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"Thinking of You" (CD single) (by Katy Perry, Pop)

common sense media says

Heartfelt ballad from pop's naughty girl OK for tweens.

parents & educators say
See all 21 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this power ballad shows off Katy Perry's formidable range, and contains none of the bad-girl themes she's become known for. The video for the song is likewise fairly clean, although it does show Perry and her lover wrestling and kissing in bed (clothed).

Positive messages: One line, "He pulled me in, I was disgusted with myself"expresses a feeling of self-loathing in harsh terms.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: While it's not graphic, the lyrics do discuss a mature relationship: "What would you do if you were the one who was spending the night?"
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "Thinking of You" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the song's lyrics, which deal with the difficulty of moving on from a break-up and living with a heart-wrenching choice. Have you ever given something up (a friend, a book, a toy?) only to pine for that thing and regret your decision? How long did it take you to feel better? Do you think writing about your regrets helps you get over it? Older kids: What do you think of the image Perry has created for herself and the order in which her singles have been released -- sensationalistic songs followed by tame ones? Do you think the marketing was designed to create a buzz (however negative) about the artist, only to later "prove" she can really sing?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Katy Perry caused quite a stir with singles like "Ur So Gay" and "I Kissed a Girl," but THINKING OF YOU represents a departure both in lyrics and tone from those sensational, yet unique releases. This is a love song that's both raw ("He kissed my lips, I taste your mouth") and girlish ("'You're like an Indian summer in the middle of winter, Like a hard candy with a surprise center"). The song deals with some grown-up stuff -- the heartache of being torn between two lovers, regret, and the difficulty of moving on.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
With her low growls, high falsettos, convention-busting lyrics, and retro 40s glamour, Katy Perry is a true original. Her brazen style is unapologetically quirky, and holds a certain fascination among tweens and teens who enjoy watching her thumb her nose at society. In her choice of material, her blog, and in interviews Perry makes a point of characterizing herself as a girl who just wants to have fun -- and if that includes a bit of playful anarchy, then so be it. But "Thinking of You" shows off a romantic side of the artist that demonstrates her emotional range. For teens and tweens interested in the artist's persona, this song adds some depth to the mix -- and proves that you don't have to cause a stir to get some artistic recognition.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: January 13, 2009
Label: Capitol
Genre: Pop
This review was written by Caroline Knorr
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

ayeshaq
parent of and 6 , 10 , 12 , 13 year old
9
 
I loved Katy song HOt 'n' cold! I loved it!!!
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moviecritic100
adult
14
 
TERRIBLE SONG!
What kind of music is this? No way a 4 star Commonsense, if it was possible I would give this a 0! A true trainwreck song, terrible lyrics, terrible beat, and her voice is just awful. What a awful transition Katy Perry goes from a fun upbeat song with I Kissed A Girl to a true disaster!
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booklover106
teen, 16 years old
11
 
awesome!
the music video had only some sexual content. but it was a really good song. if i had kids i would totally let them listen to it. really heart-filled. i even put it on my MP3 it was so good. :D
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ilovekristenst ...
adult
11
 
katy perry
i love katy perry!!!! she owns most of my iPod!!!!!!
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xray75
kid, 11 years old
10
 
perfect for mautre kids
ooooo there are 2 deadly songs she sings ur so gay hot n cold HOT N COLD: B**** ur so gay some sexual words penis
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zerealevilcelery
teen, 17 years old
10
 
Decent.
Not one of my prefered songs by Katy Perry but it is ok. No lines containing offensive material really stuck in my mind, if there were any at all.
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Whee
teen, 14 years old
9
 
LOved it!
It's a great song!! The video is not really good though!
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MeTheCrazyOne99
kid, 13 years old
10
 
:)
I like this song! I love it, actually. A good message, a nice song. I'm kinda surprised seeing a ballad coming from KP. But good song.
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goodgirladvice
parent of 11 year old
7
 
great fun for kids
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KayKayD
teen, 16 years old
12
 
Beautiful and Heartfelt
The only reason I mentioned the sexual behavior is from the video, Katy is in very, very revealing lingerie, Other than that, this song is beautiful. It's so heartfelt and sad, I literally cried the first time I heard it. The video is a great depiction of losing someone you love in a war.
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nazz4ever
teen, 16 years old
7
 
katy rules!
this song is so beautiful!it makes me cry! -nazz
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pink-a-holic
teen, 18 years old
14
 
Great CD!!!
I think that this CD was fantastic! It has great rythnm and a good beat. this cd has a lot of good beat songs and I would tell people to listen to it.:)
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MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
2
 
Love this song.
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shmulik98
teen, 13 years old
11
 
Cry cry!
ITS SO SAD!! The vid is more grapihc than the song!!
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angelskick
teen, 15 years old
11
 
OMG!
I think that Katy Perry is an amazing artist but in some of her songs things get a little iffy. I'm not saying I don't like her, i just wish maybe her language would change.
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sara4ever95
teen, 16 years old
8
 
katy parry
i love katy parry shes great.theyre is nothing wrong with this song.i say 8+
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Spongebob Fan
kid, 13 years old
9
 
Music Video Is Graphic With Sex, Song Isn't Bad At All
Other than the "He Pulled Me In, I was disgusted with myself" lyric, the song is totally clean with nice messages. If you have children, do not allow them to watch the video, but the song is A.O.K
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Thenewelxhgirl ...
kid, 10 years old
8
 
Great Ballad by Katy Perry
I think this song is relaxing. This song isn't bad. It's perfect for pretty much all ages.
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SushiFrenzy101
kid, 10 years old
4
 
This Song's OK, & Age Appropriate
This isn't really one of my favorite Katy Perry songs, but it's OK. It's sad, and if you think the song is sad then watch the video! I see nothing suggestive about this song. Any kid can listen to it, but not some of her other songs, (By the way, never let ANY kid listen to Peacock!!!)
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conboy111
kid, 11 years old
10
 
Thinking Of Greatness
A shocking song in a good way. Nothing bad however very sad. Best for more grown-up ten year olds (my classmates are like so childish even the biggest classmate who's 11 is a bit childish, it looks like I'm the grown-up child in class!)
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