We R Who We R

"We R Who We R" is a powerful anthem of self-acceptance, individuality, and defiance against societal judgment. At its core, the song is a celebration of being true to oneself, particularly aimed at those who feel like outsiders or have been marginalized. Kesha wrote the song in response to a surge in suicides among gay teenagers who were victims of bullying. She explicitly stated her intention for the track to become a "pride anthem," designed to inspire people to embrace their quirks and eccentricities without apology. The central message is one of empowerment and resilience, encouraging listeners to ignore hatred and judgment and to celebrate their unique identities. The lyrics champion a carefree and rebellious spirit, using the metaphor of a wild party to represent a space of freedom and acceptance where one can dance away inhibitions ("dancing like we're dumb") and simply exist as they are. It's a call to find community ("If you're one of us, then roll with us") and to transform feelings of being an outcast into a source of strength and pride, claiming the title of "superstars" in their own right.

The song kicks off with a bold declaration, establishing a tribe of individuals who are "hot and dangerous." It's an open invitation to anyone who identifies with this ethos to join in, suggesting their collective cool is magnetic enough to attract even the trend-setting "hipsters." The scene is one of unapologetic self-expression, with a dress code of "hot-pants" and an attitude of owning the night, running the town as if it were their personal nightclub. There's a warning not to challenge this group, reinforced by a rebellious and somewhat blasphemous fashion statement: "Got Jesus on my necklace." This image combines religious iconography with a party-centric lifestyle, suggesting a self-made moral code that prioritizes personal freedom and fun.

The narrator further paints a picture of their aesthetic: glittery eyes, ripped stockings, a look that's intentionally messy yet alluring, described as "sick and sexyfied." This is a prelude to the song's central message and rallying cry, which forms the chorus. It’s an emphatic and repeated assertion of self-identity: "We are who we are." This statement is coupled with the imagery of being "superstars," suggesting an inherent worth and brilliance in just being themselves. The act of "dancing like we're dumb" is a conscious choice to let go of inhibitions, to find liberation in carefree movement until their bodies go numb. It’s a celebration of youthful hedonism and living in the moment, driven by the DJ's music which is fueling their ecstatic state.

The second verse doubles down on the theme of seizing the night and living without regrets. The narrator is fully committed to the party, dismissing any thought of sleep and demanding the music be turned up. The lyrics convey a sense of being in control of their own destiny, even if it’s just for one night. The mention of "hitting on dudes, hard" is a straightforward expression of desire and agency, challenging any traditional notions of passive flirtation. The core of the verse, however, is about creating a personal reality where passion and intensity are the guiding principles. It’s about living life on one's own terms, fully and fiercely.

The bridge of the song serves as a moment of intensified energy and builds anticipation. It repeats the call to the DJ to "turn it up," creating a feedback loop of excitement that feels almost overwhelming, or "delirious." This builds directly into the final choruses, reinforcing the song's foundational message with even more vigor. The repetition of "We R Who We R" becomes a powerful mantra, a defiant chant against conformity and judgment. It’s a declaration of independence for misfits, eccentrics, and anyone who has ever felt different, transforming their perceived quirks into sources of strength and pride. The song concludes on this high note of collective, unapologetic celebration, leaving the listener with a feeling of empowerment and the freedom to be themselves.

"We R Who We R" was written by Kesha Sebert, Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), Benny Blanco (Benjamin Levin), Ammo (Joshua Coleman), and Jacob Kasher Hindlin. The production was handled by Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco, and Ammo. The song was released on October 22, 2010, as the lead single from Kesha's first EP, Cannibal. The primary inspiration for the song came from a deeply emotional and social issue. In late 2010, Kesha was profoundly affected by the news of a spike in suicides among LGBTQ+ youth in the United States, including the highly publicized case of Tyler Clementi. These tragedies were largely attributed to bullying and harassment. Feeling a connection as someone who had also faced public scrutiny and hatred, Kesha wanted to create a positive and powerful anthem for self-love and acceptance. She stated, "I wanted to inspire people... to be themselves. It's a celebration of any sort of quirks or eccentricities." The song was recorded in 2010 at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, with the explicit goal of being an uplifting track to help people ignore negativity and embrace who they are.

"We R Who We R" is built on a driving, four-on-the-floor rhythm characteristic of dance-pop and EDM, with a tempo of 120 beats per minute. This steady, moderate beat makes the song highly danceable and contributes to its energetic, celebratory feel. The rhythmic structure is straightforward and repetitive, designed to be hypnotic and engaging on the dance floor. The rhyme scheme is generally simple, often using couplets (AABB) or near rhymes to maintain a catchy, pop-friendly flow. For instance, in the first verse, "us" rhymes with "love" and "up" in the lines "If you're one of us, then roll with us / 'Cause we make the hipsters fall in love / And we've got hot-pants on and up." This simplicity makes the lyrics memorable and easy to sing along to. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is synergistic; Kesha's talk-singing vocal delivery often follows the main synth riff and percussive beat, creating a cohesive and propulsive effect. The song's rhythmic momentum is a key component of its message, physically encouraging the listener to let go and embrace the carefree spirit of the lyrics.

Musically, "We R Who We R" is a quintessential dance-pop and electropop track, heavily influenced by techno and EDM. Its production, handled by Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco, and Ammo, relies on a synth-heavy backing beat, prominent use of vocoders, and layered vocals enhanced with Auto-Tune. The song's structure and sound have been widely compared to her debut hit, "Tik Tok." Kesha's vocal delivery is a characteristic "talk-singing" style, which adds to the song's conversational and anthemic feel. The song is written in the key of C minor with a tempo of 120 beats per minute, creating a driving, danceable rhythm. Lyrically, the song uses direct address ("If you're one of us, then roll with us") and declarative statements ("We R Who We R") to create a sense of inclusivity and empowerment. Repetition is a key literary device, particularly in the chorus, which functions as a memorable and easily chantable mantra, reinforcing the central theme of self-acceptance. The production employs techniques like a drop at the start of the second verse and a carefully constructed 16-bar build-up in the bridge (from 2:15) to create tension and dynamic shifts, making the final chorus feel even more impactful.

"We R Who We R" had a significant cultural impact upon its release, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, only the 17th song in the chart's history to do so. It also topped the charts in the UK and Australia, becoming a major international hit and Kesha's fifth consecutive top-ten single in the US. Beyond its commercial success, the song was quickly embraced by the gay community and became a prominent LGBTQ+ pride anthem. Its message of self-acceptance resonated deeply, especially given its origin as a response to anti-gay bullying. The creator of the "It Gets Better" campaign, Dan Savage, praised artists like Kesha for creating music that was vital in helping young fans accept their identities. Kesha further cemented this connection by participating in the "It Gets Better" project and designing a T-shirt with the Human Rights Campaign featuring the song's title for National Coming Out Day. The song's legacy is that of a quintessential party track with a profound, socially conscious message, demonstrating that dance-pop can be both commercially successful and a powerful vehicle for social support and empowerment.

The song employs several key symbols and metaphors to convey its message of defiant self-acceptance.

• The Party as a Safe Space: The overarching metaphor of the song is the party or club scene, which symbolizes a sanctuary of freedom and non-judgment. Phrases like "running this town just like a club" and the constant call to the DJ to "turn it up" frame the night as a space where societal rules don't apply and individuality can be celebrated without inhibition.
• "Dancing Like We're Dumb": This lyric isn't about a lack of intelligence but is a metaphor for liberation. It represents a conscious decision to shed self-consciousness and societal expectations, to move freely and joyfully without fear of looking foolish. It's a celebration of carefree hedonism as a form of rebellion.
• "Jesus on my necklace": This image is a form of ironic symbolism. By juxtaposing a sacred religious symbol with a hedonistic, party-centric lifestyle, Kesha asserts a break from traditional moral frameworks. It symbolizes the creation of a personal value system where self-expression and individuality are held sacred.
• Superstars: Calling herself and her listeners "superstars" is a powerful metaphor for inherent self-worth. It reframes those who might be seen as misfits or outcasts as brilliant, shining individuals who deserve admiration simply for being who they are.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is its title and central lyrical hook: "We R Who We R." This phrase is repeated throughout the chorus and serves as the song's core mantra. Its repetition transforms it from a simple statement into a defiant, powerful anthem of self-acceptance and identity. It acts as a rallying cry for anyone feeling marginalized or judged, reinforcing the message that their identity is valid and needs no justification. Another recurring motif is the invocation of the DJ and the music (e.g., "DJ turn it up"). This is repeated in the chorus and bridge, symbolizing the catalyst for liberation and the force that fuels the celebration. The DJ acts as a sort of high priest of the party, with the music being the element that allows everyone to lose their inhibitions and be themselves. The phrase "dancing like we're dumb" also recurs, acting as a motif for carefree abandon and freedom from self-consciousness. Its repetition emphasizes the importance of letting go as a path to self-expression.