Released in 2013, 'Roar' is one of Katy Perry's most empowering anthems, highlighting resilience and self-assertion. The song was co-written by Perry and produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, bringing pop sound to the forefront of popular music. 'Roar' was a commercial success, reaching the top of charts worldwide and is renowned for its motivational message, making it an excellent choice for English language learners focusing on vocabulary and comprehension. Its memorable chorus and clear enunciation make it particularly useful for those studying English.
Lyrics
Roar — Katy Perry
English
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
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
[...]
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Simple Past — Pasado Simple
The Simple Past tense is used to describe actions that occurred at a specific time in the past. It is crucial for English learners as it allows them to convey experiences and stories effectively.
'I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath' — This line reflects a past habit, showing what the speaker did before.
'I sat quietly, agreed politely' — These actions indicate decisions made in a specific past situation.
'I let you push me past the breaking point' — This line illustrates a completed action in the past that had significant consequences.
Fun facts
Did you know?
Katy Perry's 'Roar' debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later reached number 1, marking her eighth chart-topper.
The song's empowering lyrics were inspired by Perry's personal experiences, particularly after her divorce, reflecting themes of strength and overcoming adversity.
The music video features Perry in a jungle setting, emphasizing the theme of survival and personal strength as she transforms into a fierce 'champion.'
In 2014, 'Roar' was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance, highlighting its impact on pop music culture.
Various artists have covered 'Roar,' showcasing its widespread appeal, including a notable rendition by the cast of 'Glee' in their fifth season.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
Learning English through 'Roar' is advantageous due to its motivational themes and clear pronunciation. The vocabulary is challenging yet accessible, helping learners engage with expressive language. Additionally, the repetition in the chorus reinforces understanding and retention of key phrases, making it easier to grasp the meaning and use related expressions in conversation.
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