“Rise” is a song by American singer Katy Perry. She co-wrote the song with Savan Kotecha and its producers Max Martin and Ali Payami. Capitol Records first released it on July 14, 2016, as a standalone single, and Katy Perry’s first single in almost two years.
Upon the release of “Rise,” NBC Sports also announced that it would be a big part of their TV coverage during the 2016 Summer Olympics in the United States. NBC thought the song’s message was a perfect fit because it inspired both the Olympics and its athletes.
In this analysis, we’ll analyze the meaning behind the song “Rise.”
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“Rise” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
I won’t just survive
Oh, you will see me thrive
Can’t write my story
I’m beyond the archetype
I won’t just conform
No matter how you shake my core
’Cause my roots, they run deep, oh
In verse 1, Katy Perry is showing her strong determination to overcome challenges and not just survive but thrive.
She emphasizes that her story is unique and won’t fit into any typical mold.
Katy refuses to conform, no matter how much someone tries to shake her core, because her beliefs and identity run deep within her.
[Pre-Chorus 1]
(Oh, ye of so little faith)
Don’t doubt it, don’t doubt it
(Victory is in my veins)
I know it, I know it
(And I will not negotiate)
I’ll fight it, I’ll fight it
I will transform
In Pre-Chorus 1, Katy Perry addresses those who doubt her abilities, reminding them not to underestimate her.
Katy believes victory flows in her veins, and she won’t back down from the challenges she faces.
She refuses to negotiate or compromise her goals and promises to transform and succeed, no matter what.
[Chorus]
When, when the fire’s at my feet again
And the vultures all start circling
They’re whispering, ”You’re out of time.”
But still, I rise
This is no mistake, no accident
When you think the final nail is in; think again
Don’t be surprised, I will still rise
In the chorus, Katy Perry reinforces her determination to rise above adversity.
She mentions facing a moment when challenges intensify, symbolized by “the fire at her feet” and the circling vultures representing critics and obstacles.
Despite these challenges, she remains steadfast and resilient, declaring that she will still rise.
Katy emphasizes that setbacks and doubts won’t hold her back, and she’s here to prove that she can overcome anything.
[Verse 2]
I must stay conscious
Through the madness and chaos
So I call on my angels
They say…
In Verse 2, Katy Perry acknowledges the need to remain aware and focused amidst chaos and madness.
She calls upon her “angels,” which can symbolize inner strength, support, or guidance, to help her navigate through difficult times.
[Outro]
(Don’t doubt it, don’t doubt it)
Oh, oh, oh, oh
(You know it, you know it)
Still rise
(Just fight it, just fight it)
Don’t be surprised, I will still rise
In the Outro, Katy Perry repeats the phrase “Don’t doubt it” to emphasize that she won’t let doubt or skepticism deter her.
The line “Still rise” is a strong affirmation of her unwavering resolve to overcome adversity and keep moving forward.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Rise”
“Rise” is an uplifting anthem that encourages listeners to tap into their inner strength, face challenges head-on, and keep moving forward with determination.
Perry draws inspiration from the Olympics, where athletes from diverse backgrounds come together to showcase their strength and fearlessness. This unity serves as a reminder that, as a society, we can rise above fear and divisions by striving to be the best versions of ourselves.
“Rise” was chosen as NBC’s anthem for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Perry talked about how the determination of Olympic athletes inspires people worldwide, saying:
“I know that together we can rise above the fear – in our country, and around the world. I can’t think of a better example than the Olympic athletes, as they gather in Rio with their strength and fearlessness, to remind us how we ALL can come together, with the resolve to be the best we can be.
I hope this song can inspire us to heal, unite, and rise together. I am honored that NBC Olympics has chosen to use it as an anthem before and during the Rio Games.”
In an interview with Mashable, Katy Perry mentioned that she had already started writing the song before the Olympics approached her to use it. She said:
“‘Rise’ is a song that I have had swirling around in me. It’s a little bit like the story of the phoenix, about overcoming… Rising up again or finding that inner strength again and again, that’s a lifelong theme for me. Years ago I had tried to write it, but it didn’t work, it didn’t come out right.
And when the Olympics approached us it was already half-written and it was one of the first songs that I have written in this next batch [for my next album], so I pulled it out.”
In the song, Katy Perry emphasizes her unwavering commitment to not just survive but thrive in the face of obstacles. She symbolizes these challenges with imagery like “the fire at my feet” and “circling vultures,” representing the adversities and doubts that can surround us.
The word “rise” in the song’s title represents the idea of overcoming obstacles, finding inner strength, and not succumbing to adversity.
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