M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” samples “Straight to Hell” by British punk band The Clash.

The original recording appeared on The Clash’s 1982 album Combat Rock.

M.I.A. and producer Diplo used part of its distinctive instrumental arrangement as the musical foundation for “Paper Planes”.

But the connection goes deeper than a familiar melody.

Both recordings explore subjects connected with immigration, identity and the way societies treat people considered outsiders.

That gives the sample an unusually strong relationship with the newer song’s meaning.

What part of The Clash song is sampled?

The distinctive guitar and instrumental passage.

It’s immediately recognisable when the recordings are played consecutively.

The original Clash song has a slower, atmospheric arrangement.

M.I.A.’s version incorporates the musical material into a different rhythmic environment.

The new production is associated with hip-hop, electronic music and global pop.

The underlying sample remains recognisable.

But the listening experience changes completely.

Who are The Clash?

An English punk-rock band formed in London during the 1970s.

Its classic lineup included Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Topper Headon.

The group became famous for combining punk energy with a broad range of musical influences.

Their catalogue includes “London Calling”, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and “Rock the Casbah”.

The Clash were also interested in social and political subjects.

That makes “Straight to Hell” particularly relevant to M.I.A.’s later recording.

What does Straight to Hell mean?

The song explores displacement, immigration and the consequences of political and economic decisions.

Its lyrics reference people struggling to belong within societies that may reject them.

The musical arrangement is relatively restrained.

That gives the subject a particularly haunting character.

It’s very different from the fast, aggressive punk music some listeners associate with The Clash.

The recording demonstrates the band’s willingness to explore other musical traditions.

Who is M.I.A.?

A British musician of Sri Lankan Tamil heritage.

Her music combines hip-hop, electronic production and international musical influences.

She became internationally successful through recordings including “Galang”, “Bucky Done Gun”, “Paper Planes” and “Bad Girls”.

Her work frequently explores identity, immigration and political conflict.

That makes the relationship between “Paper Planes” and “Straight to Hell” particularly meaningful.

The sample connects two artists interested in similar subjects from different historical perspectives.

When was Paper Planes released?

It appeared on M.I.A.’s second studio album Kala in 2007.

The recording subsequently became a major international hit.

Its wider commercial breakthrough developed during 2008.

The combination of an accessible musical hook and unusual production helped it reach audiences beyond M.I.A.’s original fanbase.

Who produced Paper Planes?

Diplo worked on the recording alongside Dave Taylor, known professionally as Switch.

M.I.A. has explained that Diplo suggested using The Clash sample.

The group then developed the production around it.

Her vocal performance was relatively spontaneous.

She later described recording the main vocal quickly rather than spending an enormous amount of time perfecting every detail.

That immediacy became part of the recording’s personality.

What do the gunshot sounds mean?

The gunshots and cash-register sound are among the song’s most recognisable features.

M.I.A. has described them as a satirical response to negative stereotypes about immigrants.

She was experiencing difficulties connected with obtaining permission to work in America.

That frustration influenced the writing.

The sound effects exaggerate the idea that outsiders arrive only to cause trouble or take money.

The recording deliberately presents those stereotypes in an absurd musical form.

Is Paper Planes actually about crime?

Not in a straightforward literal sense.

It’s a satirical song.

M.I.A. explores the way immigrants and refugees can be portrayed as threatening or exploitative.

The gunshot sounds exaggerate that portrayal.

But listeners can enjoy the recording without initially recognising the political argument.

That’s part of its unusual effectiveness.

The music sounds playful.

The subject is considerably more serious.

Why did M.I.A. choose The Clash?

Because the original musical material worked rhythmically and emotionally.

The Clash were also associated with socially engaged songwriting.

Their recording already explored issues connected with migration and exclusion.

M.I.A. placed that material inside a new song reflecting her own experiences.

The result became more than a random sample.

It created a historical relationship between two recordings.

Did Paper Planes appear in films?

Yes.

The recording gained additional recognition through film and trailer placements.

It became strongly associated with the 2008 film Pineapple Express through its trailer.

It also appeared on the soundtrack associated with Slumdog Millionaire.

Those placements introduced M.I.A.’s music to audiences who might not normally follow alternative electronic pop.

What genre is Paper Planes?

Alternative hip-hop, electronic pop and experimental pop.

The recording also incorporates influences from reggae and other musical traditions.

Its relatively slow rhythm distinguishes it from some of M.I.A.’s more aggressive tracks.

The familiar sample provides an accessible melodic foundation.

That helped the recording become an international hit.

What is the difference between sampling and covering?

A sample uses part of an existing recording inside a new one.

A cover involves performing a previously written composition again.

“Paper Planes” uses existing recorded material from The Clash.

It isn’t simply M.I.A. performing “Straight to Hell” with a different arrangement.

That distinction helps explain the creative relationship between the two tracks.

Radar’s guide to 25 famous songs built on samples explores other examples of older recordings becoming the foundation for new music.

Songs like Paper Planes

Try M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls”, Santigold’s “L.E.S. Artistes”, The Clash’s “Straight to Hell”, Gorillaz’s “Clint Eastwood”, N.E.R.D.’s “She Wants to Move”, Major Lazer’s “Hold the Line” and M.I.A.’s “Boyz”.

These recordings connect different parts of alternative hip-hop, punk, electronic production and globally influenced pop.

Why has Paper Planes lasted?

Because it works on several levels.

The musical loop is immediately recognisable.

The rhythm is accessible.

The sound effects give the recording a distinctive identity.

And the political interpretation remains relevant.

Listeners can enjoy it as an unusual pop hit or explore the relationship between its lyrics and sample.

What does Paper Planes sample?

“Straight to Hell” by The Clash.

Released in 1982 and incorporated into M.I.A.’s 2007 recording.

The sample connects two songs exploring immigration and exclusion.

It’s an excellent example of sampling doing more than borrowing a catchy sound.

Sometimes the original recording contributes part of the newer song’s meaning.