Kevin Morby teams up with Lonnie Holley on new benefit single, "Nursery Rhyme"

Kevin Morby has unveiled a new single titled "Nursery Rhyme," featuring the acclaimed artist Lonnie Holley. This release, available exclusively on Bandcamp, is intended as a benefit single to support Everytown for Gun Safety, a prominent American organization committed to combating gun violence through evidence-based advocacy. Everytown represents a vast coalition, including survivors, educators, law enforcement, and gun owners united in efforts to reduce firearm-related harm.

Morby's decision to release "Nursery Rhyme" emerged from a deeply personal and somber reflection on the persistent issue of gun violence, particularly its impact on children. He recorded the song during the summer of 2025 but withheld it from release until recent events compelled him to share it. The track stands out as his most intense and unsettling composition, addressing themes of violence against children—subjects that Morby approaches with caution, choosing Bandcamp to ensure listeners engage with the song intentionally and without uninvited exposure.

The somber tone of "Nursery Rhyme" echoes Morby’s emotional response as a new father, intensifying his awareness of the vulnerability faced by families affected by gun violence. Writing the song served as an outlet for his frustration and grief, and he hopes that the track may provide a channel for collective catharsis among listeners who grapple with similar feelings.

Musically, the single was recorded in a collaborative session at the studio of Sam Cohen, where Morby joined forces with the French group Petite-Vallée, who provided instrumental backing. Additionally, saxophonist Cochemea Gastelum contributed to the recording, enriching the song’s texture. The collaboration with Lonnie Holley was particularly significant; Holley’s contribution offers a contrasting element of wisdom and hope, balancing the track’s heavy subject matter with a sense of resilience.

Morby acknowledges the cyclical nature of his protest songwriting, noting that "Nursery Rhyme" revisits themes he previously explored nearly a decade ago in his song "Beautiful Strangers." However, where the earlier work contained a degree of optimism, the new track presents a harsher, more disillusioned perspective on the ongoing crisis of gun violence in America.

The exclusive Bandcamp release format was a deliberate choice, allowing listeners to support Everytown for Gun Safety directly, with all proceeds from the single going toward the organization’s mission. Everytown’s comprehensive efforts include education, advocacy, and mobilizing communities to challenge policies that perpetuate gun-related tragedies.

The release of "Nursery Rhyme" underscores the role of musicians as commentators on social issues, using their craft to foster awareness and encourage activism. Morby’s collaboration with Holley and other musicians adds layers of artistic depth to the project, amplifying the message through a blend of evocative lyricism and instrumental collaboration.

Details regarding further promotional plans or additional releases connected to this project remain limited. However, the single stands as a potent statement of artistic engagement with one of the most contentious and urgent issues facing the United States today.

This strategic release not only highlights the ongoing challenges posed by gun violence but also exemplifies how artists can leverage their platforms to contribute meaningfully to social movements. Morby’s thoughtful approach to distribution and thematic content reflects a nuanced understanding of the sensitivities around the subject, aiming to respect listeners’ boundaries while inviting them into a difficult conversation.

In summary, "Nursery Rhyme" is a poignant addition to Kevin Morby’s discography, marked by its collaboration with Lonnie Holley and its commitment to supporting Everytown for Gun Safety. It reinforces the intersection of music, activism, and community engagement in addressing the enduring crisis of gun violence in America.