Bette Midler has unleashed a raw, defiant music video, a modern reimagining of Woody Guthrie’s protest anthem, “All You Fascists Bound to Lose.” This isn’t a gentle update; it’s a blistering, direct confrontation aimed squarely at a former president and his administration, fueled by years of simmering frustration.
The video, initially released in March and now gaining renewed momentum, pulses with the energy of the “No Kings” rallies – demonstrations that served as a visual backbone for the project. It’s a collage of impassioned faces and determined voices, a testament to collective resistance.
Midler didn’t go it alone. Her longtime friend and “Beaches” co-star, Barbara Hershey, joins a powerful ensemble cast including Broadway luminaries Shoshana Bean, David Hyde Pierce, and Jenifer Lewis, lending their voices and presence to the cause.
Before the song explodes, Midler’s voice cuts through the silence, a declaration born of witnessing a turbulent era. She speaks of a lifetime spent observing, yet nothing comparing to the present moment, framing the song as a call to action – a soundtrack for protest, sign-making, and unwavering defiance.
The lyrics have been sharpened, tailored to the current political landscape. Lines like “We’ll battle ICE together, until they cut and run” and “We’re coming for his ass! He knows it too, that bastard’s bound to lose” are delivered with a visceral intensity, leaving no room for ambiguity.
The song doesn’t shy away from controversial ground, directly addressing the Epstein files and accusations of protecting “pedophiles.” It’s a bold, unflinching stance, designed to provoke and ignite further outrage against perceived injustices.
The rallies depicted within the video were largely focused on challenging the former administration’s immigration policies, highlighting the anxieties and struggles faced by vulnerable communities. They were gatherings born of fear and a desperate need for change.
Adding a layer of complexity, reports surfaced that an individual with a history of attempting to harm administration officials – a man who allegedly targeted them at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner – was present at one of the protests featured in the video.
This isn’t a sudden outburst for Midler. Her public criticism of the former president has been consistent and often pointed. Some observers have noted a particularly strong and sustained focus on his actions and rhetoric.
In the past, her frustration boiled over into a controversial online post, a meme suggesting a drastic reaction to a potential election outcome. The post led to the temporary deletion of her social media account, a testament to the intensity of the political climate and the weight of her words.
The video stands as a potent symbol of resistance, a rallying cry for those determined to fight for a different future. It’s a stark reminder that art can be a weapon, and that sometimes, the most powerful response is to simply sing out.
