Loved Unconditionally

Imagine a love so strong that there was no limitation. When I hear the song “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry, I think of all the experiences that I have had with unlimited love. What comes to mind first is when I moved my senior year of high school to the great state of Utah. Moving is not an easy task, especially when my whole life was spent in Colorado.  I would be leaving my best friends since kindergarten and the teachers that have encouraged me to do my best. There was a love for the state of Colorado that would never fade. I felt alone during the summer between junior and senior year and found comfort in Katy Perry’s music. I began to see that her music related perfectly to my life. As hard as it was, I forced myself to join my high school theatre and find a group who accepted me for me. I found exactly what I was looking for there. I didn’t have to be afraid of who I was. They made me feel the unconditional love Katy sings about in her song. I began to apply the line, “Acceptance is the key to being free.” I became closer to people than I ever have before. I can’t imagine my life without them even though I’ve only known them for a year and a half.  The meaning of unconditional is really affection without limitation. There is no end to the bonds I have made. The support, guidance and love I have received has become my definition of unconditional love.

Katy Perry’s definition of unconditional is expressed through her music. Katy has been able to inspire millions throughout her music career. First beginning with her first world tour of her album Teenage Dream, Katy showed to have self-love through one of her five number one hits, “Firework”. Teenage Dream was released in 2010 and her fans, also known as Katy cats, were in desperate need of new music and guidance from their inspiration. In October of 2013, Katy announced that she was releasing her new album Prism. Katy took a new spiritual perspective on her album and she decided that during her times of trial and personal heartbreak to find self-love. Self-love was expressed in Katy’s rising hit “Roar.” Soon after, Katy released a follow up song that would shock the world. “Unconditionally” was inspiring the diehard fans of Katy and was spreading love to almost everyone who listened. I was personally amazed at the beauty of the song. As I expressed to others that I enjoyed the song, I heard many tell me that is was about the gay community. I didn’t doubt that theory, but I didn’t think the meaning of the song stopped there. “Unconditionally” meant love in general to me and I wanted to find out what Katy’s real intent was.

Katy was interviewed by many and they were all asking what “Unconditionally” was about and how it was inspired.  I watched and read multiple interviews to personally know what inspires Katy’s music. As I explored interviews I was touched by what she had to share. She had an interview with KIIS FM and explained to them what she meant by unconditional. Katy states:

"Not only is it about those different varieties of loves, it's about when you are in love with someone and there's full acceptance. The highs and the lows. All the flaws. The zits. The smells. The whole game, you know? Sometimes I remember being scared to be accepted in relationships and I know that everybody else goes through that and, 'Will they love my true self? Will they love all the things that I do when nobody's looking?"

I love this quote for the reason being who isn’t afraid of love? Love is a simple four letter word that holds an immense amount of power. Katy is able to express such a detailed response in beautiful piece of music without being overly detailed. She expresses this quote with the simple line,

“Oh, did I almost see what's really on the inside? All your insecurities, All the dirty laundry. Never made me blink one time.”

Katy continued to say what unconditional love meant by expressing that as humans, we are not perfect. We all have our flaws, our nasty habits but there is going to be someone who loves us for who we are. She says that “It's about that high, almost spiritual type of love.”

In the beginning of the year 2013, she took a trip with UNICEF to one of the poorest countries in the world to experience spiritual love. In Madagascar, she spent time with the children in need. In her spare time, Katy took a moment to observe Madagascar and what it had to offer. She noticed the connection the children had with each other. There was no segregation based on social media popularity, just love for how each person was unique. I thought that was one of the truest statements made. Our society is all about the most likes on a picture and who has the better clothes. I admire Katy because she defines unconditional as all aspects of love. Through her experiences and music, Katy continues to express kindness and love towards her Katy cats and the world.

 “Unconditional. Unconditionally. I will love you unconditionally”