Hayley Williams Identifies Morgan Wallen as the ‘Racist Country Singer’ in Her Song

## Hayley Williams Addresses Racism in Country Music

Hayley Williams isn’t hesitant to spotlight issues in country music, particularly those related to racism. In a recent chat with *The New York Times*, the Paramore lead vocalist mentioned that a lyric referencing a “racist country singer” was influenced by Morgan Wallen, who faced backlash after a video surfaced in 2021 where he used the N-word.

### The Inspiration Behind the Lyrics

During the *Times* podcast, hosts Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli pressed Williams for details about the musician referenced in her song “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.” This track is part of her third studio album by the same name. Williams sings, “I’ll be the biggest star at this racist country singer’s bar,” and clarified, “It could be a couple, but I’m always talking about Morgan Wallen, I don’t give a shit.”

@popcast

“I’ll be the biggest star at this racist country singer’s bar.” Hayley Williams revealed to Popcast who that line on her new solo album is about — and why she felt the need to write about racial issues in the South. #hayleywilliams #paramore #fyp

♬ original sound – Popcast

## Speaking Out on Racial Issues

Post questioning, Williams, with a playful tone, added, “Find me at Whole Foods, bitch! I don’t care. I just don’t care.” She emphasized that discussing race-related issues is essential to her. “I’m never not ready to scream at the top of my lungs about racial issues. They intertwine with everything from climate change to LGBTQIA+ matters,” she shared passionately, affirming her commitment to raise her voice on these topics.

### Lyrical Depth on New Album

Williams also explored meaningful lyrics on her new album, particularly in the song “True Believer,” where she alludes to Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.” She reflected on a historical aspect of Franklin, Tennessee, discussing a property bought by a formerly enslaved man from his former enslaver.

“It’s still there and it’s protected now. Franklin and Nashville are being gentrified all the time,” she noted. “I’m really proud that I wrote about my city and infused this important history I know. It felt like I was truly embodying a lyricist when I wrapped that up.”

How do you feel about artists using their platforms to address social issues through their music?