Chained To The Rhythm (feat. Skip Marley)

Katy Perry's "Chained To The Rhythm" featuring Skip Marley is a pop anthem with a deeper social commentary on the state of society and the individual's role within it. The song critiques the complacency and conformity that often characterizes modern life, suggesting that people are living 'through a lens' and trapped in their own 'white picket fence'—a metaphor for a seemingly perfect but ultimately insular and unfulfilling existence. Perry points out the irony of being 'so comfortable' that we fail to recognize the 'trouble' brewing around us, indicating a collective blindness to societal issues.

The chorus of the song uses the metaphor of being 'chained to the rhythm' to describe the way people mindlessly follow trends and routines, likening them to 'wasted zombies.' This suggests a lack of awareness or concern for the real world, as people are too caught up in the superficial aspects of life. The repetition of 'turn it up, it's your favorite song' and 'dance, dance, dance to the distortion' emphasizes the idea of distraction and escapism through entertainment. The song calls for a break from this cycle, urging listeners to remove their 'rose-colored glasses' and face reality.

Skip Marley's verse adds a revolutionary tone to the song, calling for the breaking down of walls that divide and urging people to connect and inspire each other. He criticizes the 'high place liars' and the 'empire,' which can be interpreted as a jab at those in power who manipulate the truth and prioritize greed over the welfare of the people. The mention of 'waking up the lions' serves as a rallying cry for collective action and awakening. Overall, "Chained To The Rhythm" is a call to consciousness, encouraging listeners to become aware of the societal chains that bind them and to strive for genuine freedom and change.