This Is How We Do

"This Is How We Do" is a celebratory anthem about a carefree and leisurely lifestyle, focusing on the joy of friendship and living in the moment without concern for judgment. The lyrics paint a picture of a typical day and night for Katy Perry and her friends, filled with casual, fun activities like sipping rosé, playing ping-pong, eating tacos, and singing karaoke. The song's core message is an embrace of a specific, relaxed way of life, repeating the title phrase as a confident declaration of their routine. It's presented as a sequel of sorts to Perry's previous party anthems like "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)", but with a more "modest, adult, and middle-class idea of fun". The recurring line, "It's no big deal," serves to underscore the song's theme of nonchalance and confidence in one's own choices and lifestyle. Ultimately, the song is an ode to enjoying youth and irresponsibility, celebrating the simple pleasures of hanging out with friends and doing things your own way.

The song chronicles a series of carefree, stylish, and somewhat mundane activities shared among a group of friends, presenting their lifestyle as a modern form of leisure and self-expression. It begins with a relaxed morning scene in Silver Lake, sipping rosé as the sun rises lazily. This idyllic start quickly transitions into a more active, yet equally casual, day involving playing ping-pong and grabbing breakfast, all while maintaining a laid-back attitude. The narrative then shifts to the social rituals of the group. The singer describes her friends piling into her Maserati, highlighting a sense of spontaneous fun and camaraderie. The tone is lighthearted and observational, detailing specific, almost quirky, activities that define their social lives. This includes going to a favorite taco spot, La Super Rica, a detail that grounds the otherwise glamorous-sounding lifestyle with a touch of authentic, personal preference. The day bleeds into night with activities like singing karaoke poorly, specifically to Mariah Carey songs, and getting elaborate Japanese-style manicures. These moments are portrayed not as major events, but as the regular, enjoyable rhythm of their lives, summed up by the recurring phrase, "This is how we do."

A central theme running through the narrative is a nonchalant attitude towards social norms and financial responsibility, encapsulated in the lyric about buying bottle service with rent money—though the singer humorously distances herself from this specific act. The repetition of "It's no big deal" reinforces this relaxed, confident mindset. The song is a celebration of living in the moment, prioritizing fun and friendship over conventional concerns. The lyrics paint a picture of a close-knit group that has its own unique way of enjoying life, marked by a blend of high-end tastes and everyday pleasures. There's a shout-out to the women who are still wearing last night's clothes at breakfast and to the kids who have left their cars at the club until Tuesday, acknowledging a shared experience of living life to the fullest without regret. The song's structure, with its sing-talk verses and repetitive, catchy chorus, mirrors the cyclical and routine nature of these social gatherings. It’s not about a single, wild night, but about a consistent lifestyle of "chillin', laid-back, straight stuntin'". The overall message is an anthem of self-assurance and the joy found in the company of friends, doing things their own way, without seeking validation from others.

"This Is How We Do" was written by Katy Perry in collaboration with acclaimed Swedish producers Max Martin and Klas Åhlund, who also handled the song's production and programming. The track was recorded in Stockholm, Sweden, as part of the sessions for Perry's fourth studio album, Prism (2013). Perry described her work in Stockholm with producers like Martin as putting "the icing on the cake" for the album. She praised the Swedish producers' innate talent for pop music. Klas Åhlund noted that the vibe of the recording location often influences the music being made. The song was officially released as the fifth and final single from Prism on July 31, 2014, and was sent to radio stations on August 12, 2014. In a tweet, Perry revealed that the inspiration for the song came from her "OG crew, our parties & my hometown Santa Barbara," specifically referencing her favorite local taqueria, La Super Rica, in the lyrics.

While "This Is How We Do" is largely a straightforward celebration of a carefree lifestyle, its symbolism lies in the collection of activities and references that create a portrait of a specific modern subculture. The song doesn't rely on deep metaphors but instead uses cultural signifiers as a form of shorthand.

• Lifestyle as Identity: The detailed list of activities—sipping Rosé in Silver Lake, getting "Japanese-y" nails, singing "Mariah Carey-oke"—collectively symbolize a hip, leisurely, and somewhat affluent West Coast lifestyle. These aren't just actions; they are curated choices that define the identity of the group, representing a deliberate performance of coolness and nonchalance.
• Pop Art Aesthetic: The music video heavily employs a pop art and mid-century modern aesthetic, which mirrors the song's lyrical content. The bright colors, stylized sets, and references to artists like Piet Mondrian and sculptor Duane Hanson's "Man on a Bench" transform the mundane activities into living art. This visual symbolism suggests that their lifestyle is not just lived but is also a self-aware, aesthetic statement.
• Food as Fun: The recurring mentions of food—tacos, twerking ice cream cones, pizza—symbolize simple, hedonistic pleasures. This food fixation in Perry's work can be seen as a way to humanize her pop star persona, grounding the glamorous life in relatable, everyday indulgences.

The predominant emotional tone of "This Is How We Do" is one of carefree joy and confident nonchalance. It's an upbeat and celebratory song that avoids deep emotional complexity in favor of capturing a light, fun-loving atmosphere. The emotion is generated through its bouncy, dance-pop production, Perry's playful, sing-talk vocal delivery, and lyrics that focus exclusively on pleasant, leisurely activities. There are no moments of sadness, anger, or introspection; the song maintains a consistently positive and buoyant mood from start to finish. The recurring phrase "It's no big deal" perfectly summarizes the emotional landscape: unbothered, relaxed, and secure. This creates a feeling of escapism for the listener, inviting them into a world where the primary concerns are which taco spot to visit and what song to sing at karaoke. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive and energetic, designed to be a feel-good anthem for living in the moment.

Upon its release, "This Is How We Do" achieved moderate commercial success, becoming the fifth single from the multi-platinum album Prism. It reached number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The song charted within the top 10 in Canada and Israel and the top 20 in several other countries. The music video, directed by Joel Kefali, garnered significant attention for its vibrant, pop-art-inspired aesthetic, featuring references to Piet Mondrian, Pee-Wee Herman, and vintage advertisements. However, the song and video also sparked controversy and criticism regarding cultural appropriation. Perry's use of cornrows and what some critics described as stereotypical depictions drew backlash, contributing to a broader conversation in pop music about the line between appreciation and appropriation. Perry later apologized for these aspects, acknowledging her white privilege and stating she was educating herself on the issues. Despite the controversy, the song is remembered as a quintessential example of Perry's fun, bubblegum pop persona from that era, often compared to her earlier hits like "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)".

The rhyme and rhythm of "This Is How We Do" are crafted to create a laid-back, conversational, and highly catchy feel that complements its lyrical themes. The song's structure is built on a moderate hip-hop tempo, which provides a steady, head-nodding beat without feeling overly aggressive or urgent. This rhythmic foundation supports Perry's sing-talk vocal delivery in the verses, where the lyrical rhythm is more relaxed and follows natural speech patterns. The chorus, in contrast, becomes more rhythmically structured and repetitive, emphasizing the hook. The rhyme scheme is generally simple and direct. It often employs couplets (AA, BB) and straightforward end rhymes that make the lyrics easy to follow and sing along to. For instance, in the pre-chorus, "hotties" is paired with "Maserati." Perry also uses multi-syllabic and internal rhymes to add lyrical complexity and flow, a technique highlighted by some analyses. The interplay between the casual, almost free-verse rhythm of the verses and the tight, repetitive rhythm of the chorus creates a dynamic that mirrors the song's theme: transitioning from a chill, everyday hangout to a declarative, anthemic statement of identity.

"This Is How We Do" employs a blend of musical and lyrical techniques to achieve its breezy, sing-along quality.

• Musical Style: The song is a dance-pop track with strong hip-hop and 1990s New Jack Swing influences. Its production, by Max Martin and Klas Åhlund, features "synth squiggles and melodic dots" over a moderate hip-hop tempo of around 96 beats per minute. The instrumentation creates a "wobbling dance track" feel that is both laid-back and danceable. The track is set in the key of A minor.
• Vocal Delivery: Perry utilizes a sing-talking vocal style throughout the verses, which gives the lyrics a conversational and anecdotal feel, as if she's casually recounting her day to a friend. This delivery enhances the song's theme of effortless cool and nonchalance.
• Lyrical Repetition: The song relies heavily on repetition, particularly the titular phrase "This is how we do" and the chorus chant "do-do-do-do." This repetition acts as a strong hook, making the song extremely catchy and memorable, reinforcing it as a definitive anthem for a particular lifestyle.
• Name-Dropping and Cultural References: The lyrics are filled with specific brand names (Maserati, Chanel) and cultural references (Mariah Carey, La Super Rica), a technique that grounds the song in a specific, relatable contemporary world. This adds a layer of authenticity and specificity to the narrative she's creating.

What is the meaning behind Katy Perry's song 'This Is How We Do'?

The song is a celebration of a carefree, stylish lifestyle with friends. It's about enjoying the moment, from casual hangouts to parties, and confidently owning your way of life without worrying about others' opinions. It's considered an anthem for youthful fun and nonchalance.

Who wrote and produced 'This Is How We Do'?

Katy Perry co-wrote the song with its producers, the renowned Swedish hitmakers Max Martin and Klas Åhlund. They recorded the track in Stockholm, Sweden, for her album 'Prism'.

When was 'This Is How We Do' released?

The song was released as the fifth single from the album 'Prism' on July 31, 2014, when its music video premiered. It was sent to radio stations for airplay on August 12, 2014.

What is the lyric 'sucking at Mariah Carey-oke' a reference to?

This line refers to the common social activity of singing karaoke, specifically to songs by the iconic vocalist Mariah Carey, who is known for her difficult-to-sing, high-ranging melodies. The lyric humorously points out the fun in trying, and failing, to imitate a famous singer with friends.

Why did the music video for 'This Is How We Do' cause controversy?

The music video faced criticism for cultural appropriation. Specific elements, such as Katy Perry wearing her hair in cornrows and certain visual stereotypes, led to accusations of insensitivity. Perry later addressed the backlash and apologized, stating it was a learning experience for her.

What style of music is 'This Is How We Do'?

It is primarily a dance-pop and electropop song. It incorporates notable influences from hip-hop and '90s New Jack Swing, featuring a sing-talk vocal style over a synth-heavy, moderate-tempo beat.

Are there any specific cultural references in the music video?

Yes, the video is rich with pop culture references, including outfits inspired by the art of Piet Mondrian, dancers styled like Pee-Wee Herman, animated snacks reminiscent of '50s theater ads, and nods to Aretha Franklin and Mariah Carey.