Is Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" About Taylor Swift?

The singer discussed her inspiration for the song on The Tonight Show.

Katy Perry Diss Track "Swish Swish" about Taylor Swift?
(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Swish Swish" is just the latest instalment in the saga that is Katy Perry versus Taylor Swift. Upon hearing Perry's latest single, which is a collaboration with the inimitable Nicki Minaj, fans became convinced that the song is a diss track, and Swift's bestie Ruby Rose was particularly offended.

But Perry spoke to Jimmy Fallon on Friday night about the track, and discussed whether it was written about anyone in particular.

Without ever mentioning the name "Taylor Swift", Perry said, "I think it's a great anthem for people to use whenever someone's trying to hold you down or bully you. It's a liberation from all the negative that doesn't serve you." Basically, the explanation Perry gave on Fallon about "Swish Swish" leaves the song's inspiration deliberately vague, but empowering nonetheless.

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The idea that "Swish Swish" is an anthem for anyone who's ever had to deal with a bully is also mentioned in Perry's recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. Of her new music, Perry said, "There is no one thing that's calling out any one person." It sounds as though Swift could be just one of many haters mentioned in Perry's new music.

Listen to the song now, and decide whether you think "Swish Swish" is about Taylor Swift.

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Amy Mackelden
Editor

Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.