I think people appreciate a songwriter who shows different sides.

In the beginning, the great poets and songwriters of old understood that the heart of creation was not simply in the expression of sorrow or joy, but in the ability to capture the fullness of the human experience. Whether in the deepest anguish or the highest moments of triumph, they knew that every song, every poem, must carry the complexity of emotion—the shadows and the light, the laughter and the tears. The wisdom passed down from ancient times speaks to this truth: to be truly understood, one must show every side of themselves, not just the darkness, but also the light. These are the same lessons that resonate in the words of Katy Perry: “I think people appreciate a songwriter who shows different sides. The whole angst thing is cool, but if that's all you've got, it's just boring. Everything I write, whether it's happy or sad, has a sense of humor to it.”

Perry's insight speaks to the art of storytelling, of weaving a narrative that is not confined to a single emotion or perspective. In her music, she recognizes the importance of showing the complexity of human experience, where no feeling is one-dimensional. Angst, though powerful, can only carry the weight of a song so far. If one’s work is only filled with sorrow, it becomes predictable and ultimately, uninspiring. True artistry is found in the ability to balance the light with the dark, to reveal the depths of pain alongside the joy of life. This is the secret that has carried the great works of ancient sages and songwriters throughout the ages—the ability to express the full range of human emotion.

Consider the great Homer, who through his epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, not only told the stories of fierce battles and the agony of war but also wove moments of comedy, wit, and human warmth into the fabric of the narrative. The heroes of Homer’s world, such as Odysseus, are not mere figures of strength or sorrow, but complex individuals who experience moments of joy, humor, and cleverness amidst their struggles. These qualities gave their stories resonance—the audience could see themselves in the multifaceted emotions of the characters, knowing that life itself is never just one thing but a series of shifting experiences.

Katy Perry’s approach to songwriting mirrors this understanding, for she acknowledges that in order for her songs to truly connect with the listener, they must capture the full spectrum of emotion. Whether the song expresses happiness or sadness, Perry insists that humor must be woven through it. This is the key to making a song memorable and relatable. Humor, like the refreshing winds that blow through the mountains, lightens the soul and provides a necessary counterbalance to the heavier moments of life. Just as ancient songs often included both sorrow and mirth, Perry’s music reflects the belief that life cannot be captured in one emotion alone, but rather in a harmony of moods that mirror the ever-changing human experience.

The importance of varied emotional expression is clear in history. Shakespeare, in his timeless works, never shied away from showing the full range of human frailty, from the humor of his comedies to the dark tragedy of his plays. His ability to capture the complexity of the human heart is what has allowed his works to resonate through the ages. It is not just the sorrow of Hamlet or the madness of Macbeth that makes them enduring; it is the humanity of these characters, their ability to laugh, to love, and to struggle with the same emotions that we all experience. Perry’s songwriting, in this sense, follows in the footsteps of these great masters, offering a voice that speaks to both the joys and pains of life, creating songs that are both relatable and powerful.

The lesson here is one of balance and authenticity—a reminder that to truly connect with others, we must not hide parts of ourselves. Just as Perry balances the angst of life with a sense of humor, so must we all learn to embrace the full spectrum of our emotions. We are not defined by one single moment or feeling but by the entirety of our experiences, and it is this complexity that gives us depth. Whether in art, relationships, or life itself, we must not shy away from expressing both the light and the dark, for it is through these contrasts that we truly understand what it means to be human.

To follow this wisdom, let us live with openness and embrace our complexity, knowing that our struggles are not meant to be hidden, but understood in the broader context of our journey. We must allow both joy and sorrow to inform our lives, for it is through all of our experiences—whether happy or sad, light or dark—that we become whole. Art, like life, is not one-dimensional, and it is in embracing the full range of emotion that we create something authentic and powerful. Let us write our own stories with humor, grace, and depth, knowing that true beauty lies in the balance of all that we feel.