“There’s a war right outside our window.”
https://soundcloud.com/victoria-monet/better-days-feat-ariana-grande-prod-by-flip
This week, we’re all doing the best we can to respond to violence and heartbreak. Pop stars Victoria Monet and Ariana Grande are using their platforms and followings to spread a message of hope, with a new single “Better Days” that dropped earlier today.
“Baby there’s a war right outside our window,” Grande sings, “don’t you hear the people fighting for their lives?”
The song looks ahead to a brighter future while asking hard questions about violence and hatred. “What kind of life will our babies have / if we don’t change up and make it last?”
Monet explained further on Soundcloud:
”I’m heartbroken by all of the recent tragedies the came as a result of hatred, racism and injustice. Im also sad at how numb some of us are to it, because it is far too common! This is not a video game or a movie you're witnessing on your screens! This is our unfortunate REALITY! When I think about how I feel, the word confused comes to mind...So today we just want to try and help in one of the ways we know how!”
Grande has been vocal on social media for several days over the recent shootings.
She posted more of her thoughts on Instagram:
"During this challenging time, we have to remember that the only way we will progress is if the overruling force is#Love. 'Music is a universal language that all of us can feel regardless of color lines, gender, sexuality, age, race, religion…. it unifies us. We believe we can not fight hate with hate, only love. Just as we can not fight darkness with more darkness. Only Light.' Too many precious lives were taken from us this week, this month, this year. Rest in peace #AltonSterling. Rest in peace #PhilandoCastile #BlackLivesMatter.And the police that were peacefully guarding the #BlackLivesMatter rally in Dallas…. Rest in peace."