Brown University. Bondi Beach. Bekkersdal, South Africa. All three have been the sites for horrific mass shootings in the past week.
As people push for actionable change from lawmakers and leaders, many have been turning to Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing gun violence by promoting stronger gun laws and holding gun lobbyists accountable.
On December 22, Gracie Abrams took to Instagram to announce the release of a new single, “Sold Out,” which she wrote with producer Aaron Dessner and Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon.
The lyrics of the song speak to rage and despair in the face of seemingly unending gun violence. And all proceeds from the song will go to Everytown.
“We made this song last year in the wake of a school shooting,” Abrams wrote on social media. “I was reminded of it this week as our hearts were broken yet again. It’s a sad one to share during the holidays, but the world is hurting and we shouldn’t look away.”
“We are proud to support @everytown, an organization dedicated to ending gun violence in America,” she continued. “We are releasing this song to raise awareness of their mission of reducing gun violence. Please visit their website for more information on the unbelievable work they do.”
“Sending so much love to you all.”
Abrams’ song release comes after an emotional Instagram story she posted on December 17, in which she said she was “heartbroken” for the people killed at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, and “devastated for their families during the holiday, a time meant for gathering and for light.”
The lyrics of “Sold Out” speak to that heartbreak, detailing school shootings in painstaking detail, as well as the politicians who fail to act.
“All the men in suit and ties and their empty words,” she sings, “in their thoughts and prayers tonight.”
“What are we doing here?” she asks in the chorus. “Think we got sold out / Looks like another year / Without a way out / What are we doing here? / Aren't you tired? / Pain is a souvenir / It's a reminder.”
The song is available to purchase for $5 on Bandcamp.
Header image via Justin Higuchi - Gracie Abrams @ El Rey Theatre 03/05/2022 (CC BY 2.0) / Gracie Abrams / Instagram
