Brandi Carlile Shares New Rendition Of “Church & State (Sad Gay Version)”

Photo Credit: Colin Hancock

Brandi Carlile has shared a new version of the song “Church & State” today, coming off her upcoming deluxe rerelease of Returning to Myself, dubbed the (Sad Gay Version). The reimagined version, “Church & State (Sad Gay Version)” can be found on YouTube with a lyric video released for it.

The song opens with a piano lead, emphasizing the somber emotions of the track. As the rerelease title bluntly describes, the version of the song emphasizes the more somber and queer elements of a track that was already loaded with an anti-establishment message about outliving your oppressors. Though many lyrics are restructured, the song still features direct quotes from Thomas Jefferson about the separation of the church and state that gave the song it’s title.
In Carlile’s own words, “If ‘Church & State’ is a rallying cry for a world where one is free to believe what they choose, then the Sad Gay Version is a deep mourning for those who haven’t had the chance to live in such times yet – and for all those who fight to ensure we can continue to believe, love, and share life together on our own terms, without consequence. Without interference.”

The full rerelease of Returning to Myself (Sad Gay Version) will be releasing digitally September 25th, with an exclusive rainbow edition vinyl available until October 1st and set to ship in December.