Singer-songwriter Ana Egge is debuting her new take on the song “Ballad of the Poor Child,” featuring fellow artist Iris DeMent, exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play below to listen.
Written and originally released by folk artist Diana Jones in 2009, “Ballad of the Poor Child” has a message that continues to be relevant today, both due to current events and as wealth inequality only continues to worsen. “Tell the troubles of the poor child, for their voices are too small,” Egge and DeMent sing in the chorus. “Let them a drink a cup of comfort / Let them sing among us all.”
According to Egge, performing “Ballad of the Poor Child” in an era when families are being separated at the U.S. border and poverty wreaks havoc across the globe was particularly emotional. “When I first heard [it], it hit me hard and made me cry,” Egge tells The Boot, adding that the song also made DeMent cry when Egge played it for her.
“This song is for all of the children suffering from poverty, illness and injustice here at home, on our borders and all over the world,” Egge says. “So many of us want to be able to do something. Maybe speaking up and out for those who cannot is the first step.”
Based in Brooklyn, N.Y., Egge is currently preparing to release a brand-new album, Is It the Kiss, on which “Ballad of the Poor Child” appears, on Sept. 6. Alec Spiegelman, known for his work with Okkervil River, Pokey LaFarge and more artists, produced the project.
Source: https://theboot.com/ana-egge-iris-dement-ballad-of-the-poor-child/