"We Are Warriors" is a song by Canadian singer

Avril Lavigne Avril Ramona Lavigne ( ; born September 27, 1984) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. At age 16, she signed a two-album recording contract with Arista Records. Her debut studio album, ''Let Go (Avril Lavigne album), Let Go'' (2002), is the ...

released on April 24, 2020, for digital download by the

BMG Rights Management BMG Rights Management GmbH (also known simply as BMG) is an international music company based in Berlin, Germany. It combines the activities of a music publisher and a record label. BMG was founded in October 2008 after Bertelsmann sold its ...

. 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 A charity record or charity single is a song released by musicians with most or all proceeds raised going to a dedicated foundation or charity. George Harrison's " Bangla Desh" single in 1971 is commonly acknowledged as the first ever purpose-mad ...

to support

Project HOPE Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) is an international global health and humanitarian aid non-governmental organization founded in the United States in 1958. Project HOPE works in five main areas: disasters and health cri ...

during the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...

. It is her final release for BMG before signing to

Travis Barker Travis Landon Barker (born November 14, 1975) is an American musician who serves as the drummer for the rock band Blink-182. He has also performed as a frequent collaborator with hip hop artists, is a member of the rap rock group Transpla ...

's label DTA Records and

Elektra Records Elektra Records (or Elektra Entertainment) is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group, founded in 1950 by Jac Holzman and Paul Rickolt. It played an important role in the development of contemporary folk and rock music between the 1 ...

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..." In April 2020, Lavigne announced an upcoming project in relation to the

, in order to raise money for

, an organisation "keeping doctors and medical staff safe all over the world". On 21 April, this was announced as the new single "We Are Warriors", to be released on 24 April. Along with amended vocals, "We Are Warriors" contains additional violin recorded by

Lindsey Stirling Lindsey Stirling (born September 21, 1986) is an American violinist, songwriter, and dancer. She presents choreographed violin performances, in live and music videos found on her official YouTube channel, which she created in 2007. Stirling pe ...

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 The Head Above Water Tour was the sixth concert tour by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne. Launched in support of her sixth studio album, ''Head Above Water (album), Head Above Water'' (2019), the tour began on September 14, 2019 in Seattl ...

. Lavigne used an iPhone to self-film her own scenes from her home.

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 ''The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'' is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Fallon that airs on NBC. The show premiered on February 17, 2014, and is produced by Broadway Video and Universal Television. It is the seventh incar ...

'' on June 11, 2020. On June 19, 2020 Lavigne performed the song on ''

Live with Kelly and Ryan ''Live with Kelly and Ryan'' (or simply ''Live'') is an American syndicated morning talk show hosted by Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest. Executive produced by Michael Gelman, the ''Live with...'' show formula has aired under various hosts since ...

''.

Charts

Release history

References

{{Avril Lavigne 2020 singles 2020 songs Avril Lavigne songs Charity singles Songs written by Avril Lavigne Songs written by Chad Kroeger Songs about the COVID-19 pandemic American power pop songs