hayley williams petals for armor, paramore
[Photo by: Lindsey Byrnes]

Hayley Williams reveals intimate look at ‘Petals For Armor’ album cover–UPDATE

Continuing her trek into solo success, Hayley Williams has now debuted the cover art for the upcoming album Petals For ArmorHer debut solo record is set to release May 8.

Hayley Williams has already dropped two songs and four videos. The two tracks are “Simmer” and “Leave It Alone.” Each song has its own music video and an interlude that bridges the gap between the two and what comes next, respectively.

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“Simmer” marked the first piece of music from Williams since Paramore ended the After Laughter cycle and retired “Misery Business” in September 2018. The band haven’t played together since with their future up in the air until June 2019 when they posted a muted video. Nothing came from that but Williams does regret leaving fans question the band’s future. The band then took to Instagram, sharing a year-end post reflecting on their time together before clarifying it didn’t mean a breakup was coming.

In an Annie Mac BBC Radio 1 interview, she discussed the themes and ideas that led her to Petals For Armor. 

“I think, for me, it’s somewhat of a mantra to try and stay soft in a really, really hard world and feel pain and let all of it come to you and try and put out something that can redeem it all, even if it’s ugly at first, Willaims says. “The lyric is “wrap yourself in petals for armor” because I kept feeling like the way for me to protect myself best is to be vulnerable and be OK with having a lot of pain at certain times and also feeling a lot of joy at certain times.”

“As long as I’m staying soft to those things and I’m open to letting those things in and out of me then I actually can survive the world a lot easier than if I stay hard and with my fists up all the time.”

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Now, Hayley Williams has shown the cover art for Petals For Armor. In addition, she has given the preorder date and said when we can expect some new music and a video. Surprise, it’s today. Check out the announcement and cover below.

i wanted to be the first to share the cover for my album, Petals For Armor, which comes out in May. shot by @LindseyByrnes, my very good friend and one of my favorite creative collaborators. pre-orders will open up tomorrow. you get more songs + another video too. MAY 8 ? 

Hayley also discussed the styling theme for the picture.

Take note, Hayley Williams says we get more “songs” plural. That’s really exciting news because thus far, her solo work has been absolutely incredible. Check out the continuing story that Williams is building with Petals For Armor below.

With the great news of some new music tomorrow, we can’t wait to see what happen next in the solo-sage of Hayley Williams. Tell us what you think in the comments below!

UPDATE: FEB. 6, 2020, 12:26 P.M. ET

Hayley Williams apparently had more in store for fans than we thought. The Paramore singer and successful solo artists just dropped an EP. It’s titled Petals For Armor I. With it, we received three new songs, in addition to “Simmer” and Leave It Alone.” The new songs are “Cinnamon,” “Creepin'” and “Sudden Desire.” Cinnamon, also received a music video.

Williams took to Twitter to announce the first part of her album.

today is completely bonkers. bare with me!!!! part 1 of my album is out today. i thought it best to start the journey this way. 5 songs, some real heavy themes… let’s get this carthasis today, people. PETALS FOR ARMOR I 

Speaking on why she’s releasing the album in parts, Williams’ said she wants fans to experience it the way she did.

“There are a lot of themes covered on the album as a whole and I thought it best to separate some of these themes so that there can be time for everyone to digest some of the songs before we move along to others,” Hayley says of PETALS FOR ARMOR I. “It’s a way to include people on the journey in the same way that I experienced it.”

The new video for “Cinnamon” picks up right where the “Leave It Alone Interlude” left off. The song is rather upbeat but deals with the same dark themes that Williams has previously introduced us to.  Watch the video and continue the story below.

“Cinnamon” Lyrics

On the walls
Of my home
There are signs
That I’m alone
I keep on
Every light
Talk to my dog
He don’t mind

Ahhhhhh

Eat my breakfast
In the nude
Lemon water
Living room
Home is where I’m
Feminine
Smells like
Citrus and cinnamon

Ahhhhh
Cinnamon

I’m not lonely
I am free
But if I let you in, you would never want to leave
If I let you in
If ever I let you in
Cinnamon

I’m not lonely baby I am free
Mhmmm finally
I’m not lonely baby I am free

Ahhhhhh
Cinnamon

If I let you in
Cinnamon

Stream Petals For Armor I below.

Williams also launched the preorders for the entire album today with different bundles and merchandise. Petals For Armor can be preordered here.

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