Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
FSU | Culture

Why Gen Z Is Freaking Out Over Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”

Olivia Dumornay Student Contributor, Florida State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

A fan-favorite Hollywood star has made her mark once again, and 2023 has only just begun! Singer-songwriter and actress Miley Cyrus recently released her record-breaking single, “Flowers,” on Jan. 12. Her fans from around the world are currently having a blast listening to it. The song precedes her upcoming album, Endless Summer Vacation, which will be released in March of this year.

Along with listening to “Flowers,” Gen Z has been deciphering it. They have unhatched various easter eggs that they suspect are in both the song and its respective music video, which was also released on Jan. 12. It is believed that the song, which is centered around a breakup, is connected to Cyrus’ ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth. Currently, Cyrus has not publicly addressed any potential hidden meanings in “Flowers.” However, this has not stopped the endless rabbit hole of theories.

What is believed to be confirmation that “Flowers” is connected to Hemsworth is the first verse lyric, “built a home and watched it burn.” Many believe that it may be a reference to Cyrus and Hemsworth’s home in Malibu that burned down during the Woolsey fires in 2018. What is also believed to confirm the song’s connection to Hemsworth is the fact that the song and the music video were released on his 33rd birthday. While Hemsworth’s birthday is on Jan. 13, “Flowers” was released when it was Jan. 12 in the United States and thus Jan. 13 in Hemsworth’s birthplace, Australia.

There is a specific theory regarding “Flowers” that is shocking to a lot of listeners. It is that Hemsworth dedicated the song “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars to Cyrus during their relationship, causing her to put a spin on it in the chorus of “Flowers.” While Mars sings “I should’ve bought you flowers and held your hand”, Cyrus sings “I can buy myself flowers” and “I can hold my own hand.” This theory has been spread throughout different social media platforms, but especially on TikTok.

In terms of the music video for Cyrus’ new smash hit, theories have also emerged. Social media users have claimed that the house used in the video is where Hemsworth allegedly cheated on Cyrus. It has also been said that the suit worn by Cyrus toward the end of the video was worn by Hemsworth himself when they were on the red carpet together for a premiere. Many fans are convinced that he told Cyrus to behave herself in a viral video of them during that premiere.

Cyrus’ release of “Flowers” has provoked Gen-Z to dive deeper into the relationship she had with Liam Hemsworth. The various theories have recently been dominating social media platforms, boosting the song’s popularity. Last week, it was announced that the song had become Spotify’s “most-streamed song in a seven-day period.” Reaching 100 million streams on the platform very quickly, it surpassed BTS’ “Butter,” which was holding the record title before.

It is hard to tell whether Miley Cyrus will publicly address the possible easter eggs behind “Flowers,” but that has not stopped Gen Z from searching for ways to uncover the truth about her and Liam Hemsworth. Beyond this, however, the song is currently ruling the charts and the internet, proving that Cyrus’ self-love anthem has the world in the palm of its hand.

Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!

Olivia Dumornay is a graduate of the spring Class of 2025 at Florida State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Media & Communication Studies with a minor in Sociology. She served as a Staff Writer during her first year with Her Campus at FSU, and then served as an Associate Editor through the end of her undergraduate years. During her time as an Associate Editor for the chapter's publication, Olivia oversaw a group of six staff writers, editing their submitted articles on a weekly schedule prior to publishing, along with other responsibilities.

Outside of her role in Her Campus at FSU, Olivia served as a member of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Student Capital Chapter, and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. She also often danced with Tallahassee-based, K-Pop dance group, Seoula System.

Olivia is currently pursuing a Master of Professional Studies degree in Public Relations & Corporate Communications at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She is working toward a career in public relations, with a focus on the beauty, fashion, and consumer industries.

You can find Olivia rambling about her favorite music artists and films, fashion, and more. She spends her free time singing and learning new choreography, re-watching her "comfort" TV shows, listening to music, and going out on the town with her friends and family.