Kacey Musgraves has updated one of her songs for a few special reasons! The singer released the new version of her song "Oh, What a World", which she's dubbed "Oh, What a World 2.0", on Wednesday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
The updated version of the track features bongos and an acoustic guitar, and Musgraves said in a recorded statement that she's dedicated its release to those on the front lines battling the coronavirus crisis. "A message about why I re-recorded this song and my intentions behind releasing it," she prefaced the statement, which was shared via Twitter. "Love to all".
Musgraves acknowledges suffering and hope in her statement
Musgraves talked about why she chose this moment in time to release "Oh, What a World 2.0" in her statement, as shared by Rolling Stone. "There is a lot to feel downhearted about on this Earth Day," she said. “Everyone and everything feels out of balance. People are suffering and the future is uncertain. In the face of a pandemic that has brought cities to their knees, a song can feel small. A melody can seem insignificant".
Despite the tragic circumstances, Musgraves also mentioned the resilience of the human spirit. "This is a global moment of acknowledgment and respect for the power of nature and for so many of us — extreme challenges and sadness," she continued. "But in the midst of all the loss and uncertainty, there are signs everywhere of human compassion and renewal.”
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Musgraves to donate song's proceeds to World Wildlife Fund
Musgraves went on to explain what she hopes "Oh, What a World 2.0" will be able to achieve. "I’m just a songwriter, but my hope is that if I bring the light I have in my spirit to the table," she explained, "maybe it could be a form of energy that lifts someone else’s spirit for a moment. ‘Oh, What a World’ — dedicated to our planetary home and all the quiet heroes this Earth Day: you’re the northern lights in our skies".
She shared on Twitter that the proceeds from "Oh, What a World 2.0", as well as her newly released t-shirt and puzzle promoting the single, will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund. As Rolling Stone reports, Musgraves has also created the Kacey Musgraves Earth Day Fund in partnership with the WWF.
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Listen to Kacey Musgraves' new version of "Oh, What a World" for Earth Day here!