Analysing Music Videos

Katy Perry - California Gurls

This video has an implicit and subtextual meaning because people would understand what Katy is obviously stating, that women from California are the best, but there are symbolisms in the lyrics and the video which can have different connotations.

The implicit meaning is put forward in lyrics such as "once you party with us you'll be falling in love... California girls, we're unforgettable" which speaks for itself.  Perry is from California, so we can understand her love of the place and people.

Then there are the different connotations.  The provocative clothing of the females, and the shots where Perry is completely naked, could make people think that women from California are promiscous.  Especially because it seems as if the song is directed at men, i.e. "we'll melt your popsicle" is almost definately a sexual inuendo referring to male genitalia.  However, some would just believe that Perry is putting them across as being confident in their bodies which are beautiful, this is backed up by the lyrics "sun-kissed skin so hot" and "toned, tanned, fit and ready".  The idea of promiscuity can also be challenged by the fact that there are no men in the video except Snoop Dogg, which could imply that the females do not need men even though men would be attracted to them.

Despite the title, the setting of the video is not in California but somewhere that looks like an island made completely out of confectionary, which could mean that California women are sweet and so is the place.  Perry laying naked in the clouds connotes a heavenly setting, meaning that women from California are perfect.  The vast colours and the high key lighting is a reflection of their optimistic attitudes and so also represents how fun they are.