Kim Gordon’s Protest Anthem: “Bye Bye 25!”

Reworking a Classic

Kim Gordon has unveiled a reimagined version of her track “Bye Bye,” originally the lead single from her 2024 album, The Collective. The new rendition, titled “Bye Bye 25!,” transforms the song into a protest anthem targeting the policies of President Donald J. Trump. This iteration replaces the original lyrics—previously a packing list for a trip—with phrases that have been identified by the current administration as politically sensitive, leading to the cancellation of grant projects and research proposals.

Inspiration Behind the Change

Gordon elaborated on the creative process, revealing that producer Justin Raisen proposed the idea of reworking “Bye Bye.” “When I was thinking of lyric ideas, it occurred to me to use words taken from a site that had all the words that Trump has essentially banned,” she explained. “Any grant or piece of a project or proposal for research that includes any of those words would be immediately disregarded or ‘cancelled.’ I guess Trump does believe in cancel culture, because he is literally trying to cancel culture.”

Activism Through Music

The release of “Bye Bye 25!” comes just ahead of the anticipated “No Kings” protests, which are set to take place nationwide on June 14. In a show of solidarity, proceeds from the sales of the single and its associated promotional T-shirt will benefit Noise for Now, a nonprofit organization advocating for reproductive rights. The song vocally highlights words such as “female,” “climate change,” “Hispanic,” “women,” “mental health,” and “immigrants,” all of which have been impacted by the administration’s policies and directives.

Impact on Organizations

Numerous organizations have felt the repercussions of the Trump administration’s stance on these sensitive topics. Notable agencies affected include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and NASA, among others.

A Historic Grammy Nomination

Both the original “Bye Bye” and The Collective received Grammy nominations at the 2025 ceremony, marking a significant milestone for Gordon, as this was her first Grammy nomination. Previously, neither she nor her band Sonic Youth had ever been recognized in this way. Additionally, a digital deluxe edition of The Collective was released late last year, featuring extra tracks such as “ECRP” and “Bangin’ on the Freeway.”

Critical Acclaim

The Collective has been well-received, landing at No. 10 in the list of “The 50 Best Albums of 2024.” This recognition further solidifies Gordon’s position as a key figure in contemporary music and activism.

Conclusion

Kim Gordon’s “Bye Bye 25!” serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between music and political activism. By utilizing her art to address pressing societal issues, she not only amplifies marginalized voices but also encourages her audience to engage in the ongoing dialogue surrounding culture and policy. As the protests approach, the song is poised to become an anthem for those advocating for change.

FAQs

What is the main theme of “Bye Bye 25!”?

The main theme of “Bye Bye 25!” revolves around protest against the Trump administration’s policies that have led to the banning of certain words related to critical social issues.

How are the proceeds from the song being used?

Proceeds from the sale of “Bye Bye 25!” and its promotional T-shirt are being donated to Noise for Now, a nonprofit organization focused on reproductive rights.

What words are highlighted in the song?

The song includes words that have been flagged by the Trump administration, such as “female,” “climate change,” “Hispanic,” “women,” “mental health,” and “immigrants.”

What recognition has Kim Gordon received for her music?

Kim Gordon and her album The Collective received Grammy nominations in 2025, marking a significant achievement in her musical career.

When are the “No Kings” protests scheduled to take place?

The “No Kings” protests are set to occur nationwide on June 14.