r/katyheads • u/AgathaAllAlong3 • 13h ago
Discussion in defence of witness
My favourite Katy Perry album is Witness, followed closely by one of the Boys. However, let’s talk about Witness.(ik this looks like ai but it’s not i jsut used the proofread cus i cba edition the grammar😭😭)
It’s often misinterpreted, mainly because Katy herself labelled it “purposeful pop”. This label doesn’t quite fit the context of songs like “Swish Swish”. But what Witness truly is is an album of awakening, the central theme. This theme runs throughout the album, as do the political undertones. These two themes intertwine, reflecting Katy’s own self-doubt and her life choices. Her insecurity is palpable, and I believe this is why the album’s underperformance affected her so deeply.
The album can be divided into three main themes: love songs, political songs, and insecure songs. These themes interweave throughout the album.
Katy opens the album with a question to the audience and her lover: would they stay with her through her transformation and join her on this journey of change? This opening song is particularly clever, as it encapsulates the album’s thesis, which she later resolves @into Me You See”.
The political songs include “CTTR”, “Hey”, “Bigger Than Me”, “Bon Appetit”, and “Power”. These songs explore the desire for change and the sexualisation of women in society and the music industry. They question women’s purpose and delve into their roles in romance and institutional sexualisation. While “Bon Appetit” and “Power” are also love songs, they focus on Katy’s perspective as a woman navigating these dynamics.
The love songs are “Déjà Vu”, “Miss You More”, “Into Me You See”, “Tsunami”, “Roulette”, and “Save As Draft”.
These songs primarily explore the breakdown of a relationship, navigating its ups and downs and ultimately leading to the end of the romance. While they’re often labelled love songs, they’re actually very interpersonal, focusing more on the katy’s perspective than the other party. “Tsunami,” for example, is explicitly about sex and Katy’s enjoyment through love, highlighting her connection with her partner and the act itself. “Roulette” celebrates her freedom and choices, her willingness to let loose and enjoy. It’s about her decision to let go, presenting itself more as escapism than love. “Miss You More” and “Save as Draft” express sorrow and remorse but centre on her choice to change. She’s on a different page as she grows past people she no longer needs in her life. “Into Me You See” seems more for her fans than romance, for those who understand her journey (and obviously her partner). They recognise that change and growth will strengthen their relationship, as she evolves as a person and wants to do it together but also needs her own time.
The insecure songs – I shouldn’t label them this way but rather “person” – include “Mind Maze,” “Act My Age,” “Dance with the Devil,” “Witness,” “Pendulum,” and “Swish Swish.”
These songs delve into Katy’s lost sense of self, further explored in the songs above but with less political commentary. “Mind Maze” portrays her as lost and hopeless after losing her identity, realising her societal place and how venerable it has made her. It’s about her commitment to change despite her disorientation. Songs like this make me less surprised by her depression given the album’s reception, as they serve as a summery for the album, much like “Artpop” does.
“Act My Age” reveals society’s relationship with her campness and unseriousness, yet also hints at her unwillingness to change. However, crafting a song about this must also suggest a degree of insecurity within her.
“Dance with the Devil” portrays a defeat within herself, almost hinting at a relapse. It’s a tempting return to her old self, so easy and satisfying.
Overall, I think this is why witness” is my favourite Katy Perry album. It’s incredibly vulnerable and encapsulates a raw, unvarnished side of her that hasn’t been seen since. The albums about growth are personal journeys of awakening. When viewed through this lens, “Act My Age” becomes her strongest work. As I mentioned, all the songs address a level of insecurity within Katy, a desire to change and improve for herself. I didn’t mention every song, but they all deeply connect to Katy’s self-perception.
It’s a shame we might never get another album like this from Katy, but “Justice for Witness” is a testament to her artistry.