Get the Song “By Degrees” and Support Giffords PAC

• October 19, 2018

By Leah Chandler, Development Director

People often reach out to us and ask how they can get involved and support the fight to save lives from gun violence. We regularly point folks to volunteer opportunities, or ask them to call their senators. But every so often, one of those people who reached out is an artist with a unique and creative idea.

When folk musician Mark Erelli contacted our team here at Giffords, I knew this would be a special opportunity. You might be surprised to learn that we think about music a lot at Giffords. In fact, admiration comes from the very top:

Music has always been an important part of movements for change. And to support the fight to save lives, Mark teamed up with other folk stars Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Lori McKenna, Anais Mitchell, and Josh Ritter to to record this powerful song.

“By Degrees” reminds us of all the ways we see gun violence portrayed in our daily lives – watching the news, scrolling through social media, seeing flags at half staff. And it reminds us of the horror behind it all: “little hands on little shoulders, children in a line… led away from school as the shots rang out inside.” Each verse repeats the phrase, “you can learn to live with anything when it happens by degrees.” It’s a poignant call to action: we must not accept gun violence as normal. We have to act.

We love this song, and we think you will too. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to support Giffords PAC. That means standing up to the gun lobby and supporting candidates who will fight for gun safety. This work couldn’t be more important or urgent, and we’d love for you to join us.