In the ever-evolving world of pop culture, it’s rare for a song to remain as iconic as Kesha’s “TiK ToK.”
But as time goes on, even the most legendary songs can get caught in the crossfire of changing social norms. What happens when a beloved anthem from 15 years ago suddenly feels dated? That’s exactly what happened to Kesha when a particular lyric from her breakout hit didn’t age well in light of the new allegations.
But instead of letting it slide, she took matters into her own hands and made a bold statement with her decision to update the lyrics — and she didn’t stop there. What’s behind this controversial move and what does it mean for the future of “TiK ToK”? Let’s dive in and explore how Kesha gets her song for a new era.
After changing the problematic lyrics in “TiK ToK” during recent shows, Kesha revealed plans to officially re-record the song with new lyrics, making the change permanent.
Kesha’s debut single “TiK ToK” is still as catchy as it was 15 years ago. However, there is one lyric from the song that hasn’t aged well. The line “Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy” became uncomfortable, especially after a wave of lawsuits filed against P. Diddy in late 2023 and into 2024 accusing him of S*xual assault, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.
In response to the allegations, Kesha made a subtle but significant change to the lyrics in her live performances and has now decided to change it permanently by re-recording the track. Song.
In November, Kesha first edited the opening lyrics, changing “Wake up in the morning feel like P. Diddy” to “Wake up in the morning feel like just me.”
Later, during a performance at Coachella with Reneé Rapp in April, Kesha made a more direct change, exclaiming, “Wake up in the morning like ‘F*ck P. Diddy.’
This change isn’t just limited to her live performances. On the 15th anniversary of “TiK ToK,” Kesha announced her plan to officially re-record the song with new lyrics, “f*ck P. Diddy.” In a heartfelt post on social media, Kesha expressed her excitement for the new lyrics, writing: “I absolutely love the change of the new lyrics. Yes, it is permanent. I’ll shoot it again when I have the legal rights to do so!”
While it’s unclear when Kesha will be able to release the re-recorded version as she currently lacks the legal rights to the song, it’s clear she’s working on it.
In her message for the 15th anniversary of “TiK ToK,” Kesha shared how the song still connects her to the carefree beginnings of her career, despite everything she’s been through. “TiK ToK was the first single I released that had my voice AND my name!!!!” Kesha wrote. “I remember it was fun and happy because I felt that way and I wanted others to feel that way.
She went on to express her pride in how the song continues to evoke the same emotions in her.
“I’m so proud of how this song STILL makes me feel all of that, and those are the emotions I want us all to connect with. 15 (!!!!) years later, I see this song as a snapshot of how I saw the world back then. The girl was naive, wild, and playful. This song immortalizes a side of me that I love dearly and now have to fiercely protect. The world has changed so much and so have I.”
Kesa’s decision to re-record “TiK ToK” with new lyrics marks a significant shift not only in the song’s development but also in her journey. Reflecting on the lasting impact of her debut single, it’s clear that the song remains a cornerstone of her career, which continues to evoke strong emotions despite the challenges she’s faced.
By revisiting and updating the lyrics, Kesha is reclaiming her voice and protecting the parts of herself that resonate with her fans. As she moves forward, this record will serve as both a symbol of growth and a way for Kesha to ensure that her art stays true to her values in an ever-changing world.