Airplanes
by B.o.B (featuring Hayley Williams)

Album: B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray (2010)
Charted: 1 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams contributes to this track in which B.o.B spits rhymes questioning the high life. An album-closing reprise, "Airplanes (Part II)," also features a cameo from Williams plus Eminem.
  • The Paramore singer explained to MTV News how she ended up appearing on B.o.B's record. "I was given the track a while ago while we were on tour. The guys and I all loved it. They told me I was crazy if I passed it up," Williams said. "I liked the part too much anyways, so of course I was down. Whether our fans know or not, I'm not sure, but [Paramore bassist ] Jeremy [Davis] and I have always been really into hip-hop. It means a lot that I got to collaborate with a hip-hop artist who is from Atlanta. Not far from home. We Southern gals love us some Southern gentlemen."
  • Williams said on Paramore's MySpace blog: "B.o.B is one of my favorite artists out right now. Can't believe I am a part of his new album... If I was ever going to get to be "that girl" - you know, the one that sings the hook in all the good Biggie songs - I am happy that I get to be that girl on one of Bobby Ray's songs."
  • Two Cornell University students, Jeremy "Kinetics" Dussolliet and Tim "One Love" Sommers, wrote the song's chorus.
  • "Airplanes" was written by Lupe Fiasco, who recorded his own version of the song featuring vocals from Hayley Williams before deciding to pass on it. The tune was then given to B.o.B by his label.
  • Though the single had been recorded and released, Williams and B.o.B did not meet in person until they had rehearsals for their live performance on the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

Comments: 6

  • Pj from Long Island, NyThe love song of a blue jay and a unicorn
  • Chantelle from Nottinghamshire, United KingdomHayley Williams is awesome =)
  • Jessica from Rockaway, Njthis song makes me feel good and open
  • Ivy from Springfield, NeYuck, bad cover. When this started, I thought it was the real version, and I was all, WOW HAYLEY WILLIAMS VOICE IS LOWER THAN I THOUGHT!!!! but no lol. this cover=2/10 real song=6/10
  • Nicole from Renton, WaThis is my favorite song right now. I love it so much! The chorus is my favorite part. And to be honest I, myself, could really use a wish right now...
  • Leela from Gaithersburg, MdThis is probably one of my favorite songs out right now :)

    Actually Tim'One Love'Sommers graduated from my hs
    XD
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.