Rose-Colored Boy

"Rose-Colored Boy" has been described as new wave by Rockfreaks.net,^[1] pop rock by Stereogum^[2] and synth-pop by Rolling Stone.^[3] The song also has an 80s vibe like other tracks in the album.

The band performed the song at Good Morning America on August 25, 2017, along with four other tracks from After Laughter.^[4] The band released a radio edit of the song on March 2, 2018, titled "Mix 2", with small changes.^[5] "Rose-Colored Boy" impacted American contemporary hit radio on March 27, 2018.^[6]

Williams often interpolates the lyrics of Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love into the chorus.

A music video for the song was released on February 5, 2018.^[7] It was directed by Warren Fu and produced by Jona Ward.^[8] The video surrounds a fictional 80s talk show called Wake Up! Roseville, with the band members hosting.^[9] As hosts, the band members are under constant stress from executives, who scold the band (particularly vocalist Hayley Williams) for not creating a more positive environment, matching the lyrics "I ain't gon' smile if I don't want to".^[10] Williams at one point, frustrated, yells "F*ck it! We'll do it live," parodying an outtake from political commentator Bill O'Reilly on Inside Edition. The video ends with the band shown playing the song and causing chaos on set, before resuming the show the very next day, ending with Williams' smile fading.^[11]

As of April 2024, the song has over 19 million views on YouTube.

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.^[12]