Head Above Water

About this song

The song is the first single in three years from Avril Lavigne, following her 2015 track "Fly" for the Special Olympics. It was released as the lead single from her sixth studio album of the same name, and a music video followed on September 27, 2018. Lavigne has said she wrote the song from her bed while coming to terms with the possibility of losing her life.

What it's about

The piano-driven pop-rock ballad deals with Lavigne trying to keep from drowning under the pressure of her battle with Lyme Disease, which she had not discussed openly for a long time. She also prays to God and refers to religion in the lyrics.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Covered 3 times, including “Head Above Water by First to Eleven”.
• Written by Stephan Moccio, Travis Clark and Avril Lavigne.
• Produced by Jay Paul Bicknell and Stephan Moccio.