Kesha’s 2010 track “Cannibal” has stirred discussions surrounding its controversial lyrics, particularly a reference that has drawn criticism in recent years. The lyric, which mentions infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, became a focal point when it resurfaced during a TikTok dance trend in 2020. In a recent interview, Kesha reflected on the backlash, stating, “Oh my God, I got re-canceled for the Jeffrey Dahmer lyric… It was a controversial lyric.” Despite the criticism, she emphasized the importance of provoking thought and conversation through her music, suggesting that if everyone is on board with her work, she might not be pushing boundaries effectively as a pop artist.
The emergence of Dahmer as a topic of interest can be linked to Netflix’s limited series “DAHMER—Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” which premiered in 2022 and reignited debates about cultural representations of real-life tragedies. Kesha’s mother, Pebe Sebert, mentioned that the lyric was initially a simple decision based on rhyming rather than an intention to cause offense, claiming that Kesha and her team were “too young to even know” who Dahmer was when they wrote it.
While reflecting on her career, Kesha acknowledged that not all lyrics stand the test of time, highlighting her decision to alter the words of another song, “Tik Tok,” to resonate better with contemporary sentiments. She expressed appreciation for the ways in which music consumption has transformed, particularly with younger generations discovering and connecting with her older songs.
Overall, Kesha’s willingness to engage with the complexities of her lyrics shows her commitment to artistic expression and the evolving nature of pop culture, underscoring the intersection of music, societal norms, and historical figures. As artists continue to navigate public perception, it is evident that the conversation around art and its impact is as dynamic as ever.