Last week, in Philadelphia, Katy Perry performed at the Democratic National Convention, just prior to Hillary Clinton’s acceptance speech.
And she’ll be there, tonight, at another historic event, the opening of the XXXI Olympiad, aka as “Rio 2016,” where she’ll sing “Rise”–her powerful paean to personal strength, unwavering focus and belief — traits that a world class athlete has to develop, in addition to athletic skills.
Perry’s song recognizes the discipline and hard work that it takes to be “the best” and is a touching tribute to the athletes who are competing. It’s the perfect song for this year’s competitors, who’ve overcome storms and bumps in the road leading to their ultimate goal: a gold medal.
Big themes take some really big pipes to pull off, which Perry does just fine. The lyrics are forceful and triumphant:
Oh, ye of so little faith
Don’t doubt it, don’t doubt it
Victory is in your veins
You know it, you know it
And you will not negotiate
Just fight it, just fight it
And be transformed
“Rise” is getting massive exposure on pop radio.
Perry told “E” that “This is a song that’s been brewing inside me for years, that has finally come to the surface. I was inspired to finish it now, rather than save it for my next album, because now more than ever, there is a need for our world to unite.”
By the time of the closing ceremony, August 21st, those who’ve been religiously watching most of the competitions will probably have “Rise” memorized.