Inspired by Katy Perry (2013). Roar [Song]. Prism [Album]. Capitol Records.
Photo by Luke Tanis on Unsplash
For those of you who know me you might find this difficult to believe, but the opening lines of Roar by Katy Perry would once have been an accurate description of me. I too used to bite my tongue and try not to rock the boat. So, what changed you may ask? To rephrase Miss Perry; I recovered the fact I had a choice.
I think it is a profound truth that we always have a choice we can make. Perhaps not easy choices, and often choices we might not like the potential consequences of, but nevertheless we always have a choice.
The song takes us through the potential consequence of realising we have agency; people will inevitably try to hold us down. But the response; we get up and brush off the dirt. In fact the song describes the act as being somewhat of a celebration - dancing through fire as a roaring champion. Facing challenges may even be something to be celebrated.
I find this an encouraging song when I feel like people might be trying to turn me from my intended path or silence my views. For a variety of reasons, people will knock us down, but rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, we can see this as part of the course for a champion. Perry even gives a nod to Mohammed Ali with her butterfly-bee and lyric; being part of the experience of earning your stripes.
So, if you’re facing a hard time at the moment. Take encouragement from Katy Perry and find your roar. Stick to your path and earn your stripes. It will be worth it in the end.
Want to get the song on Amazon? Click here.
Please note that any purchase made using this link will earn us a small commission which helps support our work of making living life well accessible for all.
