Katy Perry’s 2008 album, “The Boys,” gifted us with many chart-topping hits, most notably the beloved track, “I Kissed a Girl.” This song featured a line that referenced “Cherry Chapstick.”
Upon its release, the song skyrocketed to the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a massive hit in the United States. It also earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
However, a recent occurrence on the popular game show “Just Dance” has sparked speculation among fans about the true reason behind the censoring and meaning of the phrase “Cherry Chapstick.” This has left many wondering what lies behind this seemingly innocent phrase.
The lyrics of the song go as follows:
“I kissed a girl, and I liked it /
The taste of her cherry ChapStick /
I kissed a girl just to try it /
I hope my boyfriend don’t mind it /
It felt so wrong, it felt so right /
Don’t mean I’m in love tonight /
I kissed a girl, and I liked it.”
At first glance, one might assume that this song simply refers to a girl wearing cherry-flavored ChapStick. Fans speculated that the song recounted a situation in which Perry had kissed another girl in the past and experienced the taste of the cherry ChapStick she had applied to her lips during the encounter.
However, this assumption is incorrect. The meaning behind the phrase “Cherry Chapstick” is quite different, which prompted the editing team of “Just Dance” to bleep it out. It is actually a clandestine and metaphorical reference to a woman’s intimate area.
During the time of the song’s release, Perry was relatively unknown, and this track propelled her to international fame. The music video was shot in New York and has garnered over 26,000 views to date. The video features Katy Perry wearing a shirt and brown shoes initially but later transitions to her donning a black suit and tie while singing the song.
The video also shows Katy engaging with another woman, subtly alluding to the queer undertones of the song.
Even though the phrase may appear simplistic, it carries a profound meaning and metaphor. Perry has often used various items, including beauty products, to symbolize aspects of her own identity. In this case, the phrase “Cherry Chapstick” represents something sweet, feminine, yet bold about her.
Fans were shocked when they realized that the song “I Kissed a Girl” harbored a deeper queer and homosexual undertone. It tells the story of a woman who kisses another woman and experiences sexual excitement.
The phrase “Cherry Chapstick” metaphorically refers to the clitoris, a part of women’s anatomy associated with sexual pleasure and intimacy.
In the song, Perry mentions having a boyfriend while recalling an encounter with another girl. This girl may have gone out for a few drinks and, under the influence, impulsively kissed another woman. Despite her heterosexual inclinations, she found herself sexually aroused and responded differently.
This song subtly addresses queer culture. It is worth noting that Katy Perry has previously hinted at her pansexual nature.
The phrase “Cherry Chapstick” belongs to urban slang and is not uncommon in certain communities. However, Perry used it in a way that concealed its meaning for a significant period of time.
In urban slang, “Cherry Chapstick” refers to the female genitalia becoming engorged with excitement when a woman becomes sexually aroused. This terminology is also associated with female orgasms and sexual pleasure. The clitoris may turn red when stimulated or during sexual encounters.
Katy Perry has always fearlessly expressed herself through her music, utilizing outspoken and bold lyrics. She has been recognized for being ahead of her time and resonating with young audiences.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the phrase “Cherry Chapstick” may allude to a woman’s private parts in her song. However, it took fans quite some time to grasp this hidden meaning.
Nevertheless, during an interview with Glamour on February 6, 2018, Perry expressed a different perspective. She admitted that if she were to release the song now, she would likely make changes, including editing the lyrics. She acknowledged the evolution of conversations and the increased openness about bisexuality and fluidity. Perry stated, “Your mind changes so much in 10 years, and you grow so much. What’s true for you can evolve.”
However, despite Perry’s change of heart, the song remains popular among fans, who are unfazed by the hidden reference to “Cherry Chapstick.”
For more information about Katy Perry and her music, visit 5 WS.
