I Fell in Love with the Devil

On February 7, Avril wrote about the song: "Sometimes your heart conflicts with your head and leads you into situations that you know aren’t right and then once you're there, it's very difficult to get out. I also produced this song with Chris Baseford."[2] "I Fell in Love with the Devil" is about being in a toxic relationship and was announced as the fourth single and officially the second single from the album on June 7, 2019.[3]

In a review of Head Above Water, Arielle Gordon of Pitchfork said "Unfortunately, many of the statements she makes are, by contrast, stale and uninspired. Even in its strongest moments, there is nothing revelatory in the lyrics, which have a tendency to run out of steam. The worst offender might be 'I Fell in Love with the Devil', which recounts the story of a wayward lover with metaphors that seem plucked from a LiveJournal entry".[4] Spin's Zoe Camp was also unfavorable in her review, stating that Lavigne took a "technically slack (read: bored-sounding) stab at soul on 'I Fell in Love with the Devil'" and offered a "not-hot take on an abusive relationship".[5] Alexandra Pollard of The Independent was more positive in her review of the song, claiming "Lavigne's voice reaches new heights too–particularly on 'I Fell in Love with the Devil', an ominous, tightly crafted rumination on toxic relationships".[6] Rolling Stone's Emily Zemler labelled it an "emotive anthem" and a "heartbreak-tinged number", and went on to claim that "['I Fell in Love with the Devil'] is a much more emotionally-driven track than her previous singles, 'Head Above Water' and 'Dumb Blonde'".[7]

A music video for the song was directed by Elliott Lester, who previously directed "Head Above Water", and it premiered on July 15, 2019.[8] Lavigne has been sharing teaser photos of the video shoot to promote the song which later caused the accusations of her being anti-religious by using religious images to promote the song.[9][10] Some scenes were shot at the Golden Oak Ranch in Newhall, California.[11] The video version of the song features elements from both the album version and radio edit while a portion of the bridge was inserted at the beginning. It features Lavigne driving a hearse transporting her own coffin. Later, she is seen in a dark forest wearing goth-inspired ensemble, clutching a silver cross and interspersed with scenes of her playing a piano adorned with branches. Zane Carney, who played the baritone guitar in the song in addition to co-writing fellow Head Above Water track "Crush", makes an appearance as Lavigne's love interest Lucifer.[11][12]

Lavigne performed the song on The Late Late Show with James Corden on April 30, 2019.[13][7] Avril Lavigne performed the song on her Head Above Water Tour.

• Digital download[14]

1. "I Fell in Love with the Devil" (Radio Edit) – 3:38

• Avril Lavigne – lead vocals, writer, producer
• Chris Baseford – producer
• Stephan Moccio – piano
• Zane Carney – baritone guitar

• Avril Lavigne discography
• List of songs performed by Avril Lavigne