The Foundations of Decay

"The Foundations of Decay"
Single by My Chemical Romance
Released	May 12, 2022
Genre	Progressive rock emo gothic rock post-hardcore
Length	6:00
Label	Reprise
Songwriter(s)	My Chemical Romance
Lyricist(s)	Gerard Way
Producer(s)	Doug McKean Gerard Way Ray Toro
My Chemical Romance singles chronology
"Fake Your Death" (2014) "The Foundations of Decay" (2022)
Music video
"The Foundations of Decay" on YouTube

"The Foundations of Decay" is a song by the American rock band My Chemical Romance. It was surprise-released as a single on May 12, 2022, by Reprise Records. The song was produced by the band's front man Gerard Way, Ray Toro and Doug McKean. The band wrote the song, while Way wrote the lyrics. Alongside the band's main lineup, the song features Jarrod Alexander and Jamie Muhoberac on drums and keyboard respectively. It was the last project McKean worked on before his death in July 2022.

The song is six-minutes long and has been described as progressive rock, gothic rock, post-hardcore, and emo. It also incorporates elements from other genres including doom metal and arena rock. Lyrically, the song discusses the band's history and legacy, as well as events like the September 11 attacks, which played a role in the creation of the band. It also been explores ideas such as the "hero's journey" trope and incorruptibility.

"The Foundations of Decay" was the first song released by the band since "Fake Your Death". "The Foundations of Decay" was later released to mainstream rock radio on May 17 through Warner Records, and the band debuted it live at the Eden Project that same day. It received positive responses from critics and fans, with some journalists considering it one of the best released in 2022. It charted in several countries, reaching number 1 on the Rock & Metal chart in the United Kingdom. It also reached number 132 on the Billboard Global 200.