Thinking of You

Album: One of the Boys (2008)
Charted: 27 29
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Perry said that this song and "I'm Still Breathing" were about the same ex-boyfriend. She added that "Ur So Gay" and "Mannequin" were about different exes.
  • This acoustic ode was produced by Butch Walker ("Fall For You", "When You're Gone").
  • Perry told In The News UK that this song gets the best response at her live shows and it even reduces some fans to tears. She explained: "People do get emotional when they hear that song, because I think a lot of people go through that stuff so it hits them where they remember it happening to them. And it's just me with my guitar, rather than all the pyro and the dancers and the glitter, and I enjoy taking advantage of that, but sometimes it's nice to be able to take all that away and just do what I was put here to do."
  • "Thinking Of You" was the third single from Katy Perry's 2008 album One Of The Boys, her first pop album and her first using her stage name. Seven years earlier, when she was 16, she released a gospel album under her real name, Katy Hudson. She grew up in a very religious household where she was on the "Jesus train" before moving to Los Angeles and expanding her horizons. The first single from One Of The Boys was "I Kissed a Girl," a #1 hit that flaunted her conservative upbringing. That was followed by another high-energy tune, "Hot n Cold," which went to #3. "Thinking Of You," which slows down the tempo and shows another facet of her vocal range, went to #29, making Perry the first female artist signed to Capitol Records to have three Top 40 hits from an album since Bonnie Raitt's Luck of the Draw in 1991-1992.
  • In her London Live special, Perry said that this was a very personal song. "When I was starting out at these open mic nights, it was just me and my acoustic guitar, and that's how I wrote the song," she said. "It shows off that side, it's not an in-the-club throbbing song. I feel like I need that organic, homegrown musicianship to feel like I have substance to go with the bells and whistles."

Comments: 9

  • John from ThereNo you guys are wrong..6 of her songs are about the same guy-me-MARINE..not a soldier... "she tries too hide the fact that they're all about me" BUTT this all was taking place will I was overseas on a combat deployment in Iraq in late 2007 to early 2008 "7month span". I rocked world as she did mine, true soul mates we were.
  • Chad from MalaysiaGuys, she didn't move on with her intention... She wasn't even cheating. The soldier guy was her first/previous and he wanted her to move on cus he knew the distance and seldom meeting was gonna be an issue... or the fact itself, that he was gonna die in war cus he knew a close war was coming soon.. that's why she says "you said move on, where do I go" "how do I get better once I've had the best"
    You can notice in the video how that guy looks back at her and walks away, that was his last time, even after the party/dancing, you can clearly notice how emotional they were.. and he looks back at her one last time and smiles in pain, I have to admit, that acting was brilliant, it was nicely done, how could you not figure out that he was the one who was urging her to move on?? that's why she at last says "no more mistakes" cus she believes what she did was a mistake.
  • Hayley from Not Tellin, HiExcuse me for saying this but Theresa your so stupid What are you deaf Perry kicks ASS!
  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnThis is a great song but Katy's voice sounds horrible.
  • Jeana from Sterling Heights, Mithe music video is really really sad
  • Tayluur from Binghamton, NyI like this Katy song waaayyy more than the rest. She is actually really good when she is singing sad songs.
  • Jeana from Sterling Heights, Misurprisingly i do feel this way about someone right now...if only he heard this song and knew why it gets me emotional and chocked up and i want him to hear it so bad
  • Jeana from Sterling Heights, Mithis is my way of defining the song

    whether it was casual dating or serious romantic relationship it was broken off...the girl moves on because she thinks she's fine with going off with someone else but she keeps thinking about the guy...and she wants it all back...
  • Jeana from Sterling Heights, Mithis is the most amazing song i've ever heard...might be one of my favorites...reminds me of the first unofficial guy after my ex
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Boy Bands

Boy BandsFact or Fiction

From NKOTB to 1D, how well do you know your boy bands?