“Learn To Let Go” isn’t just a song title; it’s a powerful life philosophy that has become increasingly vital in navigating the complexities of modern life. Just like the lyrics suggest, our past experiences shape who we are, but they shouldn’t dictate our future or hold us captive. Especially when you’ve faced challenges, as everyone inevitably does, clinging to resentment is detrimental. It’s akin to internalizing a poison that slowly erodes your well-being. The crucial step towards growth and happiness is learning to release these negative emotions and consciously move forward.
We all carry inherent biases shaped by our unique personal histories and life experiences. However, true personal evolution hinges on our capacity to treat the past as precisely that – the past. We must step forward with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace new possibilities. If we allow past traumas and negative experiences to dominate our thoughts, they will perpetually haunt us, hindering our progress and joy. The key is to extract valuable lessons from our mistakes without dwelling on them. If you feel wronged by someone, recognize that their actions are ultimately their burden, not yours to carry indefinitely.
“Your past only has as much effect on your future as you want it to.”
This powerful statement encapsulates the core message of “Learn to Let Go” and served as an early inspiration for the album ‘Rainbow.’ The songwriting process for this track was initially challenging. Despite crafting a compelling melody with her mother, Pebe Sebert, and co-writer Stuart Crichton, the lyrical direction remained elusive. Frustration mounted as the deadline approached, and the fear of leaving the song unfinished loomed.
The breakthrough arrived unexpectedly during a breakfast with a close friend. This friend radiated an aura of positivity and inner peace, striking Kesha with her joyful spirit. Witnessing her friend’s resilience and ability to transcend past hardships ignited a spark of inspiration. It highlighted the universal truth that while life inevitably presents difficulties, we all possess the agency to choose to let go of negativity and embark on a path of forward momentum. Observing her friend’s strength instilled a sense of possibility – if her friend could embrace this philosophy, perhaps she could too.
Upon returning to the studio, the song began to materialize organically. Kesha’s mother’s recurring wisdom about accepting the limits of control resonated deeply. Recognizing that we aren’t meant to control every aspect of life and releasing the grip on past regrets brings a profound sense of liberation. The past becomes a teacher, not a dictator. It’s about acknowledging and learning from our history without allowing it to define or confine us.
The music video for “Learn to Let Go” visually interprets this concept by weaving in authentic home movie footage from Kesha’s childhood, filmed by her aunt Sonia Sebert. These nostalgic clips are then playfully juxtaposed with recreated scenes featuring an adult Kesha, creating a whimsical and reflective atmosphere. This visual approach underscores the idea of reconnecting with our childlike selves, a time characterized by boundless wonder and unadulterated joy. The intention is to encourage viewers to consciously learn from life’s inevitable “bullshit,” but to actively choose not to dwell in negativity. Instead, we can strive to reconnect with and nurture that inherent childhood innocence and optimism.
The visual style, directed by Isaac Ravishankara, who also directed the video for “Hymn,” aimed for a consistently colorful and idiosyncratic aesthetic across the ‘Rainbow’ project. For “Learn to Let Go,” the specific goal was to evoke a sense of nostalgia and otherworldliness, perfectly aligning with the song’s theme of rediscovering childlike innocence. Kesha views the entire ‘Rainbow’ album as a genuine expression of her true self, Kesha Rose Sebert – embracing her name without the stylized dollar sign. This authenticity extends to every facet of the music, a vulnerable and somewhat daunting endeavor. “Learn to Let Go,” and the principles it embodies, became a cornerstone of this album. Kesha hopes the song resonates with her fans as a heartfelt gift, a thank you for their unwavering support throughout her journey. The principle of learning to release negativity has been profoundly beneficial in her own life over recent years, and she sincerely hopes it can offer similar solace and guidance to others.
“Kesha’s album, ‘Rainbow,’ was released on August 11th.”
