Swish Swish (Katy Perry song)

Composition and themes

Musically, "Swish Swish" incorporates driving rhythms and prominent electronic textures that draw on contemporary club and house influences. The arrangement pairs melodic verses and a singable chorus with a rap verse that gives the track a cross-genre feel. The lyrics frame the speaker as undisturbed by negativity, using sporting metaphors to emphasize moving past conflict.

Release and formats

The song was first released in May 2017 as a promotional single available with the pre-order of Witness, then followed as an official single on May 19 of that year. Its initial commercial impact included an entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it debuted at number 46. Early distribution included digital singles and streaming, alongside later radio promotion consistent with modern pop releases.

Reception and media

Critical response to "Swish Swish" was mixed. Reviewers noted the song's confident tone and club-ready production while offering varied opinions on its lyrical directness. Some listeners and commentators interpreted aspects of the song as a public-facing answer to personal disputes, though interpretations differed. An official music video released after the single presents a satirical, sports-themed narrative that underscores the song's competitive imagery.

Performances and legacy

Prominent live presentations of "Swish Swish" included a televised performance at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, where Perry — who hosted the event that year — performed the song with Minaj. The track remains a noted entry in Perry's catalog for its collaborative billing and its crossover of pop, dance, and rap elements.

• Artists: Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj
• Album: Witness
• Style touch: House influences and hip-hop verse
• Release note: first issued as a promotional single
• Chart: entered the Billboard Hot 100