Self Empowerment In Katy Perry's 'Roar'

Debuted in 2013, Katy Perry’s “Roar” sings a message of self empowerment and bravery. The artist describes the moment when she’s had enough of being kept down and is ready to find her voice and speak up for herself. She is no longer willing to accept defeat, she considers herself a champion. “Roar” is about having the confidence to make yourself heard. She was blinded by the bad treatment she was receiving, but now she sees clearly. Her determination to be clearly heard is told through different examples throughout the song. The theme of the song is shown through her use of strong similes and idioms. Firstly, she sings, “Now I’m floating like a butterfly/Stinging like a bee.” This is a powerful simile as well as a quote from Muhammad Ali.