10 More Happy Songs That Are Insanely Dark
4. Paper Planes - M.I.A
Reaching mainstream success in 2008 and reigniting in popularity amongst more niche audiences thanks to its inclusion in 2012's Far Cry 3, M.I.A's Paper Planes is as fun as they come.
With addictive gunshot notes littering the chorus and a hook taken from The Clash's Straight to Hell, the London-born artist had a hit on her hands as people couldn't get enough of the tune; so much so that it peaked at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and number 4 on the US Billboard 100.
Despite the ever-uplifting melody that's since played in every nightclub across the country, M.I.A's catchy chorus and attitude-filled verses are actually about immigration laws in the USA. The first verse is perhaps the biggest tell-tale sign:
"If you catch me at the border I got visas in my name, If you come around here, I make 'em all day, I get one done in a second if you wait"
Immigration to the USA has been a hotly-debated topic that never seems to let up, regardless of the current administration, M.I.A's frustrations surrounding the issue inadvertently gave us one of the most recognisable songs of the century.