Burning Borders | Paper Planes | M.I.A.
AI Artistic interpretation of Paper Planes by M I A
M.I.A's 2007 hit 'Paper Planes' remains one of her most iconic tracks. Not only is the song catchy with its sandpaper rough beat and melody, but it is thematically rich, prompting listeners to ponder the socio-political sentiments it carries.
'Paper Planes,' whilst being a widely appreciated and popular track, stands as a unique protest song against immigration policy and stereotyping. M.I.A. herself dignifies the inherent metaphor the song connotes. The 'Paper Planes' refer to visa papers, passports and other bureaucratic documents, indicative of an immigrant's journey. Her lyrics, 'Fly like paper, get high like planes/If you catch me at the border I got visas in my name /I come around here, I make 'em all day', encapsulate the immigrant experience.
The artist is tackling a subject matter that is inextricably linked to her personal experiences. Born in the U.K to Sri Lankan Tamil parents and spending part of her childhood in war-torn Sri Lanka and India, M.I.A carries her root's authenticity into her music. Her experiences with displacement and the struggle to carve out an identity in a space you are perceived as the 'other,' form the backbone of her lyrical inspiration in 'Paper Planes.'
Moreover, the gunfire and cash register sounds in the song symbolize the two stereotypes that immigrants often encounter - that they are either criminals out to cause harm or are only interested in making money.
The music video further blows wind into these thematic sails. M.I.A. is seen engaging in activities that can be associated with immigrants, such as selling sandwiches or flowers at a roadside stall, thereby empathizing with the livelihoods of many immigrants.
In conclusion, 'Paper Planes' is a tour-de-force; a weighty commentary on society's misinterpretations and biases wrapped up in a brilliant musical package. M.I.A. uses her platform to start conversations around pressing issues, and in doing so, she creates a significant form of art that’s both thought-provoking and enjoyable to listen to.