The Meaning Behind The Song: What the Hell by Avril Lavigne

Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne rose to fame in 2002 with her debut album Let Go, which featured hits like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi”. However, in 2011, she released her fourth studio album Goodbye Lullaby, which featured the lead single “What the Hell”. The song became a hit, reaching the top 20 in several countries.

So, what exactly does “What the Hell” mean? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the meaning behind the song, as well as explore some frequently asked questions about it.

What is the song about?

“What the Hell” is a song about being free, carefree, and not caring about what others think. In the song, Lavigne sings about wanting to let go of stress and worries and just have fun, as evidenced by the lyrics: “All my life I’ve been good, but now / I’m thinking ‘What the hell?’” The song is about living in the moment and enjoying life, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

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What inspired the song?

In interviews, Lavigne has revealed that the song was inspired by her ex-husband Deryck Whibley, the lead singer of pop punk band Sum 41. According to Lavigne, the two of them had a lot of fun together and would often go out partying, but as their relationship deteriorated, she began to feel like she was suffocating. “What the Hell” was her way of saying that she wanted to let go of all that stress and just have fun again.

What was the recording process like for the song?

Lavigne recorded “What the Hell” in 2010 with producer Max Martin, who has worked with artists like Britney Spears and Taylor Swift. In an interview with MTV, Lavigne described the recording process as “really fun” and “energetic”. She also revealed that Martin was very hands-on and helped her pick out the perfect vocal takes.

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What was the public’s response to the song?

“What the Hell” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The song’s upbeat, anthemic chorus and empowering message resonated with audiences and earned it a place in the hearts of Lavigne’s fans.

Did the song win any awards?

“What the Hell” was nominated for Best International Hit at the 2011 NRJ Music Awards in France. While it did not win, it was still a testament to the song’s popularity and success.

What about the music video?

The music video for “What the Hell” was directed by Marcus Raboy and features Lavigne wreaking havoc at a house party. The video was praised for its fun, carefree vibe and Lavigne’s infectious energy. It has since amassed over 300 million views on YouTube.

What other songs are on the album Goodbye Lullaby?

Goodbye Lullaby features a number of other hits, including “Smile”, “Wish You Were Here”, and “Push”. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified gold in the United States and Canada.

What was the critical response to the album?

Critical response to Goodbye Lullaby was mixed. Some critics praised Lavigne’s maturity and growth as an artist, while others felt that the album lacked the energy and edge of her earlier work. Nevertheless, the album went on to be a commercial success and cemented Lavigne’s place as a pop punk icon.

How has the song impacted Lavigne’s career?

“What the Hell” cemented Lavigne’s status as a pop punk icon and helped to reestablish her as a major force in the music industry. The song’s infectious energy and empowering lyrics helped to make it a fan favorite and a staple of Lavigne’s live performances.

What is Lavigne up to these days?

Lavigne has continued to make music and tour following the release of Goodbye Lullaby. In 2019, she released her sixth studio album Head Above Water, which features the hit title track as well as singles like “Dumb Blonde” and “I Fell in Love with the Devil”. She also made headlines in 2021 when she announced her engagement to musician Mod Sun.

What advice does Lavigne have for aspiring musicians?

In interviews, Lavigne has emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and following one’s own unique path. She encourages aspiring musicians to be authentic and to never give up on their dreams: “Believe in yourself, be passionate and love what you do. Always stay true to who you are and never compromise on your vision.”

What are some other empowering songs by Lavigne?

Lavigne is known for her empowering anthems, and “What the Hell” is just one example. Other empowering songs in her discography include “Complicated”, “Sk8er Boi”, “Girlfriend”, and “I’m with You”.

What can we expect from Lavigne in the future?

As of this writing, Lavigne has not announced any new music or tour dates. However, fans can expect her to continue making music and empowering listeners with her infectious anthems.

Conclusion

“What the Hell” is a song about living in the moment, being carefree, and not caring about what anyone else thinks. It helped to cement Lavigne’s place as a pop punk icon and continues to be a fan favorite to this day. By exploring the song’s meaning and answering some frequently asked questions, we hope we have given you a greater appreciation for this infectious, empowering anthem.