Musically, "Backstabber" captures the chaotic energy of the late 2000s. Produced by and Oligee , the track features:
: The production is heavy on "video game" sounds and distorted basslines that define the Animal era.
While "Backstabber" wasn't released as a mainstream radio single like "Tik Tok" or "Your Love Is My Drug," it became a massive fan favorite. It perfectly encapsulated the "party girl with a heart of gold and a sharp tongue" persona that made Kesha a household name.
"Backstabber" wasn't born out of thin air. Kesha has often spoken about how her early music was a literal diary of her life in Los Angeles. The song was inspired by a specific individual in her social circle who was spreading rumors and exploiting their friendship.
"Girl, you're such a backstabber / You're such a backstabber / You're such a backstabber / (You're such a backstabber)"
