On December 22, 2025, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, in collaboration with Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and The National's Aaron Dessner, released a poignant charity single titled "Sold Out." The track aims to honor victims of gun violence and support Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization dedicated to ending gun violence in America.
Originally written in 2024 following a school shooting, "Sold Out" was released in response to the recent tragic events at Brown University on December 13, 2025, where two students lost their lives and nine others were injured. The artists expressed their sorrow, stating, "We made this song last year in the wake of a school shooting. We were 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." (nme.com)
The song is available exclusively on Bandcamp for a minimum donation of $5, with all proceeds benefiting Everytown. The organization, founded in 2013, has grown into a movement of nearly 11 million people advocating for gun violence prevention. (thelineofbestfit.com)
"Sold Out" features evocative lyrics that highlight the ongoing fear and frustration surrounding gun violence. Abrams sings, "Hiding from a gun inside your high school/Just another Tuesday, normal, old news/Someone spilled their blood on Molly's white shoes/Someone called their mother from the bathroom." The pre-chorus critiques those in power, stating, "All the men in suit and ties/And their empty words/In their thoughts and prayers tonight/While the country burns/They collect a check in pride/And the system works/And we all stay terrified." (nme.com)
This collaboration marks the first between Abrams and Bon Iver, while Dessner has previously worked extensively with both artists. The release of "Sold Out" underscores the artists' commitment to raising awareness and supporting efforts to end gun violence in the United States.