Discover the story of the song > Paper Planes – M.I.A.

The track Paper Planes was written and composed by MIA and produced by Diplo. The song was first released in 2007, on her second album Kala. The album was recorded between 2005 and 2006 in various locations including Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica, Australia, India and Japan.

Paper Planes is both a political and personal song. From a political standpoint, the song is about immigration and the fact that immigrants are often seen as criminals. MIA stated that the song was inspired by the events of the 9/11 attack, and that the lyrics were a critique of the way immigrants are treated in the United States. The song has also been interpreted as a critique of the war in Iraq.

On a personal level, the song is about MIA's own life, particularly her own experiences with immigration. MIA was born in Sri Lanka, but had to leave the country due to the civil war. She then lived in the UK, where she grew up and began her musical career.

The song was a commercial success, reaching #4 on the UK Singles Chart and #11 in the US. The song was certified gold in the United States and Canada, and was nominated for two Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Dance Song.