Music superstar Kesha has finally broken free and is back with her new hit single "Praying." It is a dramatic change in sound from what we're used to hearing from the pop superstar, who brought us hits like "Tick Tock" and "Timber".
However, the message is clear and one that anyone who has gone through sexual assault needs to hear.
"Praying" discusses Kesha's struggle to overcome the aftermath of being sexually assaulted and abused by her former music producer Dr. Luke Gottwald.
The lyrics "Cause you brought the flames and you put me through hell. I had to learn how to fight for myself," are just a few of the many in this song that stuck out to me.
Sexual assault is something that is mentally draining on the mind. As a victim of sexual assault, I constantly play what happened that night in my head.
I think about how I once trusted this person and considered them a friend before anything, just to have that trust broken and my life changed forever.
Learning to fight for yourself is hard because you are afraid of speaking up about what happened, but it's the first step to helping you pick up the pieces and move forward with your life.
Sexual Assault doesn't have a preference, it can happen to anyone regardless of their age, sex or gender.
"Praying" sends a message of hope and strength. It reminds us that sexual assault may take away your consent, but it doesn't take away your voice and your power to overcome and fight for your life back.
"I hope you're somewhere praying, praying. I hope your soul is changing, changing. I hope you find your piece, falling on your knees praying."
While the abuse by Gottwald had allegedly taken place several times over the years, Kesha didn't open up about it until January 2014 during a brief stint in rehab for an eating disorder.
It wasn't until that October when the official lawsuit was filed against Gottwald.
In February 2016, New York Supreme Court Judge Shirley Kornreich denied Kesha's preliminary injunction. With a stint of days in court, last August, Kesha filed to dismiss her lawsuit against Gottwald. This means she can resume her music career and honor her contract with Sony Music and Kemosabe.
It appears that Kesha's fight is not yet over, though.
She has made it clear on her social media that she isn't done fighting just yet but that she wants to continue making music for the fans that have supported her through this ordeal.
In a blog post to Lenny, she opens up about her own purpose of writing her new song.
"The song is about coming to feel empathy for someone else even if they hurt you or scare you. It's a song about learning to be proud of the person you are even during low moments when you feel alone. It's also about hoping everyone, even someone who hurt you, can heal."
This song came at the perfect time, and I really want everyone to listen to this song because it sends a really important message.
As J.E. Mathewson said, "I'm not a victim. I'm not a survivor. I'm a fighter."
