Avril Lavigne is back and stronger than ever!
After weeks of teasing fans with snippets on social media, Lavigne released her first single in five years on Wednesday (September 19). The song is called “Head Above Water,” which is a powerful, spiritual epiphany detailing the Canadian singer’s journey through her battle with Lyme disease.
“One night, I thought I was dying, and I had accepted that I was going to die. My mom laid with me in bed and held me. I felt like I was drowning. Under my breath, I prayed ‘God, please help to keep my head above the water.’ In that moment, the song writing of this album began. It was like I tapped into something. It was a very spiritual experience. Lyrics flooded through me from that point on,” said Avril.
The piano ballad offers a new side of Lavigne, simultaneously fearful and fierce. As she chants for life, the “Complicated” singer passionately recites the emotionally charged chorus over piano chords, powerful drums and strings. “God, keep my head above water/ Don’t let me drown, it gets harder/ I’ll meet you there at the altar/ As I fall down to my knee, don’t let me drown.”
Lavigne announced her battle with Lyme disease back in 2015. To coincide with the release of “Head Above Water,” the Avril Lavigne Foundation has launched a charitable t-shirt campaign that will raise money to benefit individuals affected by Lyme disease who can’t otherwise afford treatment.
Lavigne’s last album, Avril Lavigne, was released back in 2013. The singer is reportedly prepping her sixth studio album, which will be released via BMG.
To celebrate her birthday, the “Girlfriend” singer dropped a stunning visual for the tune, which shows Lavigne exploring beautiful natural scenes, such as a majestic, mossy cliff and a serene beach.
Let us know what you think of Lavigne’s new song and music video by leaving a reaction down below!
