"Window Seat" is a song by American singer Erykah Badu. It was released on February 5, 2010, as the lead single from her fourth studio album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2010). The song was written and produced by Badu and James Poyser.
Background and Release
"Window Seat" was recorded in 2009 at Luminous Sound in Dallas, Texas. Badu released a downloadable link to the song on her Twitter account, and it was made available on the iTunes Store on February 9, 2010. The song was released under Universal Motown Records. Delta Air Lines signed on to use the song as boarding music for its flights.
Composition and Genre
The song is a low-tempo R&B ballad with a length of 4 minutes and 50 seconds. It features minimalist instrumentation centered on a looping bassline, with lyrics that concern escapism and longing for a lover. Badu described the song as being about "liberating yourself from layers and layers of skin or demons that are a hindrance to your growth or freedom, or evolution."
Reception
"Window Seat" debuted at number 95 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also charted at number 27 on the Japan Hot 100.
The song received generally positive reviews from music critics. PopMatters writer Quentin B. Huff compared Badu's vulnerability on the song to her work on Mama's Gun (2000). Allmusic's Andy Kellman wrote that it "should appeal to those who have wanted Badu to revisit that lissome sound of Baduizm songs like 'On & On' and 'Otherside of the Game.'" The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop annual year-end critics' poll ranked "Window Seat" at number 11 for the best music of 2010.
Music Video
The music video for "Window Seat" was filmed on March 13, 2010, in the Dealey Plaza historic district of Dallas, Texas—the site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The video was shot guerrilla-style in a single take with no crew or closed set. It features Badu walking through the streets of Dealey Plaza, slowly stripping to the nude, before collapsing as if shot by an unseen assassin. Blue blood spills out to form the word "groupthink," followed by a voiceover monologue by Badu criticizing conformity and groupthink.
Badu stated she was inspired by indie rock duo Matt & Kim's video for "Lessons Learned," in which the musicians strip naked in Times Square. She described the video as a criticism of the psychological concept of groupthink and intended the assassination scene to represent character assassination by groupthink.
Controversy
The video generated significant controversy. Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway expressed concern and called for stricter laws regarding public nudity. On April 2, 2010, Badu was charged with disorderly conduct, a class C misdemeanor in Texas. She initially pleaded not guilty but later paid a $500 fine and agreed to serve six months probation through February 11, 2011.
Badu defended the video, stating she did not intend to disrespect the memory of John F. Kennedy, saying: "John F. Kennedy was a revolutionary; he was not afraid to butt heads with America, and I was not afraid to show America my butt-naked truth."
Track Listing and Credits
- Songwriters: Erykah Badu, James Poyser
- Producers: Erykah Badu, James Poyser
- Label: Universal Motown
- Length: 4:50
