10 Shocking Secrets Behind Katy Perry's "The One That Got Away" Lyrics & Who She *Really* Wrote It About

Decades after its release, Katy Perry's "The One That Got Away" remains a cultural touchstone and one of the most emotionally resonant pop songs of the modern era. Originally released in 2011 as the sixth and final single from her blockbuster album Teenage Dream, the song’s lyrics—a bittersweet reflection on a vibrant, youthful love that slipped away—continue to captivate new listeners and haunt long-time fans.

As of late 2025, the track is consistently revisited, not just for its infectious mid-tempo pop ballad structure but for the deep-cut lyrical references that reveal much about Perry’s own life and the person who inspired the heartbreak. This deep dive uncovers the full, official lyrics and the ten most compelling facts about the song that define its legacy.

Katy Perry and "The One That Got Away": Song & Artist Profile

To fully appreciate the depth of the lyrics, it's essential to understand the context of the song within Katy Perry's career and the monumental success of the album it came from.

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• Artist: Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (Katy Perry)
• Song: "The One That Got Away"
• Album: Teenage Dream (2010)
• Release Date (Single): September 28, 2011
• Genre: Pop Ballad, Mid-Tempo Pop
• Songwriters: Katy Perry, Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke), Max Martin
• Producers: Dr. Luke, Max Martin
• Chart Performance: Reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first album in history to have six singles reach the Top 5. It also topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs and Adult Top 40 charts.
• Acoustic Version: A popular acoustic version was released, showcasing the raw emotional power of the lyrics.
• Music Video Director: Floria Sigismondi

The Full Official Lyrics: A Journey Through Lost Love

The song is structured as a flashback, moving from the idyllic, passionate beginning of a relationship to the devastating, regretful present. The lyrics are a masterclass in nostalgic storytelling and are often cited for their relatable portrayal of a love that was perfect, yet ultimately doomed.

Verse 1

Summer after high school when we first met
We'd make out in your Mustang to Radiohead
And on my eighteenth birthday we got matching tattoos
Used to steal your father's liquor and climb to the roof
Talk about our future like we had a clue
Never thought that we'd be seventeen again

Pre-Chorus

I heard that you're the one that got away
I heard that you're the one that got away

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Chorus

The one that got away
The one that got away
The one that got away

All of my best memories are with you
You were the one that got away
You were the one that got away
You were the one that got away
I should have known, I should have known

Verse 2

I was June and you were my Johnny Cash
Never thought that we'd be seventeen again
We got a little too wild, didn't we?
You were the one that got away
I should have known, I should have known

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Pre-Chorus

I heard that you're the one that got away
I heard that you're the one that got away

Chorus

The one that got away
The one that got away
The one that got away

All of my best memories are with you
You were the one that got away
You were the one that got away
You were the one that got away
I should have known, I should have known

Bridge

In another life I would be your girl
We'd keep all our promises, be us against the world
In another life I would make you stay
So I don't have to say you were the one that got away
The one that got away

Chorus

The one that got away
The one that got away
The one that got away

All of my best memories are with you
You were the one that got away
You were the one that got away
You were the one that got away
I should have known, I should have known

10 Deep-Cut Secrets and Lyrical Meanings That Explain the Song’s Power

The enduring popularity of "The One That Got Away" lies in its specific, yet universally relatable, details. Here are the most significant facts and lyrical breakdowns that give the song its emotional punch.

1. The True Identity of "The One" Was Revealed Years Later

For years, fans speculated the song was about her ex-husband, Russell Brand, or another high-profile ex. However, in 2017, Katy Perry publicly confirmed during a live stream that the song was about singer Josh Groban. She described him as a great friend but also "The One That Got Away," adding a layer of genuine, personal heartbreak to the lyrics.

2. The Iconic "Mustang to Radiohead" Reference

The opening lines set the nostalgic scene: "We'd make out in your Mustang to Radiohead." This is a deliberate, specific cultural reference. It grounds the relationship in a time and place, painting the picture of a cool, indie-loving, rebellious young couple—a stark contrast to the glossy pop star image Perry often projects.

3. The "June and Johnny Cash" Comparison

In the second verse, Perry sings, "I was June and you were my Johnny Cash." This line compares their relationship to the legendary, tumultuous, yet unbreakable bond between country music icons June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash. It signifies a relationship that felt destined and epic, making its failure even more tragic.

4. It Was the Final Single from a Record-Breaking Album

The song's release as the sixth single from Teenage Dream was strategically significant. The album was already a historic success, and "The One That Got Away" helped solidify its place in the record books.

5. The Music Video Features an Oscar-Nominated Actor

The song's emotional music video, directed by Floria Sigismondi, stars actor Diego Luna as the titular "one." The video uses flash-forwards to show an older, regretful Katy Perry reflecting on her lost love, adding a visual layer to the song's theme of "what if."

6. The Production Team is Pop Royalty

The song was co-written and produced by pop music titans Dr. Luke and Max Martin. Their involvement ensured the song had an irresistible, radio-friendly melody, perfectly balancing the lyrical sadness with a powerful, anthemic chorus.

7. The "Matching Tattoos" Detail

The line "And on my eighteenth birthday we got matching tattoos" speaks to the permanence and impulsivity of young love. While the relationship ended, the tattoo is a physical, lifelong reminder of the one who got away, a powerful lyrical metaphor for enduring regret.

8. The Enduring Emotional Resonance in 2025

Even over a decade later, the song is frequently discussed in articles and social media as a "summer soundtrack" or a "trip down memory lane." Its focus on nostalgic regret—"In another life I would make you stay"—continues to resonate with listeners reflecting on their own past relationships, keeping the song fresh and relevant.

9. Popularity of the Acoustic Version

While the album version is a polished pop track, the acoustic version stripped down the production, allowing Perry's vocal vulnerability and the raw emotion of the lyrics to take center stage. This version is often preferred by fans for its heartbreaking sincerity.

10. The Song Inspires New Art and Covers

The song's theme is so powerful that it has inspired numerous covers by artists like Charlie Puth, Tiffany Alvord, and Brielle Von Hugel, proving its lasting impact on the music community. Its title has also been adopted by other artists, such as the band MUNA, for their own songs exploring similar themes.