Airplanes
B.o.B & Hayley Williams of Paramore Lyrics

Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shootin' stars
B.o.B wishes that he could view airplanes as shooting stars, something magical and unattainable.

I could really use a wish right now, wish right now, wish right now
B.o.B is in a moment of despair and could use something positive to happen- a wish to come true.

Yeah, yeah I could use a dream or a genie or a wish
B.o.B is open to any type of wish or magical occurrence that would help him.

To go back to a place much simpler than this
B.o.B wishes for the simplicity of the past, before the craziness of fame took hold.

Cause after all the partying and smashing and crashing
Referring to the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, the excess that accompanies fame.

And all the glitz and glam and the fashion
More references to the excessive lifestyle that comes with being famous in the entertainment industry.

And all the pandemonium and all the madness
B.o.B is referring to the chaos that can come with fame and fortune.

There comes a time when you fade to the blackness
The feeling of emptiness and lack of direction that can come with fame.

And when you're staring at the phone in your lap
The depressing and lonely feeling of waiting for someone to call or reach out.

And you hoping but them people never call you back
Reference to the feeling of being disregarded or ignored.

But that's just how the story unfolds
The ups and downs of life are inevitable.

You get another hand soon after you fold
Even when things don't go as planned, you always have another opportunity to try again.

And when your plans unravel in the sand
Plans can fall apart and it can be disheartening.

What would you wish for, if you had one chance?
If given one opportunity or wish, what would you prioritize?

So airplane airplane sorry I'm late
Apologizing for being late to something, likely referencing the music industry.

I'm on my way so don't close that gate
B.o.B is making an effort to catch up and doesn't want to miss out on any opportunities.

If I don't make that then I'll switch my flight and
If the first opportunity isn't successful, he'll pivot and try something else.

I'll be right back at it by the end of the night
B.o.B is committed to trying again until things go well.

Yeah yeah somebody take me back to the days
B.o.B wishes to be taken back to a more simple and carefree time.

Before this was a job before I got paid
Life before the heavy demands and responsibilities of fame and fortune.

Before it ever mattered what I had in my bank
Before the pressure of financial success became a constant factor.

Yeah back when I was trying to get a tip at subway
Before B.o.B had any level of fame, when he was simply working a regular job.

And back then I was rapping for the hell of it
When B.o.B simply enjoyed rapping and didn't have any ulterior motives or pressures.

But nowadays we rapping to stay relevant
The pressure to stay relevant in the music industry.

I'm guessing if can make some wishes out of airplanes
Hoping that possibly his wishes will come true, even if it seems impossible like making wishes on airplanes.

Then maybe oh maybe I'll go back to the days
B.o.B is willing to try anything if it means things could go back to how they used to be.

Before the politics that we call the rap game
Before the hyper-competitive and cutthroat nature of the rap industry.

And back when ain't nobody listened to my mix tape
Reminiscing about the humble beginnings of his career.

And back before when I tried to cover up my slang
Trying to fit a more conventional mold of what a rapper should sound like.

But this is for the Decatur what's up Bobby Ray
B.o.B is giving a shoutout to his hometown and himself (Bobby Ray).

So can I get a wish to end the politics
B.o.B is hoping for a miracle to end the negativity and drama of the industry.

And get back to the music that started this shit
Returning to the authentic and genuine music that inspired him to become a rapper in the first place.

So here I stand and then again I say
B.o.B is standing strong despite the challenges and is doubling down on his wish.

I'm hoping we can make some wishes outta airplanes
Repeating the hopeful sentiment that wishes can come true, even if it seems impossible.

I could really use a wish right now
Reiterating the desire for something positive to happen.

I, I, I could really use a wish right now
Emphasizing the point that B.o.B could really use a wish to come true.

Like, like, like shootin' stars
Referencing the imagery from the beginning of the song where airplanes are compared to shooting stars.

I, I, I could really use a wish right now
Reiterating the desire and need for a wish.

A wish a wish right now
B.o.B is making it clear that a wish is what he needs, and he needs it immediately.