“Raising Hell” by Kesha (ft. Big Freedia)

In the modern era of pop music, musicians are relying on religious motifs to relay secular ideas. And from a lyrical perspective, what really makes Kesha’s “Raising Hell” standout is the heavy utilization of religious terminology and metaphors. Some of them include “Buddha”, “Sunday best”, “Heaven”, “holy spirits”, the title itself, etc. 

But according to Kesha, the concept it is based on is a philosophy which dictates that whereas “good people sometimes enjoy doing bad”, such does not actually make them a bad person. And the way she and Big Freedia are relaying this idea is by espousing it over traditional religious doctrine. The addressees are identified in the outro as “the misfits of creation”. What actually makes these individuals “misfits” is not specified. But given Kesha’s own explanation of the track, it would be something along the lines of those who “enjoy doing bad things”. And what the artists are telling these people is that this song is there “holy validation” and “salvation”. 

Or another way of looking at it is that whereas the tenets of a mainstream religion may not approve of their actions, the artists do. And as such, this song is meant to inspire them not ‘to hide their celebration”, as in expressing themselves freely and openly.

Facts about “Raising Hell”

Kesha’s first teasing of this track is acknowledged to have been on the date of 17 October 2019, via Twitter.

Being released on 24 October 2019, “Raising Hell” is the lead single from her album, “High Road”.

Kesha wrote this song along with S. Douglas, Wrabel and one of the track’s co-producers, Canadian musician Stint.

And the other co-producer of the track is known as Omega.

The music video to “Raising Hell”, in which Kesha portrays the role of a televangelist, was directed by Luke Gilford.