Kesha’s “My Own Dance” Lyrics Meaning

“My Own Dance” has been classified as an assertion of Kesha’s independence, particularly in the face of opposition, which in fact it is. But there’s a lot more to it than that.

As the title suggests, the songstress is compelled to do her “own dance” no matter what. This statement is meant to be taken both literally and figuratively. For as pointed out in the first verse, some entities are encouraging her to ‘shake her lady part’. Or stated differently, they want the dances she does when she performs in public to be more sensualized. And this is something that she also brings up again in the second verse. But she assures such people that she “don’t do that”.

Another issue the songstress has is some individuals wanting her to change up her musical style and even temperament. That is they desire for her to “rap” and put on a happier face. But once again the sentiment she relays is that, despite experiencing some inner conflict as a result, she is not keen on altering her individuality.

And the latter part especially, in terms of her being asked to appear happy even when she’s not, we know it’s real because it’s something other female singers have also brought up in their tracks. So it’s basically a situation of Kesha being “the party girl” as well as “the tragedy”. Like she’s expected to always be the life of the party even when she doesn’t feel like it. And when she doesn’t feel it, she’s then criticized for being depressed. Or stated differently, people are always looking at her, passing judgment.

So conclusively, we can say perhaps (even more than being an ode to self-determination) that “My Own Dance” is an expression of female-celebrity angst. Kesha has already pretty much decided that she’s not going to sellout her style and principles. Such is the concluding sentiment of the song, that she only does ‘her own dance’. But that does not mean that she is not constantly under pressure to conform to other people’s standards.

Facts about “My Own Dance”

The director of the eye-catching music video to “My Own Dance” is Allie Avital.  

Released on 21 November 2019, this is the second song Kesha released from her “High Road” album. The album’s lead single is the song titled “Raising Hell“.

Kesha and John Hill are credited as both writers and producers of “My Own Dance”.

And the other co-writers are Dan Reynolds (of Imagine Dragons fame) and Justin Tranter.