Roar (Single) album cover

Katy Perry – Roar (Single) Lyrics

Pop

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly
Agree politely

I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing
So I fell for everything

You held me down, but I got up
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground

You held me down, but I got up
Get ready 'cause I've had enough
I see it all

I see it now
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion
And you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion
And you're gonna hear me roar
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

You're gonna hear me roar
Now I'm floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee, I earned my stripes
I went from zero

To my own hero
You held me down, but I got up
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, your hear that sound

Like thunder gonna shake your ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready, 'cause I've had enough

I see it all
I see it now
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion
And you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion
And you're gonna hear me roar
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You're gonna hear me roar
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

(And you'll hear me roar)

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You're gonna hear me roar
Roar-or, roar-or, roar-or
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion
And you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion
And you're gonna hear me roar
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(Yeah)
You're gonna hear me roar
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(You'll hear me roar)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You're gonna hear me roar

About This Song

"Roar" is a triumphant anthem of personal empowerment that chronicles the journey from passive submission to fierce self-advocacy. The song explores the psychological transformation of someone who has been systematically silenced and diminished, using the metaphor of finding one's voice as both literal sound and symbolic power. Perry's lyrics delve into the insidious nature of emotional suppression, where the protagonist initially "bit her tongue" and "agreed politely" to avoid conflict, ultimately losing her sense of agency and identity in the process. The song's central revelation comes with the line "I guess that I forgot I had a choice," highlighting how gradual erosion of boundaries can make someone forget their own autonomy. Musically, the track builds from subdued verses to an explosive, stadium-ready chorus that mirrors the emotional arc of the lyrics, with driving percussion and soaring vocals that literally embody the "roar" being reclaimed. The production combines pop-rock elements with anthemic qualities, creating a sound that feels both personal and universal. The song resonated powerfully with listeners because it captured a specific type of awakening-the moment when someone realizes they don't have to accept mistreatment and can reclaim their power. Its success stemmed from its relatability across various contexts, from toxic relationships to workplace dynamics, making it a rallying cry for anyone who had ever felt voiceless and was ready to fight back.

Comments (2)

  • bubblegum bee
    your awesome katy keep it up
  • Basil
    I love katy perry as the best songs in the world