Fiona Apple Covers Mother Earth’s “Revolution” for Charity

Fiona Apple has teamed up with The Bolt Cutters to release a new cover of Mother Earth’s 1968 protest anthem “Revolution.” The track, shared exclusively on the Instagram of Apple’s best friend and roommate Zelda Hallman, is part of the upcoming benefit album Right Now, produced by Dougie Bowne. All proceeds from the album will go to Doctors Without Borders, the international medical humanitarian organization.

The cover arrives as a timely response to recent political shifts in the U.S., following the midterm elections that saw Democratic majorities secured in both houses of Congress. Apple and her collaborators—David Garza, Sebastian Steinberg, and Amy Aileen Wood—recorded the song remotely, with each member contributing from different locations, including Los Angeles, Houston, and the East Coast. The result is a soulful, energized rendition that captures the spirit of collective action and hope for change.

A Song for the Moment

“Revolution” was originally written by the psychedelic blues-rock band Mother Earth, fronted by Tracy Nelson. The song’s call for justice and transformation resonates deeply in today’s climate, where movements for social and political change continue to gain momentum. Apple’s version retains the original’s urgency while infusing it with her signature vocal intensity and the band’s tight, rhythmic interplay.

The accompanying statement, shared alongside the track, emphasizes the song’s relevance: “America is changing. You can feel it. It has a pulse, and it’s growing.” It highlights global struggles for justice, from labor strikes to demands for reproductive rights, Indigenous sovereignty, and an end to war. The message is clear: this is not just a song, but a rallying cry for those fighting for a more equitable world.

Who Are The Bolt Cutters?

The Bolt Cutters is a collaborative project featuring: - Fiona Apple – The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, known for her deeply personal and politically charged albums like Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020) and The Idler Wheel... (2012). - David Garza – A multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who has worked with artists like Fiona Apple and Patty Griffin. - Sebastian Steinberg – A bassist and producer who has played with Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, and others. - Amy Aileen Wood – A drummer and producer who has collaborated with Apple and other indie artists.

The group’s name is a nod to Apple’s 2020 album, which itself was a defiant, genre-defying work that resonated with fans during the pandemic. Their remote recording process for “Revolution” reflects the challenges and creativity of making music in a fragmented world.

How to Support the Cause

The Right Now album is set to feature other protest songs, with all proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. While the full album’s release date and lineup remain unannounced, fans can currently stream “Revolution” via Zelda Hallman’s Instagram. The track is not yet available on major streaming platforms, but its exclusive release adds to the sense of urgency and community around the project.

For those inspired by the song’s message, supporting Doctors Without Borders directly is another way to contribute to global humanitarian efforts. The organization provides medical care in conflict zones and underserved regions, aligning with the themes of justice and compassion in “Revolution.”

Why This Matters

Fiona Apple has long been a voice for the marginalized and a critic of systemic injustice. Her decision to cover “Revolution” at this moment underscores her commitment to using her platform for activism. The song’s release also marks a rare public statement from Apple, who has been notoriously private in recent years, sharing updates only sporadically through Hallman’s social media.

For fans, this cover is more than just a new track—it’s a reminder of music’s power to inspire change. As the statement accompanying the song puts it: “Enjoy the music, share the hope, and let’s keep the revolution going and growing.”