In case you didn't know, here's the backstory:
Kesha and Dr. Luke, her producer, went to trial because Dr. Luke sued her for defamation and breach of contract after Kesha began a civil suit against him. Kesha counter claimed that Dr. Luke sexually, verbally and emotionally abused her for years which she said caused her bulimia. Her claims were dismissed as the instances of violence she alleged happened too long ago according to the NY Supreme Court and they said she entered contract with him when it was foreseeable to her that he would abuse her. So pretty much they knew he abused her but the law has a time limit... but that's a whole other issue. (Source)
Anyways, Kesha has 3 singles out and an album coming mid August, and we need to talk about it. Praying is a piece of art; if you haven't heard it/ seen the music video, watch it here.
The song has incredible imagery, lyrics, and vocals. This article isn't an in depth analysis of the song so I'm just going to touch on the parts that were the most powerful (to me).
The imagery
- Kesha pushing away pigs, aka the man who abused her and body shamed her.
- At the end of the video, it says "the beginning" because this is the start of her career where she gets to write her own songs and has power over the content she creates
- From going to black and white and feeling numb to being colorful and full of life again.
The lyrics and vocals
- "I've found a strength I've never known" because she made it through awful things
- "I'm proud of who I am" this is important because after being raped and abused for years, she doesn't blame herself
- "Some things only God can forgive" though she is taking the power back, she refuses to let him think what he did was okay
- "I hope your soul is changing, I hope you find your peace" even though she may not forgive him, she is wishing him well while also calling him out for what he's done
- The notes that she hits are incredible, especially that one high note.
- The emotion she pours into it is palpable and you can feel her pain in ever lyric.
Kesha is a force to be reckoned with as she makes her comeback. Her new music proves her incredible song writing ability and vocals that will move you, and I am so excited for the rest of her album.
