Walking On Air

Album: Prism (2013)
Charted: 34
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • During a listening party for Prism, Katy mentioned that her friend DJ Mia Moretti was the "muse" behind several tracks on the album, including this one. She wrote this tune after the pair spent some together in Central Park watching a bunch of roller skaters doing skate dancing to deep house music. Her goal was to create a song that would be perfect for these skaters to dance to and she described it as, "CeCe Peniston and Crystal Waters wrapped up in a 2013 groove."
  • The vibrant, throbbing House song was sonically inspired by Robyn. The Swedish Synthpop singer-songwriter supported Perry on part of her California Dreams tour and the Californian songstress penned the track with frequent Robyn collaborator Klas Ahlund. "I'm such a huge Robyn fan," Perry gushed during the Prism listening party.
  • The wailing, soulful vocals at the beginning of the song are provided by Swedish singer Sabina Ddumba. The Stockholm native started singing at the age of six and has performed with the Tensta Gospel Choir.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

Chris Rea

Chris ReaSongwriter Interviews

It took him seven years to recover from his American hit "Fool (If You Think It's Over)," but Chris Rea became one of the top singer-songwriters in his native UK.

The Evolution of "Ophelia"

The Evolution of "Ophelia"Song Writing

How five songs portray Shakespeare's character Ophelia.

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root

Michael Glabicki of Rusted RootSongwriter Interviews

Michael tells the story of "Send Me On My Way," and explains why some of the words in the song don't have a literal meaning.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.