Hayley Williams Is The Best Homie In The World On 'My Friend'

Hayley Williams's newest piece of Petals for Armor is "My Friend," a loving shoutout to someone that's been by her side through thick and thin. Its lyric video features her makeup artist, Brian O'Connor, and shows what sort of wacky adventures that they get into with each other. I think, right after seeing this, we'll all wish to grab our best friend and hold them close.


Williams is O'Connor's ride or perish. He triumphantly says so himself in the video's initial, then referring to her because the Thelma to his Louise. "I've seen her from every side," he says. "Ride or perish, over the cliff." From then on, it's all about the behind-the-scenes fun that they have. Whether it's in the studio between recording takes, standing in front of a residence holding plants, or making funny faces as they get ready for photoshoots, they are, with each other, the spitting image of friendship that is so hard to find.


The intensity of Williams's vocals make this relationship sound even stronger. "My friend," she elongates on the chorus. "You've seen me from every side/ Still down for the ride." The familiar phrase radiates a warmth as it spills from her tongue. It's the equivalent of a strong hug, firm handshake, or hearty dap.


Think about Scooby Doo and Shaggy, Bert and Ernie, Beavis and Butt-Head — "My Friend" is made to cement and celebrate iconic friendships like these. Its bridge is where the festive energy really kicks in: "Who could take your place?/ Who could take mine?/ None could take your place/ None could take mine." Turn to your best friend, now, and plant a wet one right on their left cheek.


As awesome as "My Friend" is, it could be brilliant for another of Williams's Sunday Session performances. Last month, she performed "Leave It Alone" with Paramore member Joey Howard while lounging on a couch. I can already imagine a "My Friend" setup: O'Connor doing jumping jacks in the corner while Williams lovingly croons the number with Howard's help on guitar.


"My Friend" is the eighth song from Petals for Armor that's set to drop on May 8. In February, she dropped a EP, Petals for Armor I, that held the initial five songs she shared from the forthcoming LP like "Simmer," "Leave It Alone," and "Cinnamon." Since that dropped, she's shared both "Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris," and "Over Yet."


Check out the loving video for "My Friend" up above.