The song serves as a motivational "pump-up" anthem, focusing on:
Perry described the song as something that had been "brewing inside" her for years. She felt compelled to finish it then rather than wait for an album, citing a global need for unity and healing following events like the 2016 Nice terrorist attack. Katy Perry - Rise (Audio)
The chorus centers on the metaphor of a phoenix, emphasizing thriving rather than just surviving. The song serves as a motivational "pump-up" anthem,
Lyrics like "When the fire's at my feet again / And the vultures all start circling" illustrate standing firm against doubters and hardships. Katy Perry - Rise (Audio)
Perry co-wrote the track with Savan Kotecha and producers Max Martin and Ali Payami .