Pop singer Kesha takes on a whole new sound in her newest track “Rich, White, Straight, Men.” The song was released as a surprise to fans and is musically and lyrically deviant from her past content. In light of the conservative wave in the US, this song demonstrates how Kesha is fighting against political conservatism.
The song itself is unlike many popular songs being released today in that it features a number of non musical elements including talking, cash register noises, and more. These elements are reminiscent of songs like “Money” by Pink Floyd which features the various sounds associated with money. Kesha’s voice is raw and attempts to span both super high and super low notes, making some parts of the track sound almost operatic. The beat of the song doesn’t deviate from its set quarter notes which adds a choppy element to the song. Overall, “Rich, White, Straight, Men” is incredibly dynamic. You could listen to the song over and over and hear a new element each time.
Lyrically, “Rich, White, Straight, Men” is politically charged as Kesha takes on a number of controversial issues relevant to now including women’s right to choose, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and the wage gap. Kesha reimagines a world where rich, straight, white men don’t rule the world. In this world Kesha explains that, “And if you are a boy who loves a boy/You’ll get a wedding cake and all/And if you are a lady and you do your lady work/Then you will make as many dollars as the boys/Not just two thirds.” Check out the song below:
Kesha’s last album Rainbow was released back in 2017. She went on tour for Rainbow in 2017 and has released a little bit of new music since including her single “Here Comes the Change” which was featured in the movie “On the Basis of Sex.”
Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna
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