 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
"California Gurls" (CD single featuring Snoop Dogg)
- By Katy Perry
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
Sassy summer tune glamorizes partying and sex.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a typical Katy Perry single: catchy pop with some crassness and sassiness thrown in. There's lots of sexual innuendo and references to alcohol and partying. The song glamorizes the idea of the California party girl, who lives in Daisy Dukes and stilettos and likes to drink and have sex on the beach. The song is lighthearted fluff, but the heavier themes may warrant a conversation with teens about the realities and consequences of drinking and sleeping around.
What's the story?
Pop diva Katy Perry lathers up fans with a sexy, summer tune about California beach bunnies. There have been plenty of odes to West Coast girls before, but none quite as risque as Perry's "CALIFORNIA GURLS" (featuring Snoop Dogg). The infectious pop tune informs the world that CA girls are the best because they wear Daisy Dukes with bikini tops and stilettos. The fact that they like to drink and have sex on the beach and in their Jeeps adds to their mystique, apparently. The song seems to be a frothy summertime confection, but the messages about partying, having sex, and needing to look hot are troubling, especially for impressionable kids who are figuring out what it means to grow up and be an adult.
Is it any good?
Just in time for the summer heat, Katy Perry dishes out another sizzling single; this energetic but generic pop tune is sure to be blasting from convertibles everywhere. Although the message is definitely iffy for kids, the overall tone is fun, flirty, and ideal for summer parties (for adults, that is!). Snoop Dogg adds a few rap lines, which broadens the song's appeal.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about stereotypes. This song stereotypes California girls as being easy and willing to party. Do you think this is fair? Realistic? Could this song influence young girls in a negative way? Does it make you want to be like one of these California girls? Or go there?
Katy Perry has already had a lot of success being a "bad girl." Is it okay to portray an image or sing about racy topics just to sell records? Do you think Katy Perry is "cooler" because she sings songs like this?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
I don't think this song's lyrics are for tweens, but I can tell you right now that my 11 year old loves it already. It's very catchy. Why can't they sing the same song without the references to sex, alcohol and partying. Same thing with tik tok. My 11 year old went around the house singing about "Jack."She didn't know what she was singing, but still............
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AGE
Yet another song by the original good girl gone bad
All I have to say is, did you know that she used to be a christian singer? It's a strange, but true fact.
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AGE
Overall, a Good Song with Suggestive Themes
The song is very catchy and fun, but not appropriate for most kids. Though the song is fast and you can't hear most of the bad things, it is extremely suggestive. The music video isn't appropriate either. In some parts, she is naked on a cloud. In another, a gummi bear uses its middle finger. Also she starts shooting whipped cream from her bikini.
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AGE
Use Common Sense!
You know, kids these days are going to listen to this song regardless. Sure this song may have SOME innapropiate content, but it's not that bad. Trust me, by that age of 10, your children will hear far worse.
P.S. You got the lyrics wrong. Instead of, "no weenies, just to get in betweeny," it's, "no weenies, just a king and queen."
Parents, common sense media sometimes shelters children a little too much. Use your common sense to judge if your child can listen to this song.
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AGE
Kids Aren't that influenced by music!
" Sex on a beach" Is the only questionable phrase, 11 year old's know what sex is. We'll melt your popsicle isn't that bad and whats wrong with a mild swear word that every kid hears in their household? This song is fine. Kids are more influenced by their parents than TV, Video Games or music. When their kids have bad behavior, parents blame music, TV or video games. Off zone: 8 and under Iffy zone: 9-12 On zone: 13 and up.
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AGE
Better than Teenage Dream, but Still Pretty Bad...
Katy Perry's lines say, "Sex on the beach/we don't mind sand in our stilettos/we freak in the jeep", "warm, wet, and wild", "sun-kissed skin so hot/we'll melt your popsicle", "sippin' gin and juice".
Snoop Dogg's lines say, "Kiss her, touch her, squeeze her buns", "all that a-s hangin' out", "martinis", etc.
Also, the video features the bird once and nudity throughout.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 11, 2010
AGE
Good, but grows annoying after 20-25 listens
Its pretty good, but there is a few parts that made me uncomtrobale like "--- on the beach", "all that --- hangin out", and "kiss her, touch her, squeeze her b-ns
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AGE
yuck
even though im only 12, this song makes me roll my eyes in disgust. it says that the best kind of girls are hot and have sex on a beach. snoop dog talks about "kiss her touch her squeeze her buns" and "weenies." not the dirtiest song ive ever heard, but its still pretty dirty. also glamourizes drinking.
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AGE
only for teens
it is a good song for teens but not for kids
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AGE
Wow people....
since when did preteens becomes such prunes?!?!? so what is the song says a** twice, dont you hear it everywhere now in this crazy world. The song gets stuck in your head
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| Artist: | Katy Perry |
| Release date: | May 11, 2010 |
| Label: | Capitol |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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