Lift Off

Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West

About Lift Off

"Lift Off" is a song by Jay-Z and Kanye West featuring American recording artist Beyoncé. It was written by Kanye West, Jay-Z, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, Bruno Mars and Seal, while production was handled by West, Bhasker, Mike Dean, Pharrell, Q-Tip, and Don Jazzy for Jay-Z's and West's collaboration album, Watch the Throne (2011). The song was rumored to be released as the lead single from the album containing additional vocals by Bruno Mars. However, Mars never appeared on the song and it was sent to urban contemporary radio on August 23, 2011. Musically, "Lift Off" is a pop song which uses baroque strings. It contains a chorus sung by Beyoncé, while other verses are sung by West and Jay-Z in a rap style. Instrumentally, the song is completed with synthesizers, martial drums and horns. "Lift Off" received mixed to positive reviews from music critics who generally highlighted the song and praised its hook as well as Beyoncé's vocals, though some criticized the vocals by West and Jay-Z. The song peaked at number one on the South Korea Gaon International Chart and number twenty one on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. "Lift Off" was performed live by Jay-Z and Kanye West during their tour in promotion of Watch the Throne titled Watch the Throne Tour (2011–12). Jay-Z and Beyoncé performed it live as the last song during the concerts on their On the Run Tour (2014). 


Year:
2011
4:26
499 
#3

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(All engines running)
We gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
How many people you know can take it this far?
I'm supercharged
I'm 'bout to take this whole thing to Mars

Now we gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
You don't know what we been through to make it this far
So many scars
'Bout to take this whole thing to Mars

(Lift off) Lift off, takin' my coat off
Showin' my tattoos, I'm such a showoff (Huh?)
I feel the pain and then rolled off
I got the whole city they about to go off
How many niggas with' me up in this bia'?
How many people wanna roll with me ah'?
Like you know na na na, you know me by now
Know me, know me by now

We gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
How many people you know can take it this far?
I'm supercharged
I'm 'bout to take this whole thing to Mars

Now we gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
You don't know what we been through to make it this far
So many scars
'Bout to take this whole thing to Mars (Lift off, ah, ah)

Like you know na na na, you know me by now
Know me, know me by now
You know, know me by now
Know me, know me by now

Lift off, rappers hear watch the throne
They gon' be pissed off
Earth is boring to 'em
Shit is making my dick soft
When you Earnhart as me eventually you hit a big wall
Five, four, three, two we need fuel, lift off

We gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
How many people you know can take it this far?
I'm supercharged
I'm 'bout to take this whole thing to Mars

Now we gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
You don't know what we been through to make it this far
So many scars
'Bout to take this whole thing to Mars

(Twenty seconds and counting)
(T-minus fifteen seconds, guidance is internal)
(twelve, eleven, ten, nine)
(Ignition sequence start)
(Six, five, four, three, two, one)
(Zero, all engine running)
(Lift off, we have a liftoff)

(We gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars)
(We gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars)
(How many people you know can take it this far?)
(Take it to the stars)
(How many people you know can take it this far?)
(Now we gon', now we gon', now we gon')

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Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. In 2012, Forbes estimated Carter's net worth at nearly $500 million. He has sold approximately 50 million albums worldwide, while receiving fourteen Grammy Awards for his musical work, and numerous additional nominations. He is consistently ranked as one of the greatest rappers of all-time. He was ranked #1 by MTV in their list of The Greatest MCs of All-Time in 2006. Two of his albums, Reasonable Doubt (1996) and The Blueprint (2001) are considered landmarks in the genre with both of them being ranked in Rolling S… more »

7 fans

Written by: Henry Samuel, Jeffrey Bhasker, Kanye West, Mike Dean, Peter Hernandez, Pharrell Williams, Shawn Carter

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Collaboration
"Lift Off" is a song by Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Beyoncé from the album "Watch The Throne."
Album Success
This track is part of the critically acclaimed collaborative album between Kanye West and Jay-Z, "Watch The Throne," which was released in 2011 and peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Beyoncé’s Contribution
Beyoncé provided the catchy chorus and bridge for the track, giving it a broader appeal beyond rap and hip-hop listeners.
Production
"Lift Off" was produced by Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, and Q-Tip, all of whom have notable careers in the music industry.
Space Theme
The song's allusions to space travel are thought to symbolize Kanye West and Jay-Z’s feelings about their own unprecedented success, feeling as if they have 'lifted off' into a new realm of fame and recognition.
A Star-Studded Session
At the recording session for "Lift Off," there were reportedly 11 different individuals contributing, highlighting the pattern throughout "Watch the Throne" of frequent and high-profile collaborations.
Varied Reception
Unlike other tracks on the album, critical reception for "Lift Off" was mixed. Some reviewers appreciated the catchy melody, while others criticized it for feeling out of place on the album.
Genre Blending
"Lift Off" is a blend of various musical genres, including hip-hop, pop, and soul, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its contributors.
Influences
The song's harmonies and swelling strings have been compared to the work of Coldplay, indicating the range of influences that fed into its creation.
Music Video Absence
Despite the commercial success of "Watch The Throne," "Lift Off" did not receive a dedicated music video, making it less prominent than other songs on the album.
Sales
Nearly 200,000 copies of the song were sold in its first week of release.
Live Performances
"Lift Off" has been performed live as part of the Watch the Throne Tour.
Notable Lyrics
The song contains memorable lines that reflect its optimistic theme: "We gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars / How many people you know can take it this far?"

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