Both of Us (2012)

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Both of Us is a song by American rapper B.o.B that was released in May 2012 as the third single from his 2012 studio album, Strange Clouds. The song featured vocals from American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. B.oB and Swift co-wrote the song together with Ammar Malik and the song's producers, Dr. Luke and Cirkut.[1]

Key Lyrics

Uh, ever thought about losing it

When your money's all gone and you lose your whip

You might lose your grip when the landlord tell ya that you're due for rent

And the grass so green on the other side

Make a nigga wanna run straight through the fence

Open up the fridge 'bout twenty times

But still can't find no food in it

That's foolishness

And sometimes I wonder, why we care so much about the way we look

And the way we talk and the way we act and the clothes we bought, how much that cost

Does it even really matter?

'Cause if life is an uphill battle

We all tryna climb with the same ol' ladder

In the same boat, with the same ol' paddle

Why so shallow? I'm just asking

What's the pattern to the madness

Everybody ain't a number one draft pick

Most of us ain't Hollywood actors

Background

The lyrics of "Both of Us" delivered a message about racism and bullying. It was Swift who bring forward the idea of the collaboration after she visited B.o.B's label, Grand Hustle Records. The rapper explained, "She came to Atlanta and she hit up Grand Hustle. I wasn't there. Tip was there and I eventually linked with her in Dallas and the rest is history." This was not the first time Swift contributed to a hip hop song; her other collaborations include a song with T-Pain at the 2009 CMT Music Awards, and inviting T.I., Nicki Minaj, and Flo Rida to her Speak Now World Tour in 2011.[2]

Reception

Both of Us was released to critical acclaim, most praising Swift's feature, with some calling the country rap collaboration as a sweet and melodic catchy song. It debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at number 46. The song sold 143,000 copies in its first week of release in the United States, debuting at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the week's top debut.[3]

The single sold over 1,000,000 digital copies as of November 2017.[4]

Reference

  1. "Both Of Us ft. Taylor Swift - B.o.B Official Blog". Bobatl.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2013. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  2. "Both of Us by B.o.B Songfacts". 11 April 2012. Songfacts.com. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  3. Tris McCall. "Song of the Week: 'Both of Us,' B.o.B featuring Taylor Swift". 18 May 2012. NJ.com. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  4. Gary Trust. "Ask Billboard: Taylor Swift's Career Album & Song Sales". 26 November 2017. Billboard. Retrieved January 31, 2021.