Ignorance

About this song

Ignorance is the second track on Paramore's third album, Brand New Eyes, and became one of the band's biggest hits. It was released as a single on July 7, 2009, reaching #7 on the US Alternative Songs chart, #1 on UK Rock Songs, and #10 on the Japan Hot 100. Frontwoman Hayley Williams has said the song was a turning point for the band, and she later recalled that a conversation prompted by its lyrics, with guitarist Taylor York, helped the band reconcile and stay together.

What it's about

Williams has described the song as drawing on one person's perspective and on feeling alone, angry or insecure while the band was growing up. The line about ignorance being a new best friend reflects her sense that she was losing people close to her.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 2 other songs, like “NO ignorance by K.Flay”.
• Covered 5 times, including “Ignorance by Rockabye Baby!”.
• Written by Hayley Williams and Josh Farro.
• Produced by Rob Cavallo.
• Recorded at Lightning Sound Studio (Hidden Hills.