‘Paper Planes’ – M.I.A.
Many people believe that M.I.A.’s 2008 hit “Paper Planes” is about a drug dealer, however the singer herself said that the song is about the immigrant experience in the United States. “I was thinking about living [in Bed-Stuy], waking up every morning – it’s such an African neighborhood,” she added. I was on my way to get patties at my local but realized that the worst thing someone can say [to someone these days] is something like, ‘What I want do is come and steal your money.’ People do not believe that immigrants or refugees contribute in any manner to culture. That they’re simply leeches sucking whatever they can get their hands on. So I sing in the song, ‘All I want do is [sound of gun shooting and reloading, cash register opening] and grab your money.’ It was done with sound effects. It is entirely up to you to interpret. I’m confident they’ll get it because America is so preoccupied with money.”
‘Paper Planes’ M.I.A.
