Miley Cyrus has returned to the pop scene with her new single Flowers, which is the lead single from her upcoming eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation. The song, which was released on January 12, 2023, has been a huge hit, breaking several records and topping charts around the world. But what is the meaning behind the song, and what can we expect from the album?
Flowers is a song about self-love and empowerment, as Miley sings about how she can buy herself flowers, write her name in the sand, and love herself better than her ex can.
But what is the story behind the lyrics, and what do they reveal about Miley’s past and present?
Flowers is thought to be about Miley Cyrus’s split from actor Liam Hemsworth, whom she married in 2018 and broke up with in 2020.
The song references their turbulent relationship and their Malibu home that burned down in the 2018 Woolsey fires. In the first verse, Miley sings: “We were good, we were gold / Kinda dream that can’t be sold / We were right ’til we weren’t / Built a home and watched it burn.”
The song also hints at Miley’s feelings of betrayal and hurt after Liam filed for divorce without giving their marriage another chance. In the pre-chorus, she sings: “I didn’t wanna leave you, I didn’t wanna lie / Started to cry, but then remembered I.” However, instead of dwelling on the past, Miley chooses to focus on herself and her happiness. In the chorus, she sings: “I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand / Talk to myself for hours / Say things you don’t understand / I can take myself dancing / And I can hold my own hand / Yeah, I can love me better than you can.“
The song also has a musical and lyrical resemblance to Bruno Mars’ 2013 hit ‘When I Was Your Man’, which is a song about regret and remorse for not treating a former lover well. Miley seems to flip the script and sing from the perspective of the woman who was left behind but who has moved on and found happiness within herself. She also subtly shades Liam by releasing the song on his birthday.
The song was produced by Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, who have worked with Miley on her previous albums, Younger Now and Plastic Hearts. The song also marks Miley’s return to Columbia Records after leaving RCA Records in 2021.
The music video for Flowers was directed by Jacob Bixenman and features Miley in various colourful outfits and settings, such as a flower shop, a beach, a dance club, and a bedroom. The video shows Miley’s transformation from being sad and lonely to being confident and joyful. She also flaunts her new tattoo, which reads Endless Summer Vacation, which is the name of her new album. The video has over 268 million views on YouTube as of February 4, 2023.
Endless Summer Vacation is Miley’s eighth studio album and was released on March 10, 2023. The album is described by Miley as a “pop extravaganza” that celebrates life, love, and freedom. The album features collaborations with artists such as Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, and Doja Cat.
Miley first teased the new era with cryptic posters in certain cities around the world that featured lyrics and a release date. She then dropped the first teaser on New Year’s Eve, along with the single’s title and release date. Minutes later, she released a second teaser that showed more scenes from the music video.
Miley has also been promoting the song and the album on various platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Discord. She has also performed the song live on several shows, such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Graham Norton Show.
Miley Cyrus’ Flowers is a catchy and empowering anthem that showcases her vocal abilities and her personal growth. The song is a perfect introduction to her new album, Endless Summer Vacation, which promises to be a pop masterpiece that will delight her fans and critics alike.