Mega-star Avril Lavigne this week released her first new song in five years, about her personal battle with Lyme disease. Its title is “Head Above Water.”

In a statement, the Canadian singer explained the story behind the lyrics:

“One night I thought I was dying, and I had accepted that I was going to die. My mom laid with me in bed and held me. I felt like I was drowning. Under my breath, I prayed, ‘God, please help to keep my head above the water.’ In that moment, the songwriting of this album began. It was like I tapped into something. It was a very spiritual experience. Lyrics flooded through me from that point on.””

She continued: “Those were the worst years of my life as I went through both physical and emotional battles. I was able to turn that fight into music I’m really proud of.”

Listen here: