Story Behind The Song
The writing of this song started not too long after I became severely disabled and was unable to do much; during that time I was really getting into Katy Perry's music which helped me through the difficult days and made me excited about getting back to writing my own music someday. Although I still have numerous disabilities, my health is improving and I was able to write and record this song, so it holds a very personal significance to me. Among my numerous disabilities, I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Based on my knowledge of Katy, I know she has a special place in her heart for helping to raise awareness for those with unfamiliar illnesses; because of this I believe that this song could not only serve as a great song for her next album, but also as a tool to help raise awareness for TS.
Song Description
This song was initially inspired by "California Gurls" and can be considered the "answer" to that song and nicknamed "Hawaiian Gurls." The song opens with tropical drums which is something Katy has not normally done; afterwards it is combined with a pop beat and a synthesizer that are very much Katy's style. The lyrics were inspired by the retro songs about Hawaii (i.e. Tiny Bubbles, etc.) along with more modern pop lyrics. The chorus is meant to volley back and forth in a call/response style between Katy and a male vocalist (to make it more special it could be Katy's significant other). To stay in line with Katy's style, there is also a female rap part inspired by and in the style of rappers such as Eve.
| Song Length |
3:49 |
Genre |
Pop - General |
| Lead Vocal |
Duet Male/Female |
Mood |
In High Spirits, On Cloud Nine |
| Subject |
Falling in Love, Paradise |
Similar Artists |
Katy Perry, Blondie |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
Intro (Female):
Oh Wah Ah Oh! Oh Wah Ah Oh! Oh Wah Ah Oh!
Oh Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh!
Wah Ah Oh! Oh Wah Ah Oh! Oh Wah Ah Oh!
Oh Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh! Ah Uh Ah!
Verse 1 (Female):
We started out as friends but now we're turning into lovers,
I never thought I'd ever be the one who you'd discover!
The freest bird in all the land and love was still so hollow,
I never thought I could be tamed but I'll go if you will follow!
Pre-Chorus (Female):
Crab claws, cocktails, pineapple bars, Have some fun and forget all your scars!
Hula skirts and coconut bras, Ladies dancing all the boys in awe!
Baby, this uke's replacing your guitar, Drive real fast kiss me in your car!
Take it to the streets dancing freaky I want a man who eats the poi and loves it!
Chorus:
Male: Love hurt in the past, What will become of me?!
Female: You broken bird, I'll be your tree! Wild and free, so come with me!
Male: Youthful paradise, Only you and me!
Female: Two young lovers meant to be Wild and free, so come with me!
Verse 2 (Female):
I thought a lover was someone who simply held your hand,
They'd ask you for a dance but then they'd flood you with demands!
But you're the kind of person who would catch me when I fall,
I thought I knew love then but baby now I know it all!
Pre-Chorus (Female):
Crab claws, cocktails, pineapple bars, Have some fun and forget all your scars!
Hula skirts and coconut bras, Ladies dancing all the boys in awe!
Baby, this uke's replacing your guitar, Drive real fast kiss me in your car!
Take it to the streets dancing freaky I want a man who eats the poi and loves it!
Chorus:
Male: Love hurt in the past, What will become of me?!
Female: You broken bird, I'll be your tree! Wild and free, so come with me!
Male: Youthful paradise, Only you and me!
Female: Two young lovers meant to be Wild and free, so come with me!
Rap (Female):
On the beach in the sand Your boy's playing for you in his band!
Hawaiian vacation, You know the occasion!
Getting a tan, Soak it up in the sun!
Come on live it up 'cause you want to have fun!
And then late night, date night she's lookin' at her cutie!
On the dance floor and yeah they're shakin' some booty!
Honey, you're the cage, and baby, I'm the key!
Wild and free so come with me! Uh!
Chorus:
Male: Love hurt in the past, What will become of me?!
Female: You broken bird, I'll be your tree! Wild and free, so come with me!
Male: Youthful paradise, Only you and me!
Female: Two young lovers meant to be Wild and free, so come with me!
Outro (Female):
Oh Wah Ah Oh! Oh Wah Ah Oh! Oh Wah Ah Oh!
Oh Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh!
Wah Ah Oh! Oh Wah Ah Oh! Oh Wah Ah Oh!
Oh Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh! Wah Ah Oh! Ah Uh Ah!