You've heard it at every gym, every middle school graduation, and definitely every Super Bowl party since 2013. That massive, stomping beat starts up, and you immediately know Katy Perry is about to tell you she’s a champion. But there is a weird, lingering Mandela Effect happening here. People constantly search for the eye of the tiger by katy perry, even though that isn't actually the name of the song.
The track is "Roar."
So why do we all have this collective brain glitch? It’s probably because Katy literally sings the lyrics "I've got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire" right in the chorus. She’s leaning hard into the 1982 Survivor classic, and honestly, it worked perfectly. It turned a simple pop song into a multi-platinum anthem that redefined her career after the darker tones of Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection.
The Song That Isn't Actually Named Eye of the Tiger
Katy Perry released "Roar" in August 2013 as the lead single for her fourth studio album, Prism. At the time, she was coming off a very public divorce from Russell Brand and a grueling world tour. She needed a win. She needed something that screamed "I'm back."
Writing with Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee, and Cirkut, she crafted something that felt like a punch to the gut in the best way possible. It wasn't just a catchy tune; it was a mission statement. If you listen to the lyrics, it’s basically a diary entry about finding your voice after being pushed around. She talks about "biting her tongue" and "holding her breath," which many fans immediately linked to her personal life.
The confusion with the title likely stems from the sheer iconic status of the 1982 song "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. That song is the gold standard for "get off the couch and do something" music. By sampling that specific imagery, Katy tapped into a 30-year-old reservoir of motivation.
It’s a smart move. Truly.
When you say you have the "eye of the tiger," everyone knows exactly what you mean. You’re focused. You’re dangerous. You’re ready to win. Even if the song is technically called "Roar," the emotional hook is that tiger imagery.
Why the "Roar" vs. "Brave" Controversy Happened
Right when "Roar" dropped, the internet went into a complete meltdown. Why? Because Sara Bareilles had released a song called "Brave" just a few months earlier. People pointed out that the piano intro and the tempo were eerily similar.
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The backlash was loud.
However, Sara Bareilles herself eventually stepped in to de-escalate the drama. She told fans to "leave Katy alone" and mentioned that the two were actually friends. In the music industry, "interpolation" and "influence" are messy things. Sometimes two people just want to write an empowering anthem at the same time. While the technical similarities are there, "Roar" took on a life of its own because of its massive, jungle-themed marketing campaign.
Breaking Down the Lyrics and the "Tiger" Connection
The song starts out quiet. Humble.
"I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath."
Katy is describing someone who has lost their power. It’s relatable. Most people have felt like they were "scared to rock the boat" at some point. But then the pre-chorus builds. You feel the tension rising. By the time she hits the "eye of the tiger" line, the production has exploded into this wall of sound.
It’s interesting how she uses the tiger as a symbol of rebirth. In the music video—which, let's be real, is basically a short film—she survives a plane crash and goes from a terrified passenger to the queen of the jungle. She paints "Roar" on a rock. She tames a literal tiger (using a cat toy, which is a great touch of humor).
The song became more than just a radio hit. It became a cultural touchstone.
- Sports: It’s played in almost every stadium in America.
- Politics: Hillary Clinton used it as a primary campaign theme in 2016.
- Movies: It’s been licensed more times than we can count for "transformation" montages.
The Numbers Don't Lie
If you want to know how big this "eye of the tiger by katy perry" phenomenon really is, look at the stats. The music video was one of the first to ever hit 1 billion views on YouTube. Now, it’s sitting at over 4 billion. That’s not just a "pop song." That’s a global event.
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The song was certified Diamond by the RIAA. That means it moved over 10 million units in the US alone. Very few artists ever reach that level. It proved that Katy wasn't just a "candy-coated" pop star; she could handle more grounded, powerful themes.
The Production Magic of Max Martin
We can't talk about "Roar" without talking about Max Martin. He is the secret sauce behind almost every major hit of the last 20 years. Along with Dr. Luke, he crafted a sound that feels "big" even on tiny phone speakers.
The "stomp-clap" rhythm was very trendy in 2013—think Imagine Dragons or The Lumineers—but Martin polished it for a pop audience. He made the drums sound heavy and purposeful. The way the backing vocals layer during the chorus creates this "crowd" effect. It makes you want to sing along. It’s designed for arenas.
Interestingly, the song doesn't have a bridge in the traditional sense. It has a breakdown where the beat drops out, and Katy’s voice becomes the focus. This keeps the energy high without letting the listener get bored. It’s precision engineering for your ears.
Common Misconceptions About the Song
A lot of people think Katy Perry wrote the song alone. She didn't. Like most modern pop, it was a collaborative effort.
Some also believe it was written specifically for a movie. It wasn't, though it sounds like it should be the credits song for every Disney movie ever made.
Another weird one? People think she sampled the actual Survivor song. She didn't. She just used the phrase "eye of the tiger." There are no direct audio samples from the 80s track. It's a lyrical homage, not a musical one. This is an important distinction in copyright law, which is probably why Survivor didn't sue her.
How to Use "Roar" for Your Own Motivation
If you’re looking for that "eye of the tiger" energy in your own life, there’s a reason this song is your go-to. It’s scientifically designed to boost dopamine. The rising chord progression and the lyrical "hero's journey" structure provide a psychological lift.
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If you're trying to channel your inner Katy Perry, here is how you actually apply the "Roar" philosophy:
Stop Biting Your Tongue.
The song's first half is all about repressed emotions. If you're in a situation where you feel unheard, the first step is recognizing that "holding your breath" is actually exhausting you more than speaking up would.
Find Your "Tiger" Moment.
For Katy, it was coming out of a divorce. For you, it might be starting a new job or finally hitting the gym. You need a specific "why" to give the song meaning. Music is a tool. Use it to anchor your focus.
Embrace the "Louder than a Lion" Mentality.
A roar isn't just noise; it's a declaration of presence. In a professional or personal setting, this means standing your ground. It doesn't mean being aggressive—it means being unshakeable.
Ignore the Naysayers.
Just like the "Brave" controversy didn't stop "Roar" from becoming a Diamond-certified hit, your progress shouldn't be derailed by comparison. Someone else’s success doesn’t negate yours.
The Legacy of Katy's Jungle Anthem
Looking back, "Roar" was the peak of the 2010s "Empowerment Pop" era. It sat alongside songs like "Firework" and Kelly Clarkson’s "Stronger" as the soundtrack for a generation trying to find its footing.
It’s kind of funny that we still call it the eye of the tiger by katy perry. But honestly? It fits. She took a legendary concept and gave it a neon-pink, high-production makeover for a new era. Whether you love her or think she’s too "bubblegum," you can’t deny the power of that chorus.
Next time it comes on the radio, you'll probably still call it "Eye of the Tiger." And that's okay. Everyone knows what you mean.
To get the most out of this track, don't just listen to it as a pop song. Use it as a psychological trigger. Add it to your "Power" playlist, specifically right before a high-stakes meeting or a heavy set at the gym. The lyrical structure is built to move you from a state of submission to a state of dominance. Start the track, focus on the transition in the second verse, and let the chorus do the heavy lifting for your mindset. If you want to dive deeper into the technical side, compare the waveforms of "Roar" with the original Survivor "Eye of the Tiger"—you'll see how modern mastering makes Katy's version hit much harder in the low-end frequencies, which is why it feels so much more "urgent" in a modern car audio system.