Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris

Album: Petals for Armor (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Hayley Williams sings about how she'd like women everywhere to realize their worth. The songstress uses flowers as a metaphor for growth and self-discovery as she thinks of "all the wilted women" moving toward the light.
  • Williams explained to Pitchfork that she set out to "write poetically about being a woman and relating to other women, especially being in an industry in which women are pitted against each other a lot, even still."

    For many years, Williams was in a difficult relationship with New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert. Because she had little faith in their relationship, it was hard for her to trust anyone around her, particularly other women. It was only in her late 20s when Paramore started touring with other females, such as Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino, Julien Baker, and Soccer Mommy, that Williams found herself surrounded by women she could relate to. She wrote this breezy feminist meditation about "discovering just how powerful and profound the connection is between myself and other women in my life."
  • Boygenius, the project of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, sing ghostly backup vocals. Williams said: "I was so honored. They are three really important women in our music scene that are telling truths in unique ways."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.