Katy perry firework images

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Title: The Language and Cultural Impact of Katy Perry’s “Firework”

Introduction: Katy Perry’s “Firework” is an inspirational song that was released in November 2010. The song hit #1 on the Billboard Music Charts on December 18, 2010, where it remained for three consecutive weeks (Billboard Hot 100). Since its release, the song has transcended the charts and has been featured in popular TV shows such as “Glee” and “The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt,” and even covered by a number of different musical artists in various styles (CBS).

Thesis statement: Katy Perry uses imagery, similes, and metaphors in her song “Firework” to help listeners overcome adversity and embrace their individuality, making the song a modern cultural anthem anyone can relate to during their own personal struggles.

Body Paragraphs 1–2: Imagery

I. The images used in the song “Firework” demonstrate what both insecurity and self-love look and feel like.

II. “Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin, like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?” accurately reflects what it feels like when life becomes a little too overwhelming (AZ Lyrics).

A. This image allows listeners to imagine the fragile state of someone’s self-worth and self-confidence. Even though people who are struggling can work to build themselves up one card at a time, the cards are so insubstantial and weak that they’re always a moment away from collapsing. The image is so impactful because of the sensory and affective language.

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III. “Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow, and when it’s time you’ll know you just gotta ignite the light and let it shine” is similarly effective because of its positive and uplifting imagery (AZ Lyrics)

A. This line reminds listeners that they’re enough and capable of anything. Perry uses imagery focusing on light and brightness to conquer the darkness the listener may feel within. Though we might normally think of a lightning bolt as a destructive force, Perry is subverting our expectations throughout the song through her imagery. 1. She also writes, “After a hurricane, comes a rainbow” (AZ Lyrics). This suggests that despite the storms one may face, those struggles will guide you towards a brighter and more colorful future.

IV. In an interview Katy had with Capitol Records on the set of her music video, she said, “When I had this idea for a song called ‘Firework,’ I was just thinking about how it takes just a little spark to make a firework, how something so small can turn into something so big and have such an impact” (YouTube). It’s clear that the imagery behind this idea was very important to song’s development and execution.

Body Paragraphs 3–4: Similes and Metaphors

I. The song is an extended metaphor. Listeners are uplifted and encouraged to see themselves as fireworks with lyrics such as, “Cause baby you’re a firework, come on let your colors burst! Make ‘em go ‘ah, ah, ah,’ you’re gonna leave them all in awe, awe, awe” (AZ Lyrics).

A. To be a “firework” means taking the small spark inside of you—the spark that makes you unique—and to let it shine bright. 1. Throughout the world, fireworks are huge spectacles used to celebrate special occasions. To compare yourself to a firework means to see yourself as a unique and colorful spark worthy of celebration and Iove. Perry uses fireworks to express the potential every individual has within themselves.

II. Perry also presents listeners with metaphors that speak to how difficult life can be. Perry writes, “Do you ever feel already buried deep six feet under? Screams but no one seems to hear a thing. Do you know that there’s still a chance for you? ‘Cause there’s a spark in you? You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine. Just own the night like the 4th of July!” (AZ Lyrics).

A. This language conveys what experiencing adversity feels like. Perry is comparing the weight of one’s struggles to the weight of dirt upon a coffin. This weight can make it impossible for people to speak up about their pain and for someone to see that person is actually in pain. Perry reminds listeners that even though this feeling is powerful and can be hard to push through, they’re not alone and their light will shine through the weight of their struggle. 1. These metaphors help the audience connect to the song through their own struggles while also reminding them there’s hope for a brighter future.