of "Complicated", "Sk8er Boi" was selected as the album's second single, being the more controversial choice, according to Reid: "Some people just really didn't get that. And with the first video, there was some concern that maybe because it's so young and so playful, it might alienate more serious music lovers." Composition and lyrics "Sk8er Boi" was written by Lavigne, while the production team the Matrix (consisting of Lauren Christy, Graham Edwards and Scott Spock) co-wrote, arranged and produced the track. "Sk8er Boi" is a punk rock, pop punk, emo, alt-pop, and power pop song about a snobby girl who rejects a skateboarder who has a crush on her despite secretly returning his feelings, letting her friends' prejudices sway her decision-making. Later on, he becomes a superstar musician (even playing guitar on MTV) and has moved on with another woman (who narrates the song) while she ultimately ends up as a young single mother. Critical reception "Sk8er Boi" received critical acclaim for its production. In a review for the album Let Go, Christina Saraceno of AllMusic called "Sk8er Boi" a "terrific power pop bounce", highlighting the song as a "track pick". Brendan Schroer of Sputnikmusic praised the track, writing that Lavigne "brings another injection of infectious vocal work, peppy but not overbearing." Nick Reynolds of BBC Music called it "brilliant", considering the song "a classic high energy pop song with crunchy guitars and a great hook." He also praised its tale, calling it "as slick and clever as an episode of Buffy. It bowls you over with its energy and sticks in your mind." Pat Blashill of Rolling Stone agreed, calling it "seventeen-year-old Lavigne's signature moment," further adding: "Over a rush of nouveau-punk guitar chords, she narrates a funny story line, but none of it would matter if Lavigne didn't have a voice, equal parts baby girl and husky siren, that seems capable of setting off car alarms several city blocks away." Commercial performance The song followed the success of Lavigne's debut single, "Complicated", which topped many charts worldwide and reached the top 10 in others. In Australia, "Sk8er Boi" debuted at its peak position, number three, and remained a further week there. In New Zealand, the song managed to spend 9 weeks until it reached the peak position, number two, on 8 December 2002. In the United States, "Sk8er Boi" debuted at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100