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To the untrained observer, the inspiration behind Katy Perry’s Roar might seem apparent. Girl meets boy. Girl falls in love with boy. Girl breaks up. Girl writes song about self-empowerment and standing up for oneself.

I beg to differ. Here are seven reasons why the song might be about Singapore. I kid you not. The next time this comes on the radio, think about how you’ll be singing it on August 9.

1. The whole first verse is about a time where Singaporeans had no self-determination, and we were subjects of the imperial crown.

“I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath

Scared to rock the boat and make a mess

So I sat quietly, agreed 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”

2. It was released last year on August 10

There is no such thing as coincidence, there is only the illusion of coincidence. Katy Perry watched the live broadcast of NDP last year. She must have been so inspired that she wrote and recorded the song in one day.

3. It also references the political party that brought us independence

“You hear my voice, you hear that sound

Like thunder, gonna shake the ground”

What accompanies thunder? That’s right, lightning.

4. It highlights our long-standing rivalry with our northern neighbours

“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter

Dancing through the fire”

As you might know, Tigers are one of the most prominent national symbols of Malaysia. In this verse Ms Perry insinuates we got the better of a certain tiger, managing to obtain its eye.

Alternatively, this could be read as a nod to our National beer.

5. The word “Lion” appears. Four times.

“Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar

Louder, louder than a lion”

You know its a song about Singapore when they sing about Lions.

We will stand together, hear the lion roar. Further reading: “We are Singapore.”

6. There’s a reference to how Singapore went from “third world to first”

“Now I'm floating like a butterfly

Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes

I went from zero, to my own hero”

A picture says a thousand words. This book probably says a lot more.

7. She sings about the Kallang Roar. Alright Katy Perry, we’re sold. Let’s talk about making a video.

Even the song’s title is roar. Enough said.

“Roar, roar, roar, roar, roar!”

Top photo from here. 

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