englishPop, Anthem

Roar Lyrics

by Katy Perry

Lyricist: Katy Perry, Max Martin, Carly Jenkins, Henry Walter

20 views • Published on Sep 25, 2026

Roar Lyrics

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 Oh oh oh oh oh oh You're gonna hear me roar Now I'm floating like a butterfly Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes I went from zero, to my own hero 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 Oh oh oh oh oh oh You're gonna hear me roar Oh oh oh oh oh oh You'll hear me ROAR Oh oh oh oh oh oh You're gonna hear me ROAR Roar-or, roar-or, roar-or, roar-or, roar-or 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 Oh oh oh oh oh oh You're gonna hear me ROAR Oh oh oh oh oh oh You'll hear me ROAR Oh oh oh oh oh oh You're gonna hear me ROAR

Meaning of Roar

“Roar” by Katy Perry is a triumphant anthem of self-discovery and empowerment forged from the ashes of personal suppression. The lyrics detail a journey from quiet compliance to unbridled strength, painting a vivid picture of someone who has endured being “held down,” literally and metaphorically, by negative influences – a domineering relationship or perhaps limiting beliefs. Initially characterized by biting her tongue and agreeing politely, the narrator recognizes a lost sense of agency, admitting she “forgot I had a choice.” This realization ignites a powerful transformation, symbolized by rising from the dust after falling, mirroring a phoenix’s rebirth. The song builds to a crescendo with the iconic declaration: "I'm a champion," immediately referencing the spirit animal of the tiger – representing raw power and ferocity – and comparing her voice to “thunder,” capable of shaking the foundations of those who sought to diminish her. Perry doesn't simply celebrate victory; she articulates the process, emphasizing earned stripes and transitioning from ‘zero’ to becoming one’s own hero. The repeated “roar” isn't just a sound; it’s an assertion of identity, a defiant declaration that this individual is no longer willing to be silenced or controlled. Ultimately, "Roar" delivers a message of self-acceptance and the courage to unleash one's inner potential, urging listeners to find their own voice and stand tall against adversity – a relatable and energizing call to action delivered with Perry’s signature pop flair.

Tags:

katy perryempowermentdefiantpop anthemroar

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