Never Really Over

Album: Smile (2019)
Charted: 12 15
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Never Really Over" is about the struggle to move on from the end of a relationship.

    Two years, and just like that
    My head still takes me back
    Thought it was done, but I
    Guess it's never really over
    Oh, we were such a mess


    Speaking about the song, Perry explained it explores the nature of getting over breakups. "All of our relationships - from first love, through failed love, to great love - all become a part of you, so that none are ever really over, and once you accept both the dark and the light, you may find that the darkness brought you to the light."
  • Perry co-wrote the rousing song with four other songwriters: Gino Barletta, Michelle Buzz, Jason Gill and Hayley Warner. Three producers were involved in the track: Zedd and the Dreamlab duo of Dan and Leah Haywood.

    "I worked on this song when I was on tour, and I don't really do that," Perry said. "It's produced by Zedd, and I brought him the song and he said, 'Wow it sounds amazing.'"
  • The track was Perry's second collaboration with Garman-Russian producer Zedd in 2019, following the release of "365."
  • The song samples "Love You Like That," a 2017 track by Norwegian pop star Dagny.
  • The glowing video, directed by multimedia artist Philippa Price (Banks' "Gemini Feed"), was shot in Malibu. It drives home the song's message of self-love as we see Perry taking part in various heart-healing rituals at a retreat resort.

    "I go to a healing center to completely discard of any energy from past relationships," Perry explained in a behind the scenes clip. "Although that's hard to do because when you're in a relationship that's real, they end up taking a piece of you and you can never get that piece back."
  • Katy Perry sang an acoustic version of "Never Really Over" on the January 29, 2022 episode of Saturday Night Live. It marked the pop star's fourth time performing on the late night sketch show, after appearances in 2010, 2013 and 2017.
  • Katy Perry wrote "Never Really Over" after reuniting with her boyfriend Orlando Bloom following a split in early 2017. Their relationship eventually ended for good in the summer of 2025, with "Bandaids"- released later that year - serving as Perry's reflective, bittersweet response to the final chapter of their union.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.