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 produced by Doug McKean alongside band members Gerard Way and Ray Toro. 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 band's first release since "Fake Your Death" (2014).

"The Foundations of Decay" has been described as a progressive rock, gothic rock, and post-hardcore song with elements from other genres like doom metal and arena rock. Its lyrics focus on the band's history, legacy and its correlating events, such as the September 11 attacks, which played a role in the creation of the band. It also explores ideas such as incorruptibility, canonization, and misogyny.

The song was well received from critics, who highlighted the song's composition and themes. Some media outlets 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. The song was later released onto mainstream rock radio on May 17 through Warner Records, and the band debuted it live at the Eden Project that same day.