Kesha returns with first single in four years

Kesha

Singer Kesha, who is caught in legal battles with music producer Dr. Luke, is back with new music - "Praying", her first single in four years.

"Your support and love and kindness has gotten me through hands-down the hardest time of my entire life," Kesha told her fans in a Twitter video on Wednesday, reports eonline.com.

"Praying" is Kesha's solo effort since her 2013 'Deconstructed' EP, and her first single since "True Colors", her 2016 collaboration with Zedd.

In an essay for actress Lena Dunham's Lenny Letter published on Thursday, Kesha wrote about her comeback and the many setbacks she has faced over the years.

With "Praying," she wrote: "I have channeled my feelings of severe hopelessness and depression, I've overcome obstacles, and I have found strength in myself even when it felt out of reach."

"I've found what I had thought was an unobtainable place of peace. This song is about coming to feel empathy for someone else even if they hurt you or scare you. It's a song about learning to be proud of the person you are even during low moments when you feel alone."

Kesha added: "It's also about hoping everyone, even someone who hurt you, can heal."

As she awaits her day in court, Kesha admitted she felt "really, truly depressed", like she had "nothing" to live for - until she turned to prayer.

"This song is about me finding peace in the fact that I can't control everything - because trying to control everyone was killing me," she said.

"It's about learning to let go and realize that the universe is in control of my fate, not me."

"It's from our darkest moments that we gain the most strength."

Kesha thanked songwriters Ben Abraham and Ryan Lewis, as well as music video director Jonas Åkerlund.

With the release of "Praying", Kesha promised: "This is just the beginning."

"This album is me. The most raw and real art I have ever created, and now it's my gift to you. I hope you love it. Thank you for not giving up on me."