The True Meaning Of Katy Perry's New Song | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The True Meaning Of Katy Perry's New Song

"It goes on and on."

2k
The True Meaning Of Katy Perry's New Song
Capital FM

I've been a "KatyCat" for a few years, and about a month ago, I questioned where she's been. Then suddenly, she drops a new single. Naturally, I immediately searched the net to give it a listen–and though I'm disappointed to say it, I initially dismissed Katy Perry's new hit single, "Chained To The Rhythm," as just another bubble gum pop tune to get people to dance. Usually, Katy Perry's lyrics either have a message, or tell a story, so I was quite confused at first. But then, I gave it another listen. And thank God I did because the lyrics are absolutely genius. I couldn't believe that I didn't hear them in the first place, but I can say that this is easily one of my favorite songs now.

If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing this song or just don't know the actual meaning to it, allow me to give my best analyzation of the lyrics for you:

[Verse 1]

"Are we crazy?
Living our lives through a lens
Trapped in our white picket fence
Like ornaments
So comfortable, we're living in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble
Aren't you lonely?
Up there in utopia
Where nothing will ever be enough
Happily numb
So comfortable, we're living in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble"

In this first verse, Katy directly addresses first world people, asking why we are the way we are. In our day to day lives, we live happily in our own little bubbles–our little "utopia"–and we demand more and more every day. All we ever do is want things for our own selfish purposes.

[Pre-Chorus]

"So put your rose-colored glasses on
And party on
Turn it up, it's your favorite song
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion"

Here, the term "rose-colored glasses" is referring to the idea that we look at the world itself and/or its past events as only being happy and pleasant experiences, rather than seeing them for what they truly are.

[Chorus]

"Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumbling around like a wasted zombie, yeah
We think we're free
Drink, this one's on me
We're all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm
To the rhythm
Turn it up, it's your favorite song
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion
Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumbling around like a wasted zombie, yeah
We think we're free
Drink, this one's on me
We're all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm
To the rhythm"

In the chorus, Katy points to the eerie reality that we take part in. We dance our "problems" away and think everything is alright... Or at least, in that moment. We think that we are "free" from real-world problems, when in reality, we just tend to ignore them by "partying them away."

[Verse 2]

"Are we tone deaf?
Keep sweeping it under the mat
Thought we could do better than that
I hope we can
So comfortable, we're living in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble"

In this second verse, she tries to awake us from our daily ignorance of what's happening around us. "Are we tone deaf" seems to suggest that we can't tell the difference from what is truly important, and what is not, while "Keep sweeping it under the mat" leans to the idea that we tend to "shoo away" negative thoughts, and issues that aren't inclusive to ourselves.

[Chorus Again]

[Skip Marley (Bridge)]

"It is my desire
Break down the walls to connect, inspire, ay
Up in your high place, liars
Time is ticking for the empire
The truth they feed is feeble
As so many times before
They greed over the people
They stumbling and fumbling
And we about to riot
They woke up, they woke up the lions"

Skip Marley's bridge preaches that the "higher ups," are all liars, though they claim to feed us the truth. Those in the "high place" are the rich and powerful. They are greedy in that they will always be hungry for more power and more money. When he mentions the "lions" and their "waking up," he is referring to those who are aware of the truth and the reality of the issues in the world, and those who are ready to fight for what is right.

[Chorus Again]

[Outro]

It goes on and on and on
It goes on and on and on
It goes on and on and on
'Cause we're all chained to the rhythm"

Katy states that this phenomenon of being completely oblivious to what's around us is continuous. I think that this is the scariest lyric of the entire song because it's never ending. We are all stuck in this cycle that feels like it can't be broken until it's too late. It's only a matter of time until we are FORCED to "wake up."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

2704
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

28000
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11942
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments