If you are pop-music junkie like me, you probably had a heart attack when Katy Perry dropped her new song "Chained to the Rhythm."
First of all, you probably had a heart attack because it is Katy Perry and she is literally the best ever.
Second of all, you might have gone into shock because it's her first new release in 3 YEARS!!!!
Third of all, you may have been lucky enough to hear the song early! Thousands had the opportunity to stop by and listen to the song via a "chained" disco ball! She distributed these all over the world!
But this article is about more than just how amazing Katy Perry is and how amazing her Grammy performance was (it was so perfect).
I want to take you into the song. I want to show you the lyrics and I want to essentially enter the brain of KP!
{All of the ideas projected in this article are possible interpretations}
Let's start with the title: "Chained to the Rhythm." This title combines KP's traditional disco vibes but adds a strange twist with the word "chained." It is easy to see the rhythm as a metaphor for "The Man." And being chained to the rhythm makes one susceptible not only to injustice but also to falling into the rhythm (no pun intended) of passiveness.
The first verse talks about the listeners being "trapped in our white picket fence...Like ornaments" and asks "Aren't you lonely? Up there in utopia." These verses seem to point to a wide array of people. I immediately think of celebrities. They are ornaments for many, just another addition to people they use for money. I think of how many artists have come out about depression and loneliness when many expect that fame is utopia. But I also think of women. More and more often we see women being used for their body - to sell a product or an idea.
Her chorus and second verse clear up what she is discussing - the American people in general. KP, I believe, sees America is utopia for people who fail to see the direction we are going.
KP is very openly a supporter of Clinton so from that information as well as the chorus lyrics like " dance to the distortion...We think we're free...Stumbling around like a wasted zombie" we can clearly see this is a very politically charged song.
KP does one more thing that makes this song epic - she features Skip Marley (oh yeah, that's Bob Marley's grandson). The reggae twist to this disco-themed song adds a new level of impression that is catching ears everywhere.
It is for all of those reasons that this song hit the top of the charts not only the USA but also the UK.
I think it is safe to say that Katy Perry's comeback track is not only amazing, but impressive. From start to finish to the metaphor it provides, this song is a pure example of musical genius!
