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 American songwriter Ammar Malik and also the song's producers, Dr. Luke and Cirkut.[1]

Key Lyrics

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 not long after she visited B.o.B's label, Grand Hustle Records. The rapper explained that Swift came to Atlanta and she hit up Grand Hustle when he wasn't there. Tip, fellow American Rapper who also under the same label as B.o.B, was there and B.o.B 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 notable collaborations was 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 received a critical acclaim, mostly flatters Swift's feature, with some commenting the country rap collaboration as a catchy and ear-pleasing song. It debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at 46th position. The song sold 143,000 copies during its first week of release in the United States, debuting at 18th position on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at the same time 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.