Miley Cyrus’s new single “Flowers” is powerful. The song is an anthem of self-love but also a jab at her ex, Liam Hemsworth. It has been rumored that she shot the video in the home he rented to cheat on her while they were married. If it is in fact a song about Liam and their divorce, I applaud her. There’s nothing quite like a great breakup song!
The lyrics of “Flowers” are both powerful and playful. In them, Miley sings about how she has moved on from her past relationship and is now looking ahead to the future with optimism and joy.
She also makes several references to Liam throughout the song—such as when she sings “There’s no one like me / That’s why you miss me / You used to kiss me on my forehead every night / Now I’m dancing in your living room in just my underwear,” which could be interpreted as a message that she still has power over him despite their split.
Some say it’s a play on Bruno Mars’s song “When I Was Your Man”
“When I was Your Man”
“I should have bought you flowers, And held your hand / Should have gave you all my hours, When I had the chance / Take you to every party ’cause all you wanted to do was dance / Now my baby’s dancing, But she’s dancing with another man.”
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“Flowers”
“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 accompanying music video for “Flowers” further amplifies its message of female empowerment by featuring Miley confidently taking up space in what appears to be Liam’s former house (a fact which was later confirmed). Throughout the video we see her dancing around in lingerie-clad glory, doing yoga on his kitchen countertops, and even having some fun playing ping pong with friends—all while wearing a brightly colored outfit covered in flowers! Clearly, there are underlying messages here that cannot be overlooked; namely, that a woman has reclaimed her agency after leaving an unhealthy relationship behind.
Break up songs are a way of healing. Miley is healed up and moved on.
What is your favorite break-up song?
