Only Love Can Save Us Now

"Only Love Can Save Us Now" is a song by Kesha. The song was initially confirmed during a 60 Minutes episode.^[1] On January 18, 2023, Kesha played the song on a livestream.^[2] Another snippet was shared via TikTok on April 30, 2023.^[3] It serves as the fifth track from her album, Gag Order. The song was released on May 17, 2023 as the third single from the album.

Background and release

Kesha appeared in an episode of 60 Minutes, where she was working with producer Rick Rubin and a church choir. The track was partially written as a LGBTQ anthem as Kesha observed injustices that the community faces in the US. "Saying it's heartbreaking is not enough," the singer said in her 2023 Self cover story, "I don't have the answer, and I'm not a politician, but that's the energy. It gets really exhausting seeing attack after attack after attack on the queer community."

The lyrics was revealed through a “Lyrics” tab on Kesha’s website after the tracklist for the album was officially announced by her on May 4, 2023.^[4] Rumors circulated that the song would be released two days before the album's release. These were proven to be true when Kesha announced the song's release on May 14, 2023.

In a Livestream on the song's release date, Kesha confirmed there will be a music video and it is being edited. Kesha announced that remixes will be released on June 23, 2023.

Official versions

Official version - 2:34
KC Lights Remix - 3:33
MILKBLOOD Remix - 3:31
MOTi Remix - 4:09
Oddprophet Remix - 3:04

Composition and lyrics

The song lasts 2 minutes and 34 seconds and features the singer rapping about the problems she faces daily. Musically, the song has been described as an electronic, gospel, and country composition. Lyrically, the song features Kesha looking to a higher power in difficult times. with a soaring chorus declaring that love will be what helps her out of every difficult situation life throws her way. The track opens with an electronic production before transitioning to acoustic guitar on the chorus as Kesha praises the power of love while backed by a gospel choir. On the track, the singer also alludes to her legal issues with producer Dr. Luke, whom she sued for alleged sexual assault and battery, with lyrics: "I’m getting sued because my mom has been tweeting/ Don’t fucking tell me that I’m dealing with reason."^[5]

According to Kesha on her social medias, the song is a "desperate and angry prayer" and reflects on her "mental pendulum swings".^[6]

Music video

Music video	Information
	Released	June 15, 2023
	Length	2:45
	Director	Vincent Haycock
	Producer	Jamie Arceo
	Filmed	2023
	Location
	Vevo views	+655k

The music video was announced with a visualizer for "Only Love Reprise" on June 14, 2023. The video was released the following day.

The video starts off with a snippet of "Only Love Reprise" playing, while a man wearing a skin-tight body suit with Kesha's face on it running in traffic and pouting on a sidewalk. The video is intercut with shots of a person mummified in red cellophane sitting in a folding chair, a fuzzy ottoman in a red room wearing a mask, and Kesha in an art gallery filled with bemused patrons who look at her in disdain at as she convulses on the floor and raises her hands to the heavens.

Lyrics

Tell a bitch I can’t jump this Evel Knievel
I'm bout to run you down the church
and the steeple
Been baptized in Hollywood in the Cathedral
The power of Christ compels me,
I'm a demon
Keep singing hallelujah nothing can save us
Goddamn perfection in his image
he made us
Yo Jesus take the wheel
I'm going through phases
The bitch I was she dead
her grave desecrated

Only love can save us now
Only love can save us now
Only love can save us now
(oh lord, save me, please God,
I need your love now)
Only love can save us now
(oh lord, save me, please God,
I need your love now)

The resurrections here can you believe it?
I'm 'bout to blow your fucking head through
the ceiling
I'm getting sued because my mom has been
tweeting
Don't fucking tell me that
I'm dealing with reason
Yeah I'm possessive
Maybe I'm possessed bitch
Fuck yeah I'm selfish
Shut up eat your breakfast
I would kill for secrets
All of mine been leaking
I don't got no shame left
Baby that's my freedom

Only love can save us now
Only love can save us now
Only love can save us now
(oh lord, save me, please God,
I need your love now)
Only love can save us now
(oh lord, save me, please God,
I need your love now)
(oh lord, save me, please God,
I need your love now)
Oh lord
Oh lord
Save us
Only love can save us now

Yeah I'm possessive
Maybe I'm possessed bitch
Fuck yeah I'm selfish
Shut up eat your breakfast
I would kill for secrets
All of mine been leaking
I don't got no shame left
Baby that's my freedom