r715051/review|pure_url=yes}}|title=Destiny Fulfilled: Destiny's Child|last= Thomas Erlewine|first=Stephen|publisher=AllMusic. Macrovision|access-date=July 19, 2014}} Similarly, Alex MacPherson of Stylus Magazine wrote in his review that "[The album] shoots its load quickly, although just as effectively: 'Lose My Breath' and 'Soldier' are stunning, both displaying the Beyoncé trademark of creepily submissive lyrics matched with dominatrix vocals and arrangements to superb effect." MacPherson continued praising the song's slow "contemptuous grind" and the singers' vocal delivery further concluding that T.I. and Wayne "get comprehensively owned".{{cite web|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2564|title=Destiny's Child – Destiny Fulfilled – Review|publisher=Stylus Magazine|first=Alex|last=MacPherson|date=December 3, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714193902/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2564|url-status=dead}} The New York Times writer Kelefa Sanneh described the track as part of the album's "lovable" material and went on saying, "[it] takes a ludicrous premise... and turns it into sharp, coldblooded electro-pop". Andy Battaglia writing for The A.V. Club felt that the song and "Cater 2 U" "make sassy end-runs around notions of womanly subservience, but their best musical moments hide in tiny melismatic twirls instead of hooks".{{cite news|url=http://www.avclub.com/review/destinys-child-emdestiny-fulfilledem-11185|title=Destiny's Child: Destiny Fulfilled|work=The A.V. Club|publisher=The Onion|first=Andy|last=Battaglia|date=November 22, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714201508/http://www.avclub.com/review/destinys-child-emdestiny-fulfilledem-11185|url-status=live}} The Guardian writer Caroline Sullivan described the track as "juddering"{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/nov/12/popandrock.shopping4|title=Destiny's Child, Destiny Fulfilled|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|date=November 12, 2004|work=The Guardian|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=September 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917075941/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/nov/12/popandrock.shopping4|url-status=live}} while BBC's Nick Reynolds called it "good fun".{{cite web|last=Reynolds|first=Nick|title=Destiny's Child: Destiny Fulfilled|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/55jw|publisher=BBC|date=December 1, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=October 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015104801/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/55jw|url-status=live}} In a review of the song, Tom Breihan, an editor of Pitchfork Media, wrote that "Soldier" would have been a "perfectly acceptable album track" on The Writing's on the Wall (1999), but noted that its sound was different from the songs played on mainstream pop radio. Praising the trio for their vocal performances, he continued:

"'Soldier' might not carry with it the shock of the new, but it's still a nice little single... The women of Destiny's Child don't sound the slightest bit convincing singing about how they need thug boyfriends, but they wind their voices around a gorgeous hook exactly as well as they always have. T.I. and Lil Wayne stop by, not saying anything but sounding cool and tough and unflappable doing it. It's pretty good, but don't expect it to set your world on fire."

Barbara Ellen of The Observer said the song was "of the exemplary standard" of the band's previous albums, Survivor (2001) and The Writing's on the Wall. Describing it as an "overt bid for street cred", Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Tom Sinclair felt that T.I and Lil Wayne "bring little to the party" with their contribution to the song. Erika Ramirez and Jason Lipshutz writing for Billboard magazine felt that the group "cemented their street and chart credibility" with the song. Another reviewer from the same magazine felt that the band's "personal transition from teen-dom to womanhood" was most evident on "Soldier" and two other songs from the album.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65669/destiny-fulfilled|title=Destiny Fulfilled|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media|first=G.|last=M.|volume=116|number=47|page=66|issn=0006-2510|date=November 20, 2004|access-date=July 21, 2014|archive-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001210455/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65669/destiny-fulfilled|url-status=live}} Jenny Eliscu from Rolling Stone wrote in her review, "It's a hot track, even if the message feels affected coming from these church girls." For the same reason, Vibe writer Dimitri Ehrlich described it as a Broadway show tune about thug life. Gil Kaufman from MTV News described the song as a "bouncy homage to thug love that featured the signature DC mix of urban grit and slick production".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1504044/destinys-childs-long-road-to-fame-the-song-isnt-called-survivor-for-nothing/|title=Destiny's Child's Long Road To Fame (The Song Isn't Called 'Survivor' For Nothing)|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=June 13, 2005|publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=August 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805161338/http://www.mtv.com/news/1504044/destinys-childs-long-road-to-fame-the-song-isnt-called-survivor-for-nothing/|url-status=dead}} Rashod Ollisong writing for The Baltimore Sun gave a more mixed review for the song, writing "It is catchy, but the beat is trite, and the lyrical message is downright trifling" before adding that it glorifies a "warped" image of black masculinity which he heavily criticized. He further argued that the group "should put more thought into their lyrics" due to the background and image each member created throughout their career.

"Soldier" won in the category for Best R&B/Soul Single by a Group, Band or Duo during the 2005 Soul Train Music Awards.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61516/destiny-mariah-ciara-lead-soul-train-awards|title=Destiny, Mariah, Ciara Lead Soul Train Awards|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|date=September 8, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=September 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919001108/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61516/destiny-mariah-ciara-lead-soul-train-awards|url-status=live}} At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, the song received a nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration but lost to "Numb/Encore" (2004) by Jay-Z and Linkin Park.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DhUEAAAAMBAJ&q=Best+R%26B%2FSoul+Album+destiny+fulfilled&pg=PA30|title=Destiny's Child|first=Gail|last=Mitchell|date=January 14, 2006|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|volume=118|number=2|issn=0006-2510|page=29|access-date=July 19, 2014}} At the 23rd Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards, "Soldier" was recognized as one of the Most Performed Songs in 2005 along with the group's other song "Lose My Breath".{{cite web|url=http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/popawards/2006/songs.html|title=23rd Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards|publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523013848/http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/popawards/2006/songs.html|archive-date=May 23, 2011 |access-date=July 19, 2014}} The following year it was one of the Award Winning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at the 2006 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/rsawards/2006/hiphop.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720154331/http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/rsawards/2006/hiphop.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2006|title=R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – 2006 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards|publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|access-date=July 19, 2014}}

In 2013, Lindsey Weber from Vulture put "Soldier" at number nine on her list of the top 25 songs by Destiny's Child.{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2013/02/super-bowl-2013-destinys-child-top-25-songs.html|title=Super Bowl 2013: The Top 25 Destiny's Child Songs|publisher=Vulture. New York Media, LLC|first=Lindsey|last=Weber|date=February 1, 2013|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714134900/http://www.vulture.com/2013/02/super-bowl-2013-destinys-child-top-25-songs.html|url-status=live}} Houston Chronicle{{'}}s Joey Guerra also included the song in his 2013 list of the band's best songs.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/gallery/The-best-songs-by-Destiny-s-Child-55927/photo-2508994.php|title=The best songs by Destiny's Child|first=Joey|last=Guerra|work=Houston Chronicle|publisher=Hearst Corporation|page=10|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726161517/http://www.chron.com/entertainment/gallery/The-best-songs-by-Destiny-s-Child-55927/photo-2508994.php|url-status=live}} The same year it was ranked at number 64 on a list compiled by Andrew Noz from Complex magazine of Lil Wayne's 100 best songs.{{cite work|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/the-100-best-lil-wayne-songs-2/destinys-child-lil-wayne-ti-soldier-1|title=Top 100 Best Lil Wayne Songs|first=Andrew|last=Noz|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|date=May 10, 2013|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724201036/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/the-100-best-lil-wayne-songs-2/destinys-child-lil-wayne-ti-soldier-1|url-status=live}} Similarly, Emily Exton from VH1 listed "Soldier" at the 19th position of T.I.'s 20 best songs praising his "hot intro verse".{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-04-23/ti-top-20-songs-playlist/|title=Bring Em Out, Bring Em Out: T.I.'s Top 20 Songs|publisher=VH1. Viacom Media Networks|first=Emily|last=Exton|page=1|date=April 23, 2013|access-date=July 21, 2014|archive-date=October 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005222724/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-04-23/ti-top-20-songs-playlist/|url-status=dead}} On the occasion of Beyoncé's 32nd birthday, Erika Ramirez and Jason Lipshutz from Billboard included "Soldier" at number 15 on the list of "Beyonce's 30 Biggest Billboard Hits".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/467645/beyonces-30-biggest-billboard-hits?list_page=2|title=Beyonce's 30 Biggest Billboard Hits|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|page=1|first1=Erika|last1=Ramirez|first2=Jason|last2=Lipshutz|date=September 4, 2013|access-date=July 19, 2014|issn=0006-2510|archive-date=July 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713072029/http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/467645/beyonces-30-biggest-billboard-hits?list_page=2|url-status=live}}

After debuting on the chart for the week ending November 20, 2004, "Soldier" moved to number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 the following week.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2004-12-04/hot-100?order=gainer|title=The Hot 100: Dec 04, 2004 – Biggest Jump|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|volume=116|issue=49|page=1|issn=0006-2510|access-date=July 19, 2014}} For the week ending December 10, the single moved from number 14 to number ten, becoming the group's tenth and last top-ten single on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65344/snoops-hot-for-a-second-week|title=Snoop's 'Hot' For A Second Week|last=Whitmire|first=Margo|date=September 12, 2004|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|access-date=July 19, 2014|issn=0006-2510|archive-date=September 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922200235/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65344/snoops-hot-for-a-second-week|url-status=live}} It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week ending February 12, 2005, becoming the second single from Destiny Fulfilled to peak at that position and was group last top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100. It fell from the top ten of the chart for the issue dated March 5, 2005, after its position of number eight the previous week, thus spending a total of nine weeks within the top ten.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-02-26/hot-100|title=The Hot 100: Feb 26, 2005|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|volume=117|issue=9|page=1|issn=0006-2510|access-date=August 23, 2014}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-03-05/hot-100|title=The Hot 100: Mar 05, 2005|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|page=1|volume=117|issue=10|issn=0006-2510|access-date=August 23, 2014}} Having spent a total of 23 weeks on the chart, "Soldier" was last seen at number 32. The single was also successful on several other Billboard charts; on the Dance Club Songs, it debuted at number 51 on the issue dated January 15, 2005, and managed to peak at number one in its sixth week for the issue dated February 26, 2005.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-01-22/dance-club-play-songs?order=gainer|title=Dance Club Songs: Jan 22, 2005 (Biggest Jump)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|volume=117|issue=4|issn=0006-2510|access-date=July 19, 2014}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-02-26/dance-club-play-songs|title=Dance Club Songs: Feb 26, 2005|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|volume=117|issue=9|issn=0006-2510|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=February 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224063830/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-02-26/dance-club-play-songs|url-status=live}} "Soldier" further peaked at numbers three and four on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Mainstream Top 40 charts dated January 1, 2005, and February 12, 2005, respectively.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-01-01/r-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Jan 1, 2005|volume=117|issue=1|issn=0006-2510|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=August 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811034038/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-01-01/r-b-hip-hop-songs|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-02-12/pop-songs|title=Pop Songs: Feb 12, 2005|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|volume=117|issue=7|issn=0006-2510|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729204602/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-02-12/pop-songs|url-status=live}} On May 18, 2005, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single gold for selling 500,000 digital copies in the United States. Its ringtone was further certified platinum on June 14, 2006 for shipments of one million copies.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Soldier%22|title=American single certifications – Destiny's Child – Soldier|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|format=If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH|access-date=July 19, 2014}}

"Soldier" was commercially successful in countries across Europe, peaking within the top ten in six countries. On the Danish Singles Chart, it debuted and peaked at number five on March 4, 2005. Having spent a total of ten weeks on the chart, of which four were in the top ten, it fell off on May 13. In Finland, the song debuted and peaked at number seven.{{cite web|url=http://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Destiny%27s+Child+feat.+T.I.+and+Lil+Wayne&titel=Soldier&cat=s|title=finnishcharts.com – Destiny's Child feat. T.I. and Lil Wayne – Soldier|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=August 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827211428/http://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Destiny%27s+Child+feat%2E+T%2EI%2E+and+Lil+Wayne&titel=Soldier&cat=s|url-status=live}} In Switzerland, "Soldier" debuted at number 15 on February 20, 2004, and peaked at number ten after two weeks. It spent an additional week at that position and fell off the chart after 12 weeks. In the United Kingdom, the single debuted at number four on the UK Singles Chart on the issue dated February 19, 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20050213/7501/|title=2005 Top 40 Official Singles Chart UK Archive|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=February 19, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224200215/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20050213/7501|url-status=live}} It gradually descended the chart, spending a total of seven weeks. On the Irish Singles Chart, the single debuted and peaked at number six on February 10, 2005. It also peaked at numbers 12 and 28 in Spain and France, respectively.

In Australia, "Soldier" debuted and peaked at number three on the ARIA Singles Chart on February 20, 2005. It fell to numbers seven and eight, respectively, in the following two weeks and descended the chart for ten additional weeks before falling off on May 15, 2005. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awarded the single with a gold certification in 2005 for shipments of 35,000 copies in the country. "Soldier" had similar success on the New Zealand Singles Chart, where it peaked at number four on February 21, 2005, and remained at that position for the following three weeks. It further spent the following four weeks within the top ten and fell off on May 23, 2005. In 2005, the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) certified it gold for selling 5,000 copies in the country.

File:IceCube Toronto2006.jpg

The music video for "Soldier" was filmed by Norwegian director Ray Kay and was shot in black-and-white, becoming the band's first clip using that technique. It marked the first time the group worked with Kay. During an interview, they praised him for shooting the scenes in a fast and convenient way, further describing the experience as "wonderful". The video features cameo appearances by seven singers and rappers: Beyoncé's sister Solange Knowles, Luke James, Lloyd, Bow Wow, Ginuwine, Ice Cube, WC and Young Jeezy.

The video opens with Destiny's Child walking between two rows of males intertwined with close-up shots of each member's face. T.I. appears rapping his part wearing a hat, sunglasses and chains. As the song progresses, the members are seen dancing along with the males in the background who also pose for the camera. During the middle of the video, the girls are seen walking with leashed dogs in their hands and Lil Wayne appears rapping his part afterwards. The camera focuses on each member during their solo part in the song as they perform a dance choreography and lip-sync the lyrics. During the end of the video, as the group sings the lines "known to carry big things", they rub the belly of Solange Knowles, who was pregnant at the time of shooting. The clip ends with the girls holding the previously seen dogs in their hands. Throughout the visual, shots of three cars with different registrations are shown – a Cadillac from Georgia with the words "Da Durty", another car from New York City with the words "BK Style" and a third car from California with the word "Crenshaw".

The music video was released on MTV on November 8, 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/destinys-child/37909/soldier.jhtml|title=Destiny's Child › Music Videos › Soldier|publisher=MTV. MTV Networks|date=November 8, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=October 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023193919/http://www.mtv.com/videos/destinys-child/37909/soldier.jhtml|url-status=dead}} It is also featured on the DualDisc editions of the albums #1's and Destiny Fulfilled as well as on the bonus DVD of the Destiny Fulfilled Tour edition.{{cite AV media notes|title=#1's|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=DualDisc edition notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=CN 97766}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Destiny Fulfilled|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=DualDisc edition notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=CN 93904}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Destiny-Fulfilled-Special-Tour-Edition/dp/B00080CMGC|title=Destiny Fulfilled Special Tour Edition [CD + DVD]|publisher=Amazon.com (UK)|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=May 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511215110/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Destiny-Fulfilled-Special-Tour-Edition/dp/B00080CMGC|url-status=live}} VH1 aired the video during the program Pop-Up Video on November 11, 2011 along with trivial commentary.{{cite AV media|url=http://www.vh1.com/video/destinys-child/706350/soldier-pop-up-video.jhtml|title="Soldier (Pop Up Video)" by Destiny's Child|publisher=VH1. Viacom Media Networks|date=November 11, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2014|archive-date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026012126/http://www.vh1.com/video/destinys-child/706350/soldier-pop-up-video.jhtml|url-status=dead}} In 2013 it was included on the album Video Anthology which contained nearly every music video the group had filmed during their career.{{cite web|url=http://www.destinyschild.com/news/destinys-child-video-anthology-be-released-june-4th|title=Destiny's Child Video Anthology To Be Released June 4th | The Official Destiny's Child Site|publisher=Destiny's Child Official Website|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810120628/http://www.destinyschild.com/news/destinys-child-video-anthology-be-released-june-4th|archive-date=August 10, 2014|url-status=dead}} Vulture's Lindsay Weber described the clip as "camouflage-heavy". The video was nominated at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards under the category of Best Group Video but lost to Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" (2004).{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2005/|title=Video Music Awards – Past VMAs – 2005|publisher=MTV. MTV Networks|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=September 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907101707/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2005/|url-status=dead}}

In late 2004, the group performed "Soldier" with T.I. during MTV's Total Request Live (TRL).{{cite AV media|year=2004|title=Destiny's Child – Soldier Live TRL 2004|medium=MTV. MTV Networks|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K07L3SjIjEY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/K07L3SjIjEY |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=July 22, 2014|format=video}}{{cbignore}} At BET's 106 & Park Destiny's Child performed "Soldier" on November 15, 2004. At the beginning of the performance, Michelle Williams fell onstage during the group's entrance.{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iYEAAAAMBAJ&q=destiny%27s+child+soldier&pg=PA100|title=Vibe|journal=Vibe Vixen|publisher=Vibe Media|volume=14|number=5|issn=1070-4701|date=October 2006|page=100|access-date=July 19, 2014}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Williams addressed the incident during an interview in 2014, saying, "I had no choice but to get up and act like it didn't happen. Because of YouTube – 10 years later, at least once a week, somebody brings it to my attention."{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michelle-williams-says-strong-possibility-beyonce-rowland-will-guest-on-her-album/|title=Michelle Williams says "strong possibility" Beyonce, Kelly Rowland will guest on her album|publisher=CBS News. CBS|first=Lauren|last=Moraski|date=April 9, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726053003/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michelle-williams-says-strong-possibility-beyonce-rowland-will-guest-on-her-album/|url-status=live}} She added that it would be the last time she discussed the incident and acknowledged that although "it lives on forever" a lot of "great things" have happened to her since then.{{cite news|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/michelle-williams-addresses-her-embarrassing-106-park-fall-thanks-her-haters|title=Michelle Williams Addresses Her Embarrassing '106 & Park' Fall, Thanks Her Haters|work=Vibe|publisher=Vibe Media|first=Stacy-Ann|last=Ellis|date=April 9, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725170121/http://www.vibe.com/article/michelle-williams-addresses-her-embarrassing-106-park-fall-thanks-her-haters|url-status=live}} On November 16, 2004, another performance of the song was during the television show Good Morning America.{{cite episode|series=Good Morning America|title=Good Morning America Episodes|series-link=Good Morning America|network=American Broadcasting Company|url=http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=195502&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=4309026|publisher=TV Guide. CBS Interactive|airdate=November 16, 2004|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=December 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221074515/http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=195502&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=4309026|url-status=live}} Destiny's Child appeared on CBS{{'}} The Early Show on December 8, 2004, and sang "Soldier".{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/destinys-child-fulfilled/|title=Destiny's Child 'Fulfilled'|first=Tatiana|last=Morales|publisher=CBS News. CBS|date=December 8, 2004|access-date=July 21, 2014|archive-date=July 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729191432/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/destinys-child-fulfilled/|url-status=live}} The group performed the song again in early February 2005 at the British show Top of the Pops.{{cite episode|series=Top of the Pops|series-link=Top of the Pops|network=BBC|airdate=February 2005 |season=42 |number=5}} At the 2005 NBA All-Star Game on February 20, 2005, they sang "Soldier" and "Lose My Breath".{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/allstar2005/allstar_game/as05_entertainment_050217.html|title=Destiny's Child, LeAnn Rimes and Big & Rich Headline Entertainment|publisher=National Basketball Association|date=February 17, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001543/http://www.nba.com/allstar2005/allstar_game/as05_entertainment_050217.html|archive-date=July 15, 2014|url-status=dead}} Destiny's Child also performed "Soldier" during the concert Rockin' the Corps in April 2005 with the performance being featured on a DVD.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/rockin-the-corps-dvd-mw0001025014|title=Various Artists – Rockin' the Corps [DVD]|publisher=AllMusic. Macrovision Company|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930233742/http://www.allmusic.com/album/rockin-the-corps-dvd-mw0001025014|url-status=live}}

In 2005, "Soldier" was added to the set list of Destiny's Child's final tour Destiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It. The group performed it against a backdrop of the American flag dressed in leather clothes taken from Beyoncé's clothing line House of Deréon.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/01/arts/music/01dest.html|title=Empowerment, Allure and a Runway's Flair|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Jon|last=Pareles|author-link=Jon Pareles|date=September 12, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227235347/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/01/arts/music/01dest.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1503790/destinys-child-put-on-a-fashion-show-at-uk-concert/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050611001434/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1503790/20050608/destinys_child.jhtml|title=Destiny's Child Put On A Fashion Show At U.K. Concert|last=Adenitire|first=Adenike|date=August 6, 2005|publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks |access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=June 11, 2005 }} The live rendition contained a sample from the song "Shout It Out" by Too Short and Bun B from the soundtrack of the 2002 film Drumline.{{cite AV media notes|title=Live in Atlanta|others=Destiny's Child|year=2006|type=DVD|publisher=Columbia Records}} Denise Sheppard writing for Rolling Stone felt that the drumline-affected version performed during the concert was "for the delighted, largely female crowd".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/destinys-child-take-a-bow-20050912|title=Destiny's Child Take a Bow|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media|first=Denise|last=Sheppard|date=September 12, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714215952/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/destinys-child-take-a-bow-20050912|url-status=live}} While reviewing a concert in the UK, Adenike Adenitire of MTV News praised the group's surprising look inspired by Mad Max noting that they proved "that you don't need baggy jeans and a bandanna to be street". Similarly, Barbara Ellen from The Observer felt that the look was emulating "all the Mad Max movies at once".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/jun/05/1|title=One out of three ain't bad|work=The Observer|publisher=Guardian Media Group|first=Barbara|last=Ellen|date=June 5, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714135644/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/jun/05/1|url-status=live}} The song was included on the track listing of the group's live album Live in Atlanta (2006) chronicling a concert from the tour in that city for which T.I. and Wayne joined the band onstage performing their parts.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-in-atlanta-mw0001445603|title=Live in Atlanta – Destiny's Child|publisher=AllMusic. Macrovision|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=August 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812034415/http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-in-atlanta-mw0001445603|url-status=live}} It was also sung during Beyoncé's Coachella 2018 performance.

Following the group's disbandment, both Beyoncé and Rowland included "Soldier" in the set list of their respective solo tours. The former performed it with her male background dancers during a Destiny's Child medley at The Beyoncé Experience (2007) along with a snippet of Soulja Boy's "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" (2007). It was subsequently included on the singer's live DVD The Beyoncé Experience Live (2007) dubbed as "Soldier Boy Crank Mix".{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2007/10/22/beyonce-to-release-live-dvd/|title=Beyoncé to Release 'LIVE!' DVD|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devin Lazerine|date=October 22, 2007|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=September 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917171330/http://www.rap-up.com/2007/10/22/beyonce-to-release-live-dvd/|url-status=live}} Rowland performed "Soldier" during her headlining concert tour Ms. Kelly Tour (2007), on several dates during Chris Brown's F.A.M.E. Tour (2011) where she appeared as a supporting act and during the co-headlining Lights Out Tour (2013) with The-Dream.{{cite book|title=Official Ms. Kelly Tour Tour Program|first=Kelly|last=Rowland|year=2007|publisher=Columbia Records|location=USA}}{{cite book|title=Official F.A.M.E. Tour Program|first=Chris|last=Brown|year=2011|publisher=Jive Records|location=USA}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/kelly-rowland-deems-dirty-laundry-therapeutic/2013/05/27/1c579172-c6e2-11e2-9cd9-3b9a22a4000a_story.html|title=Kelly Rowland deems 'Dirty Laundry' therapeutic|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Sarah|last=Godfrey|date=May 27, 2013|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728030250/http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/kelly-rowland-deems-dirty-laundry-therapeutic/2013/05/27/1c579172-c6e2-11e2-9cd9-3b9a22a4000a_story.html|url-status=live}} She also performed "Soldier" on August 26, 2010 during a promotional concert in New York City and at the Australian Supafest festival in April 2012 backed by male dancers.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/27/kelly-rowland-gets-intimate-with-new-york-fans/|title=Kelly Rowland Gets Intimate with New York Fans|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devin Lazerine|date=August 27, 2010|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=March 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317135501/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/27/kelly-rowland-gets-intimate-with-new-york-fans/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com.au/news/e8a33a74-supafest-2012-review-part-I|title=Supafest Review Part I|publisher=MTV Australia. MTV Networks|first=Elise|last=Vout|date=April 15, 2012|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=April 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407053010/http://www.mtv.com.au/news/e8a33a74-supafest-2012-review-part-I|url-status=dead}}

In 2005, American rapper Nelly sampled "Soldier" for his song "Grillz" (2005) featuring Paul Wall, and Ali & Gipp from the album Sweatsuit (2005).{{cite AV media notes|title=Sweatsuit|others=Nelly|year=2005|publisher=Universal Records, Derrty Entertainment, Fo' Reel}} Mike Schiller from PopMatters wrote that Jermaine Dupri's production on the song was "uncharacteristically fantastic, finding a down 'n' dirty groove in the unlikely source material of Destiny's Child's 'Soldier'".{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/nelly-sweatsuit/|title=Nelly: Sweatsuit|publisher=PopMatters|first=Mike|last=Schiller|date=December 4, 2005|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=March 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330053638/http://www.popmatters.com/review/nelly-sweatsuit/|url-status=live}} The following year, "Only God" from JME's instrumental mixtape Boy Better Know – Edition 4: Tropical (2006) sampled the song.{{cite AV media notes|title=Boy Better Know – Edition 4: Tropical|others=Jamie Adenuga|year=2006|publisher=Boy Better Know}} Hip hop artist DJ Drama used a sample of the song in "Grillz Gleamin'", featuring Lil' Scrappy, Bohagon, Diamond and Princess, from his album Gangsta Grillz: The Album (2007).{{cite AV media notes|title=Gangsta Grillz: The Album|others=Tyree Cinque Simmons|year=2007|publisher=Grand Hustle Records, Atlantic Records}} "Soldier" was also sampled for "Body Marked Up" (2009) by Willy Northpole, the first single from his debut album Tha Connect.{{cite AV media notes|title=Tha Connect|others=Willy Northpole|year=2009|publisher=Disturbing tha Peace, Def Jam Recordings}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Australian and New Zealand single{{cite AV media notes|title=Soldier|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=Australian / New Zealand single notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=675694.5}}

{{Tracklist

| title1 = Soldier

| length1 = 5:26

| note1 = Album version

| title2 = Soldier

| length2 = 7:15

| note2 = Maurice's Nu Soul Mix

| title3 = Soldier

| length3 = 6:11

| note3 = Maurice's Nu Beat Mix

| title4 = Soldier

| length4 = 6:28

| note4 = Danny Howells & Dick Trevor's Kinkyfunk Mix

| title5 = Lose My Breath

| length5 = 9:14

| note5 = Peter Rauhofer's Breathless Club Mix

}}

• European single{{cite AV media notes|title=Soldier|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=European single notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=COL 675694 2}}{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/dp/B000766Y5M |title=Soldier: Destiny's Child: Amazon.de: Musik |publisher=Amazon.com (Germany) |access-date=February 20, 2011 |archive-date=January 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105160220/http://www.amazon.de/dp/B000766Y5M |url-status=live }}

{{Tracklist

| title1 = Soldier

| length1 = 5:26

| note1 = album version

| title2 = Soldier

| length2 = 7:15

| note2 = Maurice's Nu Soul Mix

| title3 = Soldier

| length3 = 6:28

| note3 = Danny Howells & Dick Trevor's Kinkyfunk Mix

| title4 = Soldier

| length4 = 5:22

| note4 = Grizz Blackmarket Remix

| title5 = Lose My Breath

| length5 = 9:14

| note5 = Peter Rauhofer's Breathless Club Mix

| title6 = Soldier

| length6 = 4:05

| note6 = Music video

}}

• French single{{cite AV media notes|title=Soldier|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=French single notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=6758011}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0007OC7UA|title=Soldier: Destiny's Child, Clifford Harris|publisher=Amazon.com (France)|access-date=February 20, 2011|archive-date=January 6, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130106214505/http://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0007OC7UA|url-status=live}}

{{Tracklist

| title1 = Soldier

| length1 = 5:26

| note1 = album version

| title2 = Soldier

| length2 = 4:06

| note2 = Mix Inédit featuring Rohff

| title3 = Survivor

| length3 = 4:10

}}

• German "Pock It!" single (3 inch){{cite AV media notes|title=Soldier|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=French single notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=COL 675694 3}}

{{Tracklist

| title1 = Soldier

| length1 = 5:26

| note1 = album version

| title2 = Lose My Breath

| length2 = 9:14

| note2 = Peter Rauhofer's Breathless Club Mix

}}

{{col-2}}

• UK CD single 1{{cite AV media notes|title=Soldier|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=UK CD single 1 notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=675762 1}}

{{Tracklist

| title1 = Soldier

| length1 = 4:06

| note1 = radio edit

| title2 = Soldier

| length2 = 3:47

| note2 = Kardinal Beats Remix

}}

• UK CD single 2{{cite AV media notes|title=Soldier|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=UK CD single 2 notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=675762 2}}

{{Tracklist

| title1 = Soldier

| length1 = 4:06

| note1 = radio edit

| title2 = Soldier

| length2 = 7:28

| note2 = Maurice's Nu Anthem Mix

| title3 = Soldier

| length3 = 6:28

| note3 = Danny Howells & Dick Trevor's Kinkyfunk Mix

| title4 = Soldier

| length4 = 5:42

| note4 = JS Remix

| title5 = Soldier

| length5 = 4:05

| note5 = Music video

}}

• US single EP{{cite AV media notes|title=Soldier|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=US single EP notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=44K 70781}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/soldier-ep/400091697|title=Soldier – EP by Destiny's Child|date=February 8, 2005|publisher=iTunes Store. (US) Apple Inc|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=October 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027072802/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/soldier-ep/id400091697|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Destinys-Child/dp/B0007KIGDG|title=Soldier [Single]|publisher=Amazon.com (US)|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728080849/http://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Destinys-Child/dp/B0007KIGDG|url-status=live}}

{{Tracklist

| title1 = Soldier

| length1 = 5:26

| note1 = album version

| title2 = Soldier

| length2 = 5:22

| note2 = Grizz Blackmarket Remix

| title3 = Soldier

| length3 = 5:00

| note3 = Bizarre Remix feat. Bizarre of D-12

| title4 = Soldier

| length4 = 7:15

| note4 = Maurice's Nu Soul Mix

| title5 = Soldier

| length5 = 6:28

| note5 = Danny Howells & Dick Trevor's Kinkyfunk Mix

}}

• US 2-track single{{cite AV media notes|title=Soldier|others=Destiny's Child|date=2005|type=US 2-track single notes|publisher=Columbia Records|id=38K 70702}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/soldier-feat-t-i-lil-wayne/400077007|title=Soldier (feat. T.I. & Lil Wayne) – Single by Destiny's Child|date=November 16, 2004|publisher=iTunes Store. (US) Apple Inc|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709014005/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/soldier-feat.-t.i.-lil-wayne/id400077007|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Destinys-Child/dp/B0007LBM36|title=Soldier [Single]|publisher=Amazon.com (US)|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=July 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728090905/http://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Destinys-Child/dp/B0007LBM36|url-status=live}}

{{Tracklist

| title1 = Soldier

| length1 = 5:26

| note1 = album version

| title2 = Soldier

| length2 = 5:22

| note2 = Grizz Blackmarket Remix

}}

{{col-end}}

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of the album Destiny Fulfilled.

• Lead vocals: Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams
• Vocal production: Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland
• Recording: Jim Caruna at Sony Music Studios, New York City
• Additional vocals: Tom Tapley and Fabian Marasciullo
• Audio mixing: Dexter Simmons
• Additional Pro Tools Editing: Rommel Nino Villanueva
• Audio mastering: Tom Coyne

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Soldier"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|certyear=2005|relyear=2004|award=Gold|refname="ariacert"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Destiny's Child|title=Soldier|award=Platinum|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|refname=nzcert|source=radioscope|access-date=2024-12-17}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Soldier|artist=Destiny's Child/TI/Lil Wayne|type=single|certyear=2019|relyear=2004|award=Silver|id=15617-4935-1|access-date=June 13, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=2004|certyear=2020|title=Soldier|artist=Destiny's Child|type=single|award=Platinum|access-date=July 12, 2020|refname=RIAA}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=2004|certyear=2006|title=Soldier|artist=Destiny's Child|type=single|award=Platinum|refname=RIAA1|digital=true|note=Mastertone}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

• List of Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles in 2005
• List of number-one dance singles of 2005 (U.S.)
• New Zealand Top 50 singles of 2005

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Destiny's Child singles}}

{{T.I. singles}}

{{Lil Wayne singles}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2004 songs

Category:2005 singles

Category:Destiny's Child songs

Category:T.I. songs

Category:Lil Wayne songs

Category:Music videos directed by Ray Kay

Category:Song recordings produced by Beyoncé

Category:Song recordings produced by Rich Harrison

Category:Songs written by Beyoncé

Category:Songs written by Michelle Williams (singer)

Category:Songs written by Kelly Rowland

Category:Songs written by Lil Wayne

Category:Songs written by Rich Harrison

Category:Songs written by Sean Garrett

Category:Songs written by T.I.

Category:Southern hip-hop songs

Category:Columbia Records singles

Category:Sony Music singles