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

Gary Numan

Gary NumanSongwriter Interviews

An Electronic music pioneer with Asperger's Syndrome. This could be interesting.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.