Praying

“Praying” is a deeply personal and powerful ballad that chronicles Kesha's journey through immense emotional pain and her subsequent healing and empowerment. The song is widely interpreted as addressing her legal and personal struggles with producer Dr. Luke, whom she accused of sexual and emotional abuse. In an essay for the Lenny Letter, Kesha explained that 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.”

The lyrics move from a place of vulnerability and despair to one of strength and resilience. Lines like “You brought the flames and you put me through hell / I had to learn how to fight for myself” directly reference the hardship she endured, while the chorus, “I hope you're somewhere praying, praying / I hope your soul is changing, changing,” expresses a desire for her abuser's redemption rather than revenge. This act of praying for her tormentor is presented as the ultimate step in her own healing process, a way to release hatred and find peace. The song is a testament to overcoming victimhood, finding strength in vulnerability, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

The song begins with a reflection on a painful past, where the narrator was made to feel worthless and was deceived by someone they trusted. This person put them through immense suffering, described metaphorically as being brought through flames and hell. However, this experience forced the narrator to learn how to fight for themselves and become stronger. While acknowledging the truths they could reveal about the ordeal, they choose to simply say farewell and wish the person well, hoping they find peace through prayer.

As the song progresses, the narrator expresses a newfound sense of pride in who they have become. The 'monsters' of the past are gone, allowing them to breathe again. They confidently state that despite their tormentor's belief that they were finished, the best is yet to come. They have discovered a strength they never knew they possessed and can now stand on their own. The narrator vows to bring 'thunder' and 'rain,' suggesting they will no longer be silenced and will make their presence known, to the point where their abuser's name will be forgotten.

A significant shift occurs in the bridge, where the narrator reveals that they sometimes pray for the person who hurt them. There is a hope that this person will one day see the light and change their ways. The lyrics touch upon the concept of karma, acknowledging that while some believe you get what you give in life, some actions are so severe that only a higher power can grant forgiveness. This sentiment culminates in a powerful vocal release, a cry of both pain and liberation.

The recurring chorus reinforces the central theme: a sincere hope that the tormentor is somewhere praying, that their soul is undergoing a positive transformation, and that they find peace by falling to their knees in prayer. This is not a song of revenge, but one of profound empathy and a desire for healing, not just for the self, but for the one who caused the pain. It's a journey from victimhood to empowerment, marked by forgiveness and a triumphant reclamation of self-worth.

"Praying" was released on July 6, 2017, as the lead single from Kesha's third studio album, Rainbow. It marked her first solo release in nearly four years, a period dominated by her highly publicized legal battle with producer Dr. Luke. The song's creation began with producer Ryan Lewis (of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis fame), who developed the foundational piano melody and drum track, feeling it was destined to be a powerful female ballad. His wife suggested Kesha would be the perfect artist for it.

Lewis contacted Kesha, who was thrilled at the opportunity to work with him. Kesha, along with Ben Abraham and Andrew Joslyn, collaborated with Lewis to write the lyrics and complete the song. The process was reportedly very cathartic for Kesha, and the song was completed within two days of them starting work together. Lewis aimed to showcase Kesha's vocal range and represent her authentically as a person, a goal he felt the final track achieved. One of the most notable moments during the recording was Kesha hitting a whistle note, which surprised even Lewis and became a defining feature of the song's climax. The song was co-produced by Lewis and Jon Castelli, who refined the arrangement to create a dynamic contrast between the intimate verses and the powerful choruses.

The lyrics and accompanying music video for "Praying" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that enhance its themes of suffering, rebirth, and liberation.

• Flames and Hell: The line, "You brought the flames and you put me through hell," is a direct metaphor for the intense suffering and torment the narrator endured at the hands of her abuser.
• Rainbows: In her Lenny Letter essay, Kesha describes the song as being about "that moment when the sun starts peeking through the darkest storm clouds, creating the most beautiful rainbow." The rainbow symbolizes hope, peace, and new beginnings after a period of immense struggle, and it is also the title of the album.
• Walking on Water: The music video concludes with an image of Kesha walking on water, a clear biblical allusion to Jesus's miracle. This symbolizes her transcendence over her past trauma and her newfound sense of power and freedom.
• Pigs: The music video features men with pig heads, which can be interpreted as a reference to the oppressive figures in her life. This imagery is reminiscent of Homer's *Odyssey*, where Circe turns men into swine, and also draws comparisons to Nine Inch Nails' "Closer" video.
• Angel Wings and Religious Imagery: Throughout the video, Kesha is seen with angel wings and at Salvation Mountain, a piece of outsider art with a strong religious message. These symbols, along with crosses and prayer, represent a journey of spiritual salvation and finding a higher form of peace.
• Nets and Cages: The video also uses imagery of Kesha being trapped in nets, symbolizing her feelings of entrapment and helplessness during her legal battles and personal struggles. Her eventual escape from these restraints signifies her liberation.

"Praying" presents a profound emotional journey, moving from deep despair to triumphant hope. The song opens with a tone of vulnerability and hurt, as Kesha sings in a low, almost fragile register about being put through "hell." This creates an atmosphere of intimacy and raw honesty, inviting the listener into her past pain and her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.

As the song progresses, a shift occurs. The pre-chorus builds with a sense of rising defiance and strength, leading into the powerful chorus where the primary emotion becomes a complex mix of hope, empathy, and empowerment. Instead of anger or a desire for revenge, the song's emotional core is a profound sense of grace and a wish for the healing of her abuser. This is a startlingly magnanimous emotional stance given the context of the song.

The bridge and the song's climax, marked by the soaring whistle note, represent a cathartic release. This moment is pure triumph and liberation, a shedding of the past's weight. The final lines, however, return to a softer, more reflective tone, with a breathy falsetto suggesting that healing is an ongoing process. The overall emotional landscape is one of moving from the darkness of trauma into the light of forgiveness and self-worth, creating a deeply moving and inspirational atmosphere.

"Praying" was met with universal acclaim from music critics upon its release, who praised it as a powerful comeback and a significant departure from Kesha's previous party-anthem persona. It was celebrated for its vulnerability, vocal performance, and empowering message. The song achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 in Australia and the top 30 in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. It was certified 5x Platinum in the US.

The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Kesha's performance of the song at the 2018 Grammy Awards, alongside artists like Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, and Andra Day, became a pivotal moment for the Time's Up and #MeToo movements, cementing the song's status as an anthem for survivors of sexual assault. The music video, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, also received widespread praise and was compared to Beyoncé's visual album *Lemonade* for its surreal imagery and personal themes. While some criticism arose regarding cultural appropriation in the video's imagery, its overall impact was overwhelmingly positive. "Praying" is widely regarded as one of Kesha's signature songs and a defining moment in her career, showcasing her resilience as an artist and a person.

"Praying" is written in the key of G minor with a moderately slow tempo of 74 beats per minute. The song's rhythmic structure contributes significantly to its emotional arc. The verses have a more spacious and free-flowing rhythmic feel, supported by a simple piano line, which allows for an intimate and conversational vocal delivery.

The rhyme scheme is generally simple and effective, often following patterns like AABB or ABCB in the verses, which gives the lyrics a direct and sincere quality. For example, in the first verse, "fooled" and "you" create a near rhyme, followed by the perfect rhyme of "done" and "become" in the subsequent lines. The pre-chorus uses the rhyme of "hell" and "myself" and the near rhyme of "tell" and "farewell" to build tension leading into the chorus.

The chorus itself has a more anthemic and rhythmically defined feel, with the repetition of "praying" and "changing" creating a memorable hook. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical arrangement is crucial; as the emotional intensity of the lyrics builds, the rhythm becomes more driving and the instrumentation fuller, culminating in the powerful bridge and final chorus. The syncopation in the rhythm can be tricky, with many chords changing on the upbeat, adding to the song's dynamic feel. The song is composed in 4/4 time but is often felt in a half-time feel, especially in the verses.

"Praying" marks a significant stylistic departure from Kesha's earlier electropop and dance-pop music. Musically, it is a pop piano ballad with strong gospel and soul influences. The arrangement is deliberately minimal in the verses, featuring a sparse piano accompaniment that highlights the vulnerability in Kesha's voice. The song then builds in intensity, incorporating strings (violins, violas, cellos), a choir, and drums to create a powerful, cathartic crescendo in the chorus and bridge.

Kesha's vocal performance is a key stylistic element. She utilizes a wide dynamic range, from a near-whisper and vocal fry in the lower-register verses to convey vulnerability, to a powerful, grainy belt in the chorus. The song's climax features a stunning whistle tone (F6), a virtuosic display that showcases her vocal prowess and represents a moment of emotional release and transcendence. This intentional use of her vocal range tells a story of its own, moving from insecurity to strength.

Lyrically, the song employs a direct address (apostrophe) to her tormentor, creating a deeply personal and confrontational narrative. The use of a homonym in the line "I wish you farewell" is clever, as it can be interpreted as both bidding goodbye and wishing the person well. The narrative structure itself is a powerful technique, taking the listener on a journey from suffering to forgiveness and empowerment.

What is the song 'Praying' by Kesha about?

Kesha's song 'Praying' is about finding strength and peace after suffering immense emotional trauma, widely believed to be about her experiences with producer Dr. Luke. Rather than seeking revenge, the song is a powerful statement on forgiveness and hoping for the healing of the person who caused her pain.

When was 'Praying' by Kesha released?

'Praying' was released on July 6, 2017, as the lead single from her third studio album, 'Rainbow'. It was her first solo single in almost four years.

Who wrote the song 'Praying'?

'Praying' was written by Kesha Sebert, Ryan Lewis, Ben Abraham, and Andrew Joslyn. Ryan Lewis also produced the track, with co-production from Jon Castelli.

What is the meaning of the high note in 'Praying'?

The whistle note (an F6) in 'Praying' symbolizes a moment of ultimate emotional release, catharsis, and transcendence. It represents Kesha breaking free from her past pain and finding her voice in the most powerful way possible after being silenced.

What does the line 'some things only God can forgive' mean in 'Praying'?

This line suggests that the actions of her abuser were so severe that, while she can find it in her heart to pray for their peace and change, true forgiveness for such acts lies beyond human capacity and is in the hands of a higher power. It acknowledges the depth of the wrongdoing without letting it consume her.

What is the genre of Kesha's 'Praying'?

'Praying' is primarily a pop piano ballad with strong gospel and soul influences. This was a significant musical departure from the electropop and dance-pop sound of her earlier work.

Why was the music video for 'Praying' filmed at Salvation Mountain?

Salvation Mountain, a large-scale art installation with themes of faith, love, and salvation, was chosen as a symbolic location. Its vibrant colors and messages of hope visually represent Kesha's journey from a dark, hopeless place to one of colorful, spiritual rebirth and peace.