englishPop, Electronic, Dance
Chained to the Rhythm Lyrics
by Katy Perry
Lyricist: Katy Perry, Max Martin, Carly Rae Jepsen
15 views • Published on Sep 27, 2026
Chained to the Rhythm Lyrics
Are we crazy?
Living our lives through a lens
Trapped in our white-picket fence
Like ornaments
So comfortable, we're livin' in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble
Aren't you lonely
Up there in utopia
Where nothing will ever be enough?
Happily numb
So comfortable, we're livin' in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble
Aha, so put, your rose-colored glasses on
And party on
Turn it up, it's your favorite song
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion
Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumbling around like a wasted zombie
Yeah, we think we're free
Drink, this one is on me
We're all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm
To the rhythm
Turn it up, it's your favorite song
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion
Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumbling around like a wasted zombie
Yeah, we think we're free
Drink, this one is on me
We're all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm
To the rhythm
Are we tone deaf?
Keep sweeping it under the mat
Thought we can do better than that
I hope we can
So comfortable, we're livin' in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, the trouble
Aha, so put (so put) your rose-colored glasses on
And party on
Turn it up, it's your favorite song
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion
Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumbling around like a wasted zombie
Yeah, we think we're free
Drink, this one is on me
We're all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm
To the rhythm
Turn it up, it's your favorite song
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion
Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumbling around like a wasted zombie
Yeah, we think we're free
Drink, this one is on me
We're all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm
To the rhythm
It is my desire
Break down the walls to connect, inspire
Ay, up in your high place, liars
Time is ticking for the empire
The truth they feed is feeble
As so many times before
They greed over the people
They stumbling and fumbling
And we're about to riot
They woke up, they woke up the lions
(Woo!)
Turn it up, it's your favorite song
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion
Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumbling around like a wasted zombie
Yeah, we think we're free
Drink, this one is on me
We're all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm
To the rhythm
Turn it up (It goes on, and on, and on...)
Turn it up (It goes on, and on, and on...)
It goes on, and on, and on
'Cause we're all
chained
to the rhythm
Meaning of Chained to the Rhythm
“Chained to the Rhythm” is a potent critique of contemporary complacency and the seductive power of distraction, wrapped in Katy Perry’s signature pop sheen. The song immediately establishes a sense of unease with images of being trapped within a manufactured reality – the “white-picket fence” representing an overly sanitized existence, likened to decorative “ornaments” lost in a comfortable bubble. Perry doesn't shy away from portraying a state of blissful ignorance, described as "happily numb," where individuals willfully avoid recognizing underlying problems and dissatisfaction. The repeated urging to “turn it up,” dance, and repeat the song acts as a deliberate tactic – an insistent sonic loop designed to keep people consumed and detached from genuine engagement with their lives and the world around them.
The lyrics build towards a pointed commentary on consumerism and manipulation, symbolized by the "rose-colored glasses" and the act of “drinking” to numb the discomfort. Perry cleverly uses the metaphor of being “chained to the rhythm,” suggesting that societal pressures and media narratives dictate our movements and thoughts, trapping us in an endless cycle of superficial enjoyment. The latter half of the song introduces a darker undercurrent, depicting a simmering discontent – "stumbling around like a wasted zombie," hinting at impending social unrest fueled by ignored truths and exploitation ("they greed over the people"). Ultimately, “Chained to the Rhythm” isn’t simply an invitation to dance; it's a challenging call to break free from this manufactured rhythm, to confront uncomfortable realities, and to strive for genuine connection and inspiration.
Tags:
katy perryconformitymelancholicpopbubblegum pop
Related Lyrics
stay here 4 life lyrics A$AP Rocky
english388 views
si antes te hubiera conocido karol g lyrics
english359 views
So Easy To Fall In Love Olivia Dean lyrics
english313 views
The Cure - Olivia Rodrigo
english303 views
Why You Wanna Fight Bruno Mars lyrics
english295 views
Ordinary Alex Warren lyrics
english291 views
