“It’s a woman’s world, and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it,” sings Katy Perry in her latest single, “Woman’s World,” from her upcoming album, 143. The 13-time Grammy-nominated artist released the music video on Thursday, July 11, making a powerful statement about female empowerment and resilience.
The video kicks off with a provocative image: a close-up of a woman spray-painting “WO” on a “Men Working” sign, transforming it into “Women Working”. This bold opening sets the tone for the rest of the video, which celebrates women’s strength and independence.
As Perry‘s voice is heard singing the track’s intro, “It’s a woman’s world, and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it,” the camera pans to her sitting atop a construction beam, surrounded by women dressed as construction workers. This scene is a vibrant reimagining of the iconic 1932 photograph, “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” featuring Perry in a jean romper and red bandana, reminiscent of the World War II Rosie the Riveter poster inspired by Naomi Parker Fraley.
Perry‘s playful yet powerful presence continues as she takes a sip from a bottle labeled “Whiskey for Women,” and her female co-workers are seen humorously using men’s urinals. This blend of humor and strength underscores the video’s message: women can dominate traditionally male spaces with confidence and style.
The video escalates as the song reaches its chorus. Perry, wielding a bedazzled hammer, dramatically rips off her uniform to reveal a sparkling American flag cutout bodysuit. She and her crew then perform a dynamic choreographed dance sequence, showcasing their unity and energy. The scene takes a surreal turn when Perry is humorously flattened by a falling liberty bell, only to revive herself by sucking her thumb and re-inflating.
In a striking visual shift, Perry strides down a busy street in a two-piece white swimsuit paired with black robot legs. This futuristic look symbolizes her unstoppable, forward-thinking approach. She then enters a seemingly deserted area, refueling herself by inserting a gas pump into her butt cheek—a quirky metaphor for recharging and gaining strength.
The video takes another twist as Trisha Paytas appears, pulling a red monster truck with a rope. Together, they ride away, symbolizing the strength and solidarity among women. The final scenes feature Perry arriving in a suburban neighborhood, confidently walking through a glass door, and flying away in a black helicopter—a clear nod to breaking the glass ceiling that women often face in the business world.
The video for “Woman’s World” is not just a visual feast but a statement of Perry’s vision for her new album, set to release on Friday, September 20. “I set out to create a bold, exuberant, celebratory dance-pop album with the symbolic 143 numerical expression of love as a throughline message,” Perry explained. The number “143,” once used as shorthand for “I love you” before the era of lengthy text messaging, serves as a nostalgic yet powerful motif throughout the album.
Perry’s 143 aims to deliver an exuberant celebration of love and empowerment, perfectly encapsulated in the vibrant, cheeky, and impactful music video for “Woman’s World.” This release reinforces her status as a pop powerhouse unafraid to tackle significant themes with creativity and flair. Fans eagerly await the full album, anticipating more of the bold, danceable tracks that have become Perry’s trademark.