Miley Cyrus opens up about the deeply personal inspiration behind her new song for Avatar: Fire and Ashesthat reveals how her own life experiences shaped the emotional core of the track.
The Grammy-winning singer, 33, wrote the song Dream like one for the third installment of James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise, and she says the message came directly from her own journey of loss, rebuilding and resilience.
When we spoke about the project, Cyrus explained that the film’s title itself immediately resonated with her life story.
“In title alone, Fire and AshesI have had my own experience of rebuilding from scratch,” she said.
As you know, Cyrus lost her home in Malibu in the wildfires of 2018, an experience that profoundly changed her perspective. That feeling of starting over, she said, became the emotional basis of the song.
The timing of the project also felt meaningful.
After reflecting on the devastating wildfires that hit parts of Los Angeles in early 2025, Cyrus explained that the song naturally evolved into a message of unity and healing.
“Lately we’ve all had this idea of being there for each other and stepping in when your people need it,” she said, adding that it’s about community, chosen family and finding strength together.
For Cyrus, that theme reflects the heart Avatar: Fire and Asheswhich continues the story of Jake and Neytiri as they face new losses and challenges.
She said the film’s message closely aligns with her own view of resilience. “The ability to get back up,” she noted, “is really what this story is about.”
Unlike her usual songwriting process, Cyrus worked differently this time.
She explained that she was able to watch the film while it was still in progress, which allowed her to shape the music around its emotional arc.
“I got to feel like I was a part of building it,” she said, adding that the experience helped her connect deeply with the themes of the story.
The singer also reflected on how her past has affected her creativity, citing the loss of her home as something that ultimately reshaped her outlook.
She previously called that experience “the greatest blessing” of her life and said it taught her that growth often comes from adversity.
With Avatar: Fire and Ashes now in theaters, Cyrus says she’s proud to be a part of a project that celebrates resilience, connection and hope, themes she believes resonate far beyond the screen.
