Katy Perry's 'Save as Draft' is a reflective and poignant song about the modern complications of love and communication in the digital age. The song delves into the internal struggle of whether to reach out to an ex-lover or move forward without reopening old wounds. Using digital metaphors, Perry captures the hesitation to send messages that may disturb the delicate balance of healing after a breakup, ultimately choosing to 'save as draft' instead of reigniting a past relationship.
At the start of 'Save as Draft,' Katy Perry reminisces about a time when the person she addresses was a constant presence in her mind. As life becomes busier, she finds it easier to move on, though not without challenges. Memories and near encounters stir emotions, indicating that although physical distance has been achieved, emotional closure is still pending.
Entering the chorus, an emotional tug-of-war ensues. Katy wrestles with the desire to communicate with her former partner, highlighting a deep inner conflict. She knows reaching out may not be wise, yet the compulsion is palpable. Here, we sense her growth and maturity as she continually resists the urge to act on impulse, knowing it may cause more harm than good.
The second verse and the bridge convey a complex tapestry of feelings. Although there's a yearning for open dialogue, Katy understands that revisiting the past could ensnare them in familiar traps. It's a reflective moment that captures the essence of moving on; understanding that closure sometimes means accepting unanswered questions and learning to live with ambiguity.
Katy Perry is forced to confront the ongoing tension between holding on and letting go. The final chorus becomes a repetitive mantra, etching her continuous cycle of writing and erasing messages. However, in a moment of clarity and resolve, she chooses self-preservation over vulnerability—evidenced by her decision to keep her words unsent, not yet deleted, preserving the past but not allowing it to define her present.
"You don't have to subtweet me"
Subtweeting refers to the act of indirectly tweeting about someone without mentioning their name. Katy Perry uses this reference to highlight the indirect and often passive-aggressive nature of digital communication after a breakup.
"Sometimes I swear I pass your SUV on Sunset Boulevard"
Sunset Boulevard is a famous street in Los Angeles, often associated with the glamor and celebrity culture of the city. This line evokes Perry's connections to LA and the bitter sweetness of memories tied to specific places.
"I don't fuck with change, but lately, I've been flipping coins a lot"
Flipping coins symbolizes making decisions based on chance when faced with uncertainty. Perry acknowledges her discomfort with change while also admitting that she's been left to make decisions haphazardly.
"So I take a deep breath and I save as draft"
The core metaphor of the song, 'save as draft' alludes to the action of saving an unfinished message for later revision or sending. It represents Perry's decision to not act on her immediate feelings, capturing the restraint that comes with moving on.