4 Key Facts About Solange's 'Cranes in the Sky'

‘Cranes in the Sky’ was the lead single from Solange’s album A Seat at the Table. It was released on October 5, 2016.

The song’s title refers to the sight of construction cranes, which Solange saw as a metaphor for emotional weight and distraction. She wrote it as a reflection on trying to avoid dealing with pain.

The track features a minimalist, soulful production with a steady bassline and layered vocals. Its sound stands in contrast to the more upbeat pop of the era.

‘Cranes in the Sky’ earned Solange her first Grammy Award, winning Best R&B Performance in 2017. The song was widely praised for its honesty and restraint.