The black-and-white video portrays Kesha alone in an old house, wearing a tulle ball gown, dancing on the hardwood floors while she plays the harmonica and bashes a kick pedal. It’s a forceful ballad interspersed with cuts from the film about RBG’s career. The walls of the house the singer occupies are papered with photos of powerful figures from history, including Ginsburg.
“Here Comes the Change” is an anthem and rallying cry, with lyrics like, “Oh it’s hard, I know it’s hard/ To be the right inside the wrong/ Hold on tight, we’ll be alright/ You know it’s time.”
The song was written specifically for the film, and director Mimi Leder talked about why she sought out Kesha in a statement.
“I wanted her to write this song because her passionate voice and immense talent magnify the social justice imperatives Ruth Bader Ginsburg continues to fight for every day,” Leder said. “It was important to both of us that this song be not only an anthem to all that Ruth Bader Ginsburg achieved, but also a rallying cry for how much more change is yet to come.”
On the Basis of Sex stars Felicity Jones as a young Ginsburg who works with her husband, played by Armie Hammer, on a groundbreaking case that could overturn a century of discrimination against women.
In September, Kesha wrote about her hopes for the song in an essay for Refinery29.
“I wanted to explore the legacy of political activists in our country throughout the years who have fought for equality and positive change,” the pop star wrote. “The message is that the long, proud tradition of American social activism is alive and well. It’s being passed on to the next generation. It will continue to evolve one success at a time, and is as important as ever.”
Photo from: Getty Images