Katy Perry’s new song “Bandaids,” released on November 6, 2025, offers a raw and introspective look into the end of her relationship with Orlando Bloom, suggesting that emotional neglect and unreciprocated efforts were key factors in their split earlier this year. This marks her first musical release since the breakup, and it has quickly garnered attention for its heartfelt lyrics and symbolic music video.
In the track, Perry candidly addresses the struggles of trying to save a dying relationship. Lyrics such as “Hand to God, I promise I tried / There’s no stone left unturned” emphasize her exhaustive efforts, while “It’s not what you did / It’s what you didn’t / You were there, but you weren’t” points to Bloom’s perceived emotional absence. She further elaborates on feeling let down, singing, “Got so used to you letting me down / No use tryna send flowers now,” and uses the metaphor of “Band-Aids over a broken heart” to describe temporary fixes that couldn’t heal deeper issues.
The music video enhances these themes with powerful imagery. It opens with Perry washing dishes and dropping a ring—likely an engagement ring—into the sink drain. As she attempts to retrieve it, the garbage disposal activates, causing a graphic injury to her hand, symbolizing the harm of clinging to a failed relationship. Other scenes, including her falling from a tree and narrowly avoiding a train crash, depict the vulnerability and peril she associated with the partnership.
Despite the pain, Perry expresses no regrets, acknowledging the positive moments they shared. She sings, “If I had to do it all over again / I would still do it all over again,” and the video features a daisy, a clear reference to their 5-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove, implying that the relationship was ultimately worthwhile because of their child.
Perry and Bloom began their romance in 2016, got engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2019, and welcomed Daisy in August 2020. They announced their split in June 2025 after nearly a decade together, with representatives stating they were taking “respectful, loving space.” Since the breakup, Perry has been linked to Justin Trudeau, the former Prime Minister of Canada, with sources indicating he is “crazy about her” and they share common ground in politics and family life.
The release of “Bandaids” has struck a chord with audiences, sparking discussions on social media about the importance of emotional availability in relationships. Fans have praised Perry’s honesty and the song’s relatable depiction of one-sided love, with many sharing their own experiences of similar dynamics.
This single represents a new chapter for Perry, highlighting her artistic evolution towards more personal and vulnerable storytelling. It may influence her future work, emphasizing authenticity over commercial pop, and sets the stage for further explorations of her life experiences in her music.