Katy Perry Says She Would Rewrite ‘I Kissed a Girl’ If It Was Written Today
In 2008, "I Kissed A Girl" is what shot Katy Perry into the upper echelon of super stardom. Now, a decade later, the pop singer admits that she would rewrite the lyrics of the song if it was written today.
During an interview with Glamour, Perry watched fans cover her songs. And when an acoustic rendition of the 2008 hit came up, it sparked some conversation.
"We've really changed, conversationally, in the past 10 years," she said in response to the song. "We've come a long way. Bisexuality wasn't as talked about back then, or any type of fluidity. If I had to write that song again, I probably would make an edit on it. Lyrically, it has a couple of stereotypes in it. Your mind changes so much in 10 years, and you grow so much. What's true for you can evolve."
When the song came out, it was labeled "lesbian-friendly," but it didn't really give any sort of nuance about the LGBT community. Instead, Perry focused on "the taste of her cherry Chapstick" and lamented about how kissing girls isn't what "good girls do" and that she hopes her boyfriend doesn't "mind" her curiosity.
Although American culture still has a long way to go in LGBT acceptance, it's safe to say the lyrics to this song feel a little more uncomfortable in 2018 than they did in 2008, as they seem to demonstrate that female sexuality exists for the pleasure of men.
Watch the full interview below.