Brad Paisley marks 1 year since war in Ukraine with song featuring Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Brad Paisley is using a song to mark one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, which started an ongoing and devastating war between the two European countries.
The country music artist's new song, "Same Here," features simple acoustic guitar strums as he sings about common human occurrences including traffic, watching sunsets and grabbing a beer at a bar wherever you are in the world. The song concludes with a feature from Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy's voice comes in on a recorded phone call with Paisley. The Ukrainian leader talks to the country star about how though they are in different countries and speak different languages, they "appreciate the same things."
"On this one year anniversary of the invasion, I'm reminded of the ways we are all so similar," Paisley wrote on Instagram when announcing the song.
Why did Brad Paisley make 'Same Here'
"Same Here" is the first single from Paisley's upcoming album "Son of the Mountains."
Paisley’s royalties for the song will be donated to United24 to help build housing for thousands of displaced Ukrainians whose homes were destroyed in the war, he told The Associated Press.
The West Virginia native wrote "Same Here" with Lee Thomas Miller and Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith.
“There’s just no differences,” Paisley told The Associated Press when discussing the song. “You can put us in different places with different flags and different languages, but we have so many similarities.”
What does Zelenskyy say on Paisley's 'Same Here'?
During Zelenskyy's portion of "Same Here" he talks about the desires of people in Ukraine and what Ukrainians are most proud of.
"I think we appreciate the same things – children, freedom, our flag, our soldiers, our people. The biggest treasure we have. And friends. And we're proud of our army who defends our freedom and will defend our lives," Zelenskyy tells Paisley.
Paisley thought it would be a long shot to have the direct involvement of Zelenskyy, who has traveled the world advocating for Ukraine’s military and recovery efforts, on "Same Here" but the musician said he didn't just sign off on it, he also suggested changes in the music-making process.
“I think (Zelenskyy) understands that art is how you reach the most people, especially in the heart,” Paisley said. “He can give as many speeches as he can give, but it’s a lot easier to hear something with a melody maybe.”
More: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy addresses Grammys: 'Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos'
Zelenskyy gets an Oscar: Sean Penn hand delivers one of his Oscars to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine
Celebs on Ukraine: Mila Kunis honors Ukrainians 'who find strength to keep fighting' during Oscars ceremony
Contributing: The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brad Paisley honors Ukraine with song featuring Volodymyr Zelenskyy
