CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses sexual assault
Kate Miller-Heidke has announced the release of a special rework (and re-release) of her 2020 track, ‘You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore’.
Originally featured on her Child In Reverse album, ‘You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore’ is one of Kate’s most personal offerings to date. This new version of the song, featuring Jaguar Jonze, will be part of the deluxe reissue of Child In Reverse, and holds special significance for Kate.
The song itself was inspired by conversations with Jaguar Jonze that Kate had, as they shared stories of abuse and reclamation; of catharsis. So, to have her featured on this new rework, ‘You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore’ has added impact.
Watch the music video for ‘You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore’ below:
Via social media, Kate opened up about the story behind the song, which she says ‘is about dancing on the grave of an arsehole’.
“My latest album Child in Reverse is about childhood. One thing that happened to me when I was a very young child (from the ages of 4-6) was that I was sexually abused by my great grandfather Archibald Barnes. He was a paedophile and a serial offender.” she posted.
“I wasn’t the first or the last. (Although obviously my family didn’t know it at the time, and didn’t find out until some years later.) This song is about how I felt when he died. Ultimately it’s a really empowering song to sing.
I probably wouldn’t have been so open about this without the examples of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, but the most important inspiration was Jaguar Jonze, with whom I had a very deep conversation the morning this song was written.
She described some very shocking things that happened to her as a child, and I felt very connected to her, and full of admiration for her resilience too – that’s when the song title ‘You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore’ popped into my head.
I think it’s one of the most powerful songs I’ve written, and it’s a privilege to sing it with Jaguar Jonze, who transformed the track with her potent raw energy.”
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On Jaguar Jonze’s part, she shared her experience in making the track with Kate as being an incredibly powerful one.
“Back then I had no platform and less power, so to have had this impact on Kate really is testament to the momentum that is created when we speak out and share our stories and experiences. I am honoured she invited me to sing and create a reworked version of the song alongside my band @aidanhogg @foejallon @jacobmanndrummer . It was a precious opportunity for us both to channel our pain, resilience and triumphs through what we love – music, art and honest storytelling.I stand with Kate for being so strong and finding her voice. It’s my hope that by sharing these experiences, others will be encouraged to speak out, so that we can continue breaking down walls as survivors and make a stand that we will no longer tolerate abuse anymore.”
