The Foundations of Decay

"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. It was written by all four band members with lyrics by lead singer Gerard Way, and produced by Doug McKean, Way, and guitarist Ray Toro. Alongside the band's main lineup, it features drummer Jarrod Alexander and keyboardist Jamie Muhoberac. It was the band's first release since the single "Fake Your Death" (2014).

The song has been described as progressive rock, gothic rock, and post-hardcore, with elements from several rock and heavy metal genres. Its lyrics focus on the band's history and legacy, as well as the September 11 attacks, which resulted in the band's creation. They also explore ideas such as incorruptibility, canonization, and misogyny.

"The Foundations of Decay" was well received by critics, who praised its composition and themes. Several publications considered it one of the best songs released in 2022. It charted in several countries, reaching number 1 on the Rock & Metal chart in the United Kingdom and number 132 on the Billboard Global 200. On May 16, the band debuted it live at the Eden Project, and Warner Records released the song onto mainstream rock radio a day later. It was used as the opening song for every show of the band's Reunion Tour afterwards.