Death Cab For Cutie – “Million Dollar Loan” Video
Death Cab For Cutie released a new song today — their first without Chris Walla — that seems to be a not-so-subtle dig at Donald Trump. “Million Dollar Loan” appeared on Spotify this morning along with a logo promoting something called 30 Days, 30 Songs. “Nobody makes it on their own,” Ben Gibbard sings. “Every ascension to the throne starts with a million dollar loan.” Bummer that this was recorded too early for Gibbard to rhyme “million dollar loan” with “Kenneth Bone,” eh? Listen below.
UPDATE: Death Cab have also shared official video, which comes with a statement by Gibbard directly critiquing Trump:
Lyrically, “Million Dollar Loan” deals with a particularly tone deaf moment in Donald Trump’s ascent to the Republican nomination. While campaigning in New Hampshire last year, he attempted to cast himself as a self-made man by claiming he built his fortune with just a “small loan of a million dollars” from his father. Not only has this statement been proven to be wildly untrue, he was so flippant about it. It truly disgusted me. Donald Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that he is unworthy of the honor and responsibility of being President of the United States of America, and in no way, shape or form represents what this country truly stands for. He is beneath us.
According to another statement attached to the video, the entire 30 Days, 30 Songs campaign — edited by Dave Eggers and Death Cab manager Jordan Kurland — is dedicated to speaking out against Trump:
30 Days, 30 Songs will feature one song per day from October 10 until Election Day. The artists are united in their desire to speak out against the ignorant, divisive, and hateful campaign of Donald Trump. Stay tuned over the coming days as the playlist unfolds, and don’t forget to go vote.
According to a press release, the campaign also includes new songs by Jim James, Aimee Mann, Thao Nguyen, clipping., and Bhi Bhiman plus a previously unreleased live song by R.E.M. In the meantime, here’s the “Million Dollar Loan” video, which was produced by Simian Design.
The 30 Days, 30 Songs playlist will be updated daily at Spotify: