The meaning of I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry

Breaking onto the music scene in 2008, Katy Perry's controversial single, "I Kissed A Girl", represents a critical part of Perry's pop journey. But what's the true meaning behind this provocative electro-pop anthem?

Perry herself has been exceptionally open about the inspiration for the track. In multiple interviews, Perry has said that "I Kissed A Girl" was a 'tongue-in-cheek' experiment exploring female attraction, and the influence of the societal norms on personal sexual identities.

At the heart of the song, Perry grapples with the themes of curiosity and the allure of the forbidden. The chorus' lines "I kissed a girl and I liked it, the taste of her cherry chapstick" provide a vivid imagery of an innocuous, spontaneous act – a girl kissing another girl, which is considered taboo by many people. This encounter shocked her, awakened a fresh sense of sexual awareness, but also left her questioning her actions in the cold light of societal norms.

Despite the provocative lyrics, Perry insists that the song is somewhat metaphorical. In fact, she stated the song shouldn't be taken too literally. It's about feeling free to experiment while growing up, breaking norms, and discovering feelings that you never knew you had. It's about the magic of curiosity, and how it doesn't always align with societal expectation. Perry's boldness in discussing and exploring this theme earned her global fame, yet also sparked debates around the world.

"I Kissed A Girl" also symbolizes Perry's rebellious departure from her musical roots. Born and raised in a conservative, Christian family, Perry began her music career as a gospel artist before venturing into secular pop. This transition was mirrored in the song, which reflects both the personal evolution she was undergoing and the larger cultural shift towards acceptance and exploration of varied sexual identities.

However, the song has faced its fair share of criticism. Some have accused Perry of using lesbianism as a provocative gimmick to secure chart success. Others argue that by suggesting women kiss other women purely for the titillation of men, she was reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Perry has since acknowledged these criticisms and has expressed a desire to rework the song if she could.

Despite the controversy, "I Kissed A Girl" has been the catalyst behind many a discussion on sexuality and norms. When all is said and done, this track is an unabashed exploration of sexual curiosity, personal growth, and the challenging of societal norms. It remains a critical hit of Perry's career and continues to be a pop culture phenomenon more than a decade after its release.