Seven Songs a Week: 04/25/21

Hello, Welcome to Seven Songs a Week

Today's Song is "Praying" by Kesha. "Praying" is Kesha's first release after four years since her lawsuit against her former producer and head of Kemosabe Records, Dr. Luke. Kesha sued Luke for sexual abuse and battery among other things and to be released from her contract with him. Unfortunately, Kesha's lawsuit, first appeal and second appeal were all denied in court as for a lack of evidence and, according to the judge, Kesha acting "unreasonably” and that “every rape is not a gender-motivated hate crime." With the help of artists like Zedd and the social movement of #FreeKesha, Luke would be dropped as head of Kemosabe Records and Kesha would continue releasing music with his termination.

Single Cover for "Praying"

"Praying" is an open letter to Luke and how Kesha feels for him and what she hopes happens to him in the long run. Kesha begins the song by addressing the gaslighting and bullying she faced from Luke. Kesha continues with "...after everything you've done, I can thank you for how strong I have become" because Luke "...’brought the flames...put [her] through hell." Kesha "had to learn how to fight for [herself]" and what I interpret has her saying that she hasn't told the half of what Luke has done with "we both know all the truth I could tell." Kesha hopes that Luke is praying for his forgiveness and that he changes as a person and finds peace, because she can't. Kesha then states that she is proud of who she is, even after Luke's relentless body shaming and her visit to rehab. Kesha continues describing how ugly she felt after Luke's statements about songwriters wouldn't give Kesha songs because of her weight. "I found a strength I’ve never known" sings Kesha "I’ll bring thunder, I'll bring rain..." and how when she's finished, Luke's career will be over. Kesha sings the pre-chorus and chorus once again before crossing the bridge. "...sometimes I pray for you at night...Someday, maybe you'll see the light" Kesha explained these lyrics in an interview saying that "If you’re resentful, that’s like drinking poison, and it does nothing to the other person, it’s just like you’re poisoning yourself. So it’s really the best thing can do, is just forgive and heal and move on." However, Kesha does hope for payback because "...some things only God can forgive." before letting out a scream full of pain. Kesha repeats then chorus with the most emotion so far and ends the song on a bittersweet tone.

The video for "Praying" begins with Kesha lying in a coffin, referencing her career at the time and the pain she went through. Kesha describes her state of being with a monologue "Am I dead? Or is this one of those dreams...that seem like they last forever? If I am alive, why? If there is a God or...something, somewhere, why have I been abandoned...What is the lesson? What is the point? God, give me a sign, or I have to give up. I can’t do this anymore. Please just let me die. Being alive hurts too much." We see Kesha on what seems to be a broken boat in the middle of the ocean, laying motionlessly and referencing her feeling of abandonment. The song starts as Kesha leaves a sort of dressing room. to go to the Salvation Mountain. The rest of the video contains religious imagery in a sort of Baquiat-like while Kesha evades, prays and plays piano.

I was so shocked to find out that Kesha because I thought that she had won and I was a big supporter of #FreeKesha. It's great to see that Kesha is back and making music for all of us to enjoy once again, Unfortunately, so is Dr. Luke. Dr. Luke, sometimes known as Tyson Trax, continues working in the music industry for newcomers like Saweetie, Doja Cat and Kim Petras but today is about Kesha and not Luke. "Praying" is such a great song, I love how it oozes emotion and it truly deserved the Grammy over "Shape of You." The "Rainbow" era was such a great one and I wish that Kesha still made music like it but I'll always be able to listen to it so, no big deal.

I give "Praying" 4.9 beautifully sung ballads from pop stars out of 5

I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Praying"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.

I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.

Take Care,

Jonathan