Brandi Carlile and Sam Smith have gotten together for a new version of “Party of One” (from Carlile’s acclaimed album By The Way, I Forgive You) to raise funds for children impacted by war. The charity duet will donate a portion of profits to Children in Conflict and Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation as part of its ongoing campaign to raise $1 million to help children caught in warzones.
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“This is a song about deep and enduring compassion. It’s about trying to navigate domesticity, love and particularly marriage whilst being willed to fail by those that would revoke that right if they could,” Carlile wrote in a statement announcing the collaboration. “I’m beyond proud to have collaborated with the incredible Sam Smith. There is no one quite like him and I’ve never heard a voice like his before. He’s an absolute gentleman and a sweetheart and I’m proud to call him my friend. We came to know one another through our work as ambassadors for Children in Conflict, so it felt only right to use our platforms and music as a tool to spotlight the work they are doing to help children affected by war. We hope the vulnerability of this song reflects the fragility of their situation and compels people to support our cause.”
Smith was equally effusive in his praise for Carlile and the depth of her commitment to the cause. “I am so excited for everyone to have this song in their ears and hearts,” he said of the gentle ballad, in which they trade the poignant lines, “Don’t even think about your freedom/Or taking that flight/Or going back upon your promise after fighting for the right/Because your eggshells and your right statements and your weaponized words/Are paper tigers now.” The video accompanying the song finds the two singers sitting side-by-side on stools in a studio as they connect to the inspiring lyrics.
“Working with Brandi Carlile is truly one of the highlights of my career,” Smith continued. “Her voice and songwriting get me through the dark days. Brandi is a mentor to me and now a friend and I’m so thankful she asked me to feature on her single. I hope you all love this as much as I do. And I hope this raises as much support as possible to the incredible charity Children in Conflict and its partner, War Child U.K., of which I’m a global ambassador. Thank you for listening.”
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Listen to the song below.