Avril Lavigne has released “Bite Me,” her first single under Travis Barker’s DTA Records label. Featuring American producer/DJ Marshmello and Travis Barker on drums, the song will appear on Lavigne’s upcoming seventh album, expected to drop in early 2022.
Barker isn’t the only star who rocks out on “Bite Me.” The song also features a cameo from Omer Fedi, who plays guitar on the track and shares a songwriting credit with Lavigne and producers Barker, John Feldmann, and MOD SUN. Sonically, the record is a return to the early pop-punk sound heard on Lavigne’s 2002 blockbuster debut, Let Go. Lavigne later veered more toward pure pop with albums like 2011’s Goodbye Lullaby and 2019’s Head Above Water.
Lyrically, “Bite Me” is an empowering twist on a bitter breakup. “It’s a song about self worth and really just standing up for yourself,” Lavigne told Kevan Kenney, “And just being like, ‘You know what, you didn’t treat me right, you didn’t treat me well, and that doesn’t work for me. So baby, you can bite me.’”
In the opening verse, Lavigne blames her ex for the breakup.
Say what you wanna say, you lied and I got played
You threw it all away and now it’s over
Lavigne’s ex clearly didn’t know who he was messing with. He finds out on the chorus.
Hey you, you should’ve known better, better to fuck with someone like me
Hey you, forever and ever you’re gonna wish I was your wifey
Lavigne’s ex isn’t the only one with regrets. On the bridge, Lavigne admits she could’ve handled things differently as well.
I fell fast when I know I should’ve run
Know I should’ve run, know I should’ve run
Lavigne’s seventh LP doesn’t have an official release date yet, but the singer can guarantee it’ll be worth the wait. “I feel like this album is one of my best records,” Lavigne said. “The songwriting is really strong, lyrically, melodically. And the production is so strong.”
You can read all the lyrics to “Bite Me” on Genius now.
