"The Foundations of Decay" | ||||
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Single by My Chemical Romance | ||||
Released | May 12, 2022 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 6:00 | |||
Label | Reprise | |||
Songwriter(s) | My Chemical Romance | |||
Lyricist(s) | Gerard Way | |||
Producer(s) |
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My Chemical Romance singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"The Foundations of Decay" on YouTube |
"The Foundations of Decay" is a song by the American rock band My Chemical Romance. It was surprise-released as a single on May 12, 2022, by Reprise Records. The song was produced by the band's front man Gerard Way, Ray Toro and Doug McKean. The band wrote the song, while Way wrote the lyrics. Alongside the band's main lineup, the song features Jarrod Alexander and Jamie Muhoberac on drums and keyboard respectively. It was the last project McKean worked on before his death in July 2022.
The song is six-minutes long and has been described as progressive rock, gothic rock, post-hardcore, and emo. It also incorporates elements from other genres including doom metal and arena rock. Lyrically, the song discusses the band's history and legacy, as well as events like the September 11 attacks, which played a role in the creation of the band. It also explores ideas such as incorruptibility, canonization and misogyny.
"The Foundations of Decay" was the first song released by the band since "Fake Your Death". It was later released to mainstream rock radio on May 17 through Warner Records, and the band debuted it live at the Eden Project that same day. The song was well received from critics, who highlighted the song's composition and themes. It charted in several countries, reaching number 1 on the Rock & Metal chart in the United Kingdom and number 132 on the Billboard Global 200. Some media outlets considered it one of the best songs released in 2022.