“We’re really overplaying it”- Katy Perry explains satirical meaning behind ‘Woman’s World’ video

On Thursday, July 11, 13-time Grammy-nominated artist Katy Perry released the music video for her single Woman's World from her forthcoming album, 143. The video, which features a pop anthem celebrating female empowerment, begins with a close-up of a woman spray-painting "WO" over a "Men Working" sign to change it to "Women Working."

Perry posted a brief clip on Instagram shortly after the video's release to clarify its intent. The video received mixed reactions, with some viewers criticizing it for its seemingly contradictory messages. Perry addressed this directly, explaining that the video was meant to be sarcastic and playful. She said in a clip posted on X,

“Girlboss sh*t! You can do it. You go, girl! You were born to shine. And we're kind of just having fun, being a bit sarcastic with it. It's very slapstick. And very on-the-nose. And with this set, it's like, ooh, we're not about the male gaze, but we really are about the male gaze. We’re really overplaying it, and on the nose because we’re about to get smashed, which is like a reset for me and for my idea of feminine divine.”

She concluded:

“and it’s a whole different world we go to after this. We wanted to open this video making it look like a super high-gloss pop star video. And that's what it is. Woo! Yeah! Girlboss!”

The video faced criticism not only for its provocative outfits in a pro-female empowerment context but also due to its association with Dr. Luke. The controversial producer, who co-produced and co-wrote the song, was previously accused of s*xual misconduct by his former protégé Kesha.

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Katy Perry's visual satire in Woman's World music video

In the intro of the track, Perry sings, "It's a woman's world, and you're lucky to be livin' in it," before the scene shifts to her sitting on a beam with women dressed as construction workers. This colorful recreation of the iconic 1932 photograph, Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, incorporates modern elements.

The performer updates the classic look by wearing a jean romper and a red bandana, inspired by the World War II Rosie the Riveter poster and Naomi Parker Fraley. The video continues with Perry taking a sip from a bottle labeled "Whiskey for Women" and then joining her female co-workers in using men's urinals.

As the chorus begins, Katy Perry, holding a bedazzled hammer, rips her uniform apart to reveal a sparkling American flag cutout bodysuit. Following a choreographed dance sequence, she is squished flat by the top of a liberty bell and re-inflates herself by sucking her thumb. The next scene features Perry power-walking in a two-piece white swimsuit and black robot legs down a busy street.

Katy Perry then arrives in an abandoned area and re-energizes by inserting a gas pump into her backside. The video includes a cameo by Trisha Paytas, who pulls a red monster truck with a rope, and the two ride away together.

The video concludes with Katy Perry arriving in a suburban neighborhood, walking through a glass door, and flying away in a black helicopter.

In unveiling her upcoming album, 143, with its futuristic artwork on July 10, Katy Perry has set the stage for a bold return to the music scene. Embracing the symbolic meaning of "143" as a message of love, Perry aims to deliver a celebratory dance-pop experience that resonates with her audience.

This album, her first in four years since Smile, represents not only a musical evolution but also a culmination of her experiences from her Las Vegas residency and American Idol judging stint.

Scheduled for release on September 20, 143 promises to showcase Katy Perry's signature style with collaborations from esteemed producers and songwriters.