I'm sure you're not living under a rock; at least, I can assume so, since you're reading an online editorial. With that being the case, I can also assume that you've heard at least one Katy Perry song - whether you've wanted to or not. And whether you actually dig her music or not, there are a few of her hits that she's put out over the years that have gone unnoticed (probably because they lack the basic mainstream radio requirements of auto-tune, heavy bass and a repetitive chorus). My sister is probably the biggest Katy fan of all eternity, so, I've enlisted her help with compiling a "take away" message for each of these ten songs (thanks again, Taylor). Anyway, take a few minutes to skim over these unearthed KP jams - you may have heard some of them before. If you have, I suggest taking the review into consideration and then going back and giving the song a more careful listen.
1. “Lost”
This song emphasizes the feeling of physically knowing where you are but emotionally wandering through unknown territory. Physically, your body and mind are present, but your soul is lost. This song can be directed for both those who are in attempting to find themselves and those who are really struggling emotionally.
2. “Self Inflicted”
This tells a story of a girl who is in a relationship that she knows is toxic, but continues to stay and thus, considers the action of staying equivalent to self-harm. I know I can’t be the only one who thinks this song could end up helping a lot more people if they knew it existed…
3. “Who Am I Living For”
So, this may not be as upbeat and inspiring as her hit “Roar” because this shows Katy’s more vulnerable side. This song questions who really cares about her enough to put the effort into helping her stay alive during a time in her life where she felt like she couldn’t trust anyone.
4. “Pearl”
This song expresses the importance of a woman remaining true to herself while in a relationship – don’t allow a man (or woman) to take away the pearl that is your personality. Like a pearl, your personality – the purest source of your energy and soul – is locked away inside of you, and you should never change or alter that for someone. If they don’t appreciate your genuine pearl, they sure as hell don’t deserve it.
5. “Not Like the Movies”
This song tells the story of a girl who is expressing to all others that the perfect relationship is exactly what it seems like in the movies. If it’s not like the movies, then it’s not the right relationship.
6. “By the Grace of God”
Katy divulges even more vulnerability in this song written at what seemed to be the lowest point in her life – when she thought about ending it. The lyrics tell of Katy’s struggle between going against God’s will and letting fate take its course.
7. “Love Me”
Katy tries to decipher the real meaning behind that cliché saying “no one can love you until you learn to love yourself first.” Seriously, this song is a great way to open the door to self-discovery; one must be able to love and accept them to the same degree that they would want someone else to.
8. “It Takes Two”
Owning up to failure on your end in a relationship – Katy reveals in this song that she was to blame for a failed relationship, saying that she wasn’t innocent through the entirety of it and that it takes two honest people to make a relationship work. She continues throughout the song with an apology but makes it clear that even that won’t fix what’s already happened.
9. “This Moment”
Hits ya right where it hurts – this song reminds you that the moment you’re in right now will never happen again, what’s passed has passed and no one truly knows what the future holds. So, let’s make the most of right now and just live in this moment.
10. “Double Rainbow”
(This is my personal favorite, actually) And it’s no wonder that this song holds such a beautiful, intense meaning; two people in a relationship who are completely in sync with one another, yet are just as wonderful on their own. Circumstances allow for the perfect opportunity to create this pristine wonder that demonstrates divine duality, beauty and rarity both in nature and in love.
Have Fun. Be Fun. Forever.
-Kourtni
