We Are Warriors
"We Are Warriors" is a song by Canadian singer Avril Lavigne released on April 24, 2020, for digital download by the BMG Rights Management. A re-recording of the final track—originally titled "Warrior"—from her sixth studio album Head Above Water (2019), Lavigne released the song as a charity single to support Project HOPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.[1]
"We Are Warriors" | ||||
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Single by Avril Lavigne | ||||
Released | April 24, 2020 | |||
Length | 3:46 | |||
Label | BMG | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Avril Lavigne | |||
Avril Lavigne singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"We Are Warriors" on YouTube |
Background
The original song, titled "Warrior", was released as the closing track of Head Above Water, and was described by Lavigne as "one of the first songs I wrote for the album after 'Head Above Water.' They are both about the health battle I continue to fight every day," adding, "I hope my songs can help you find strength if you need it..."[2]
In April 2020, Lavigne announced an upcoming project in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to raise money for Project HOPE, an organisation "keeping doctors and medical staff safe all over the world".[3] On 21 April, this was announced as the new single "We Are Warriors", to be released on 24 April.[4] Along with amended vocals, "We Are Warriors" contains additional violin recorded by Lindsey Stirling.[5]
Music video
The black and white video was released on May 1, 2020, and it showed clips of medical professionals on the front lines intercut with video submissions from fans who filmed themselves holding their signs and shoutouts. In addition, the video also contained footage from the Head Above Water Tour. Lavigne used an iPhone to self-film her own scenes from her home.[6]
Live performances
Lavigne performed the song throughout May and June 2020 on several livestreams from her home to promote it. The livestreams were broadcast on her Instagram profile, YouTube channels and Facebook pages of events in support of victims and frontline workers of the pandemic. The performances were widely praised by the public due to her vocal delivery. Lavigne performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 11, 2020. On June 19, 2020 Lavigne performed the song on Live With Kelly and Ryan.
Charts
Chart (2020) | Peak position |
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Canada (Hot Canadian Digital Songs)[7] | 23 |
UK Download (OCC)[8] | 100 |
US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[9] | 24 |
Release history
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
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Various | April 24, 2020 | BMG | [10] |
References
- "Avril Lavigne - Instagram". Instagram. 21 April 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- "Avril Lavigne Confronts Health Battle On New Song 'Warrior': Hear A Snippet". www.iheart.com. 5 February 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- "Avril Lavigne Re-Recorded 'Warrior' to Honor 'Heroic' Workers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic". Billboard. 21 April 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- "We Are Warriors". Twitter. 21 April 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- "Avril Lavigne - We Are Warriors (Official Video)". YouTube. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
- Nicole Pajer. "Avril Lavigne Explains Her Choice To Pay Tribute to Frontline Workers on "We Are Warriors"". American Songwriter. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
- "Avril Lavigne Chart History (Hot Canadian Digital Songs Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
- "Avril Lavigne Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
- "We Are Warriors - Single by Avril Lavigne". Apple Music. Retrieved April 24, 2020.