It Takes Two

Album: Prism (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Perry engages in some self-examination over the breakdown of her marriage to Russell Brand on this Stargate produced track, which she penned with Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé. She told MTV News that she believes it's important to be mature about ending a romance. "It's really easy when relationships end to be like 'That guy was a f---ing douchebag,'" she said. "But really if you laid it down, and you saw the whole span of the relationship, you saw that you were in love, you saw the intimate moments, you saw the pain, you saw all the emotions and you have to kind of say 'Well, what responsibility can I take for myself in all of this.'"
  • Perry's boyfriend John Mayer plays guitar on the track. He also co-wrote another song on the deluxe edition of Prism, "Spiritual" and suggested the album title.
  • Speaking with The Sun, Emeli Sandé recalled their songwriting collaboration:

    "Katy Perry was really cool because I got to meet her. We had a studio session for a day. She really understood pop music and what she needed to do – and totally understood how to do everything. Then we went and had dinner afterwards – it was amazing."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.

The Evolution of "Ophelia"

The Evolution of "Ophelia"Song Writing

How five songs portray Shakespeare's character Ophelia.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."