Kesha Sings to the Afterlife on ‘Tennessee’

When Kesha gets to heaven, St. Peter should check her name on Dolly Parton’s list. And, duh, he’ll let her in. Rolling Stone can exclusively premiere “Tennessee,” Kesha‘s new song with Orville Peck, in which she sings about her hopes for how she will be remembered after her death.

“When I leave, just celebrate/And lick the icing off my cake,” sings Kesha in the song’s first verse. “I hope my life will make you laugh/Pour me out one last shot of Jack/And put some rhinestones on my tombstone.”

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In the chorus, Kesha lists that she wants to be remembered as a “crazy ass bitch” but also someone who “left a damn good legacy.” Later in the song, she asks that we not “sanctify” her name once she’s gone.

“When I reach those pearly gates/And Saint Peter makes me wait/If all my sins make Jesus piss/Just tell ’em I’m on Dolly’s list,” she sings.

The song features Peck’s vocals on the second chorus, which credits both Hudson Mohawke and Tayla Parx as featured artists. “Tennessee” was originally featured in the short film Stud Country.

“Making this song with Orville, Tayla, and Hudson was so much fun,” Kesha tells Rolling Stone. “I felt safe to explore my southern roots and excited to enter a room with these artists I’ve looked up to for years and making music that felt real and honest. They’re all inspiring creatives who just want to make great music.”

The song will be part of the special 10-year compilation record benefiting LGBTQ organization The Ally Coalition, called All Things Go: 10 Years, in honor of the music festival’s 10-year anniversary. “Knowing it’s helping The Ally Coalition makes it even more special,” Kesha says. “I’m so proud to finally let the world hear what Orville and I have cooked up.”

Also released today was the full track list for the album, which features previously released singles “Welcome to the End” by Maren Morris and produced by Jack Antonoff, along with “Jesus & John Wayne” by Allison Ponthier, Joy Oladokun, and Googly Eyes.

The album will also feature a demo of “Green Tea” by Maude Latour, songs by Rachel Chinouriri, Bartees Strange, and a cover of Charli XCX’s “Sympathy Is a Knife” by Medium Build and Sydney Rose.

All Things Go: 10 Years Track List

1. “Welcome to the End” by Maren Morris
2. “Jesus and John Wayne” by Googly Eyes, Joy Oladokun, Allison Ponthier
3. “Talk Talk Talk” by Emei
4. “Tennessee” by Kesha, Orville Peck (Feat. Hudson Mohawke, Tayla Parx)
5. “Green Tea (Demo)” by Maude Latour
6. “Home” by Rachel Chinouriri, Boyish
7. “Sympathy Is A Knife” by Medium Build, Sydney Rose
8. “Find Ur Ppl” by Jasmine.4.t, Jacob Alon
9. “Funeral” by Susannah Joffe, Baby Nova
10. “DCWDTTY” by Bartees Strange
11. “Sky King” by Juliana Madrid, Ella Jane

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