He Wasn't
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| "He Wasn't" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Avril Lavigne | ||||
| from the album Under My Skin | ||||
| Released | March 28, 2005 | |||
| Studio |
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| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:59 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters |
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| Producer | Raine Maida | |||
| Avril Lavigne singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "He Wasn't" on YouTube | ||||
"He Wasn't" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne, released on March 28, 2005, as the fourth and final single from her second studio album, Under My Skin (2004). The song was written by Lavigne and Chantal Kreviazuk, and produced by Raine Maida. "He Wasn't" was released as a single in Europe and Oceania and received airplay on Canadian radio. In the United States, "Fall to Pieces" was released as the fourth single instead.
Composition and lyrics
[edit]"He Wasn't" is a faster and more upbeat take on the boyfriend "not being good enough" trope, as opposed to Lavigne's slower paced songs from Under My Skin on the same matter. Alexis Petridis of The Guardian compared the song to the pop-punk of her debut album, Let Go (2002), specifically "Sk8er Boi".[1] Chantal Kreviazuk described the song as "a super-fun, punk, screw-you-to-boys song,"[2] while AllMusic highlighted the song as one of the most significant in the post-grunge genre.[3]
The song's lyrics are about an unsuccessful relationship between Lavigne and a man who appears to be treating her badly, such as not even opening the door to her. On a documentary of the making of the "My Happy Ending" music video, "He Wasn't" plays in the background and Lavigne jokes, "'He wasn't what I wanted'...is that a theme on my record?".[citation needed]
Critical reception
[edit]"He Wasn't" was criticized for the shallowness of the lyrics. Sal Cinquemani of Slant magazine described the song as a "crappy faux-punk tune", mostly because of the lyrical content.[4] David Browne of Entertainment Weekly described the song as a "bratty kiss-off" and labelled it "boardroom-approved mall punk" noting that it sounded similar to songs on Lavigne's first album, Let Go.[5]
However, "He Wasn't" has also been praised for its loud, catchy nature; Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic describes the song as "the fastest, loudest, catchiest, and best song here, and the one closest to the spirit and sound of Let Go".[6] He also highlighted the song as a 'track pick' in a review of the album, Under My Skin.[6] Rolling Stone was positive "The album's best song, a raucous three-minute sprint called "He Wasn't," has a pretty vacant opening line ("There's not much going on today/I'm really bored") and a simple yet ambiguous chorus: "He wouldn't even open up the door/He never made me feel like I was special." but "The words are full of contempt and self-pity, but she sings them like she doesn't really care."[7] Yahoo Music! wrote: ""He Wasn't" maintains this theme (broken relationship) with a dashing, Clash-style chorus that chastises this young man for not opening doors. Jeez, young women these days - one minute they're wearing stack-heeled DMs and fairy queen ra-ra skirts and the next they give you hell for not acting like your dad."[8]
Accolades
[edit]| Award/Publisher | Year | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AllMusic | 2012 | Most Significant Post-grunge Songs of All Time † | Longlisted | [3] |
| MTV Video Music Brazil | 2005 | Best International Video | Nominated | [9] |
Commercial performance
[edit]"He Wasn't" released as a single in the United States, instead "Fall to Pieces" was, but in the United Kingdom, the song debuted at No. 23 and spent four weeks on the chart.[10] In Australia, it debuted at No. 25 and spent six weeks on the chart.[11] The song was most successful on the Ultratip Bubbling Under charts in Belgium, peaking at No. 2 in both the regions of Flanders and Wallonia.
Music video
[edit]Background
[edit]The music video was directed by American duo the Malloys in New York on December 13, 2004.[12][13] The production duo previously worked on the music video for Lavigne's "Complicated" (2002). Members of Lavigne's backing band, including Evan Taubenfeld, are featured in the music video.
During the shooting of the music video when the pink slime came out, Lavigne tells that days later her hair was still pink and she needed to redye it because during the next days she was scheduled to have a photoshoot with Cosmopolitan and her hair was looking really messy and all pink.[14]
Synopsis
[edit]
The video features Lavigne singing and her band playing instruments in the background. There are scenes where she dances around wearing white gloves, a pink skirt, and holding a magic wand (she is portraying a fairy), and other scenes where she is wearing devil horns on her head (she is portraying the devil). It turns out that Lavigne and her band are at a video shoot, and later get into a food fight, much to the dismay of the directors - who are played by Lavigne and the band, all dressed up in wigs and suits. Avril then rebels and smashes her guitar into the camera lens, and then into the paper wall, where pink paint splashes out. The video ends with the band dancing and Lavigne doing the splits.
Live performances
[edit]The song was performed during the Bonez Tour (2004-2005) as the opening song of the concert tour. "He Wasn't" has subsequently been included on Lavigne's the Best Damn World Tour (2008), Black Star Tour (2011-2012), the Avril Lavigne Tour (2013-2014), and Head Above Water Tour (2019).
Track listings and formats
[edit]- UK CD[15]
- "He Wasn't" – 2:59
- "He Wasn't" (live version) – 3:16
- "He Wasn't" (video)
- "Video Diary"
- Australian CD[16]
- "He Wasn't" – 2:59
- "He Wasn't" (live full band performance) – 3:13
- "He Wasn't" (live acoustic version) – 3:16
- "He Wasn't" (video)
- French CD[17]
- "He Wasn't" – 2:59
- "He Wasn't" (live acoustic version) – 3:16
Credits and personnel
[edit]Adapted from the "He Wasn't" CD single liner notes.[15]
Studios
- Recorded at Whitecoat Sound (Malibu) and The Boat (Los Angeles)
Personnel
- Avril Lavigne – writing, lead vocals
- Chantal Kreviazuk – writing
- Phil X – guitar
- Mike Elizondo – bass
- Bill Lefler – drums
- Brian Garcia – percussion, recording, digital editing
- Raine Maida – producer
- Danny Kalb – recording assistance
- Bob Boyd – recording assistance
- Jason Lader – digital editing
- Tom Lord-Alge – mixing
- Femio Hernandez – mixing assistance
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2005) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[11] | 25 |
| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[18] | 35 |
| Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[19] | 2 |
| Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[20] | 2 |
| Canada CHR/Pop Top 30 (Radio & Records)[21] | 17 |
| Germany (GfK)[22] | 29 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[23] | 35 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[24] | 9 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[25] | 99 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[26] | 38 |
| Scotland Singles (OCC)[27] | 25 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[28] | 43 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[10] | 23 |
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | March 28, 2005 | CD | Arista | [29] |
| Australia | April 4, 2005 | [30] | ||
| Germany | April 18, 2005 | [31] |
References
[edit]- ^ Petridis, Alexis (June 20, 2024). "It's complicated: Avril Lavigne's 20 best songs – ranked!". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
- ^ Bliss, Karen (April 2004). "Avril Lavigne's Dark Side". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
- ^ a b "Significant Post-Grunge songs". AllMusic. Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
- ^ Cinquemani, Sal (May 20, 2004). "Avril Lavigne: Under My Skin". Slant Magazine. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
- ^ Browne, David (May 24, 2004). "Under My Skin (2004)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
- ^ a b Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. "Under My Skin: Avril Lavigne". Allmusic. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
- ^ "Under My Skin". Rolling Stone. June 10, 2004.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne Under My Skin Album Review". Archived from the original on July 18, 2011.
- ^ "MTV anuncia a lista de indicados ao VMB". UOL (in Portuguese). May 18, 2005. Retrieved November 21, 2009.
- ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ a b "Avril Lavigne – He Wasn't". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne 'He Wasn't' Video". popdirt.com. January 28, 2005. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
- ^ "ONLY AVRIL | avril-l.org // #1 fansite for Avril Lavigne". Avril-l.org. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
- ^ "Avril talking about the "He Wasn't" video incident". April 8, 2009. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2009 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b He Wasn't (UK CD Single liner notes). RCA Records. 2005. 82876 68305 2.
- ^ He Wasn't (AUS CD Single liner notes). RCA Records. 2005. 82876 69074 2.
- ^ He Wasn't (FRA CD Single liner notes). RCA Records. 2005. 82876 687732.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne – He Wasn't" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne – He Wasn't" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne – He Wasn't" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "R&R Canada CHR/Pop Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1602. April 15, 2005. p. 32. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne – He Wasn't" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Avril Lavigne". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
- ^ "Top 40 Tipparade week 20 van 2005". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne – He Wasn't" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne – He Wasn't". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne – He Wasn't". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. March 26, 2005. p. 35.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 04/04/2005" (PDF). ARIA. April 4, 2005. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 19, 2005. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
- ^ "He Wasn't". Amazon Germany.
He Wasn't
View on GrokipediaBackground and composition
Writing and recording
"He Wasn't" was co-written by Avril Lavigne and Chantal Kreviazuk during the recording sessions for Lavigne's second studio album, Under My Skin, spanning 2003 to 2004.[7][8] Lavigne contributed significantly to the lyrics, drawing from her personal experiences with failed relationships to infuse the song with themes of disappointment and empowerment.[9] Kreviazuk, a Canadian singer-songwriter, collaborated closely with Lavigne in an informal setting, which facilitated a raw and energetic creative process described as producing a "super-fun, punk, screw-you-to-boys song."[7] The track was produced by Raine Maida, the lead singer of Our Lady Peace and Lavigne's husband at the time.[10][11] Maida's production emphasized the song's pop-punk edge, blending Lavigne's vocal delivery with layered rock elements to capture its defiant tone.[2] Recording took place in 2004 at Whitecoat Sound in Malibu, California, and The Boat in Los Angeles, California, as part of the broader Under My Skin sessions.[12] The song features pop-punk instrumentation, including prominent guitar riffs by Phil X, bass lines from Mike Elizondo, and energetic drums by Bill Lefler, which drive its upbeat yet acerbic rhythm.[13][11] These elements were recorded to highlight the track's fast-paced, riff-heavy structure, aligning with the album's shift toward a darker, more alternative rock sound.[9]Lyrics and musical style
The lyrics of "He Wasn't" center on an unsuccessful romantic relationship, where the narrator reflects on a dismissive partner who fails to treat her with basic courtesy or emotional investment. Specific grievances include the partner's refusal to "open up the door" or make her feel "special," symbolizing a broader lack of chivalry and attentiveness in the dynamic.[2] These elements underscore themes of disillusionment and frustration, as the narrator grapples with the realization that her expectations for love and respect have gone unmet. Co-written by Avril Lavigne and Chantal Kreviazuk, the song culminates in a message of empowerment, urging self-assertion and the choice to move on from an unfulfilling situation.[8] Musically, "He Wasn't" follows a standard verse-chorus structure, beginning with an introspective verse, building through a pre-chorus to an anthemic chorus, and resolving with a bridge that amplifies the empowerment theme before an outro. The track runs for 2:59, performed in the key of D major at a tempo of 173 BPM, contributing to its upbeat yet urgent drive. Its pop-punk style draws influences from Lavigne's debut album Let Go, evident in the use of power chords, a driving bass line, and Lavigne's signature raspy vocals that convey raw emotion.[14][15] Within the early 2000s teen pop-punk context, the song embodies frustration with relational inequities while promoting personal agency, aligning with the genre's blend of adolescent angst and catchy accessibility.[16]Release and formats
Single release
"He Wasn't" was released on March 28, 2005, as the fourth single from Avril Lavigne's second studio album, Under My Skin.[17] The single targeted markets in Europe, Oceania, and Canada, with physical and promotional releases documented in those regions during 2005.[18][3] In the United States, promotion focused on "Fall to Pieces" as the album's fourth single instead. It formed part of the ongoing promotion for Under My Skin, originally released on May 25, 2004, succeeding the singles "My Happy Ending" in June 2004 and "Nobody's Home" in November 2004.[19][17] Initial radio airplay in the targeted regions began in early 2005, appearing on charts such as the HeatSeekers Radio Tracks by April.[20]Track listings
The single "He Wasn't" was available in multiple formats, with track listings tailored to physical and digital releases across regions.CD single (Europe/Australia)
The CD single released in Europe and Australia featured three audio tracks along with an enhanced music video component.| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "He Wasn't" (album version) | 2:59 |
| 2 | "He Wasn't" (live from Bonez Tour) | 3:13 |
| 3 | "He Wasn't" (live acoustic version) | 3:16 |
Digital download
The digital download edition included only the album version of "He Wasn't", with a runtime of 2:59.[22]Promo CD
Promotional CDs distributed to radio stations and media included the radio edit (identical to the album version at 2:59).[1] No official remixes of "He Wasn't" were released at the time of the single's launch, though acoustic versions later appeared on compilations such as the 2004 Avril Live: Acoustic EP.[23]Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release as the fourth single from Avril Lavigne's second album Under My Skin in 2005, "He Wasn't" received mixed critical feedback, with reviewers highlighting its energetic pop-punk elements while critiquing its lyrical depth. Similarly, Entertainment Weekly noted it as an "even catchier pop-punk tune" following the lead single "Don't Tell Me," emphasizing its theme of empowerment through dumping a subpar partner.[24] Criticisms focused on the song's perceived shallowness and formulaic nature within Lavigne's oeuvre. Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani called it a "crappy faux-punk tune," pointing to vague and archetypical lyrics like the opening lines about boredom as emblematic of the album's immature posturing.[25] AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine, in his album review, acknowledged its standout catchiness and speed as the closest return to the punky bubblegum of Lavigne's debut Let Go, though he implied it was an exception amid the record's darker, moodier tone.[26] Overall, reception positioned "He Wasn't" as a solid but not exceptional entry in Lavigne's early catalog, with album reviews averaging around 3 out of 5 stars across major outlets, reflecting its energetic delivery without groundbreaking innovation. In retrospective assessments up to 2025, particularly with the 2024 release of Lavigne's compilation Greatest Hits, "He Wasn't" was included as a track from Under My Skin, appearing alongside staples like "Complicated" and "My Happy Ending."[27]Accolades
"He Wasn't" received a nomination for Best International Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Brazil awards. In 2024, "He Wasn't" was featured on Avril Lavigne's first greatest hits compilation album, Greatest Hits, which celebrates her career-spanning legacy and includes key tracks from her Under My Skin era.[17] While the single itself did not achieve major wins, it is noted within the broader accolades for Lavigne's Under My Skin album, which won Pop Album of the Year at the 2005 Juno Awards; Lavigne also secured Artist of the Year and the fan-voted Juno Fan Choice Award that year.[28][29]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"He Wasn't" achieved moderate commercial success upon its release in 2005, entering various international music charts primarily in Europe, Australia, and select other markets. The single marked Avril Lavigne's fourth release from her album Under My Skin, and while it did not reach the top 10 in major territories, it demonstrated sustained radio and sales interest in several regions. The song's strongest performance occurred in the United Kingdom, where it debuted and peaked at No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart on April 9, 2005, spending a total of four weeks in the top 100.[30] In Australia, it reached No. 25 on the ARIA Singles Chart upon entry on April 24, 2005, and remained on the chart for six weeks.[31] In the United States, where it received limited promotional push, "He Wasn't" peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. The track also performed notably on the Italian Singles Chart, peaking at No. 29 and spending three weeks there.| Chart (2005) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart (OCC) | 23 | 4 |
| Australian Singles (ARIA) | 25 | 6 |
| US Pop 100 (Billboard) | 35 | N/A |
| Italian Singles (FIMI) | 29 | 3 |
| German Singles (GfK) | 29 | 9 |
| Austrian Singles (Ö3 Austria Top 40) | 35 | 8 |
| Irish Singles (IRMA) | 35 | 2 |
| Swiss Singles (Schweizer Hitparade) | 43 | 6 |
| New Zealand Singles (RIANZ) | 38 | 1 |