Introduction to “Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)”

Fiona Apple returns to the music scene with her thought-provoking single, “Pretrial (Let Her Go Home),” marking her first original release in five years. This song addresses the pressing issue of women, particularly Black mothers, who remain incarcerated without conviction due to their inability to pay bail.

Music Video Overview

In the accompanying music video, Apple uniquely appears only through her hands playing percussion. The visual experience is enriched with powerful still images and clips of numerous women affected by the cash-bail system. Apple’s approach aims to shine a light on systemic injustices, while providing links and resources for viewers to support the cause.

Background and Motivations

The release follows Apple’s acclaimed album, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” (2020). During this hiatus, she has engaged in various projects, including covering a song for a Neil Young tribute album. Apple’s dedication to activism is evident; she has been a volunteer court watcher for over two years, closely observing thousands of bond hearings.

In her own words, Apple details her experience:

“In that time, I took notes on thousands of bond hearings… It was particularly hard to hear mothers and caretakers get taken away from the people who depend on them.”

Impact of Pretrial Detention

Through her song, Apple aims to convey the severe consequences of pretrial detention. Many women are separated from their families simply because they cannot afford bail, often leading to significant hardships for their dependents.

She poignantly remarks,

“They wouldn’t let her go home and now there’s no more home,”

highlighting the devastating implications of incarceration.

Community Engagement and Action

Apple has established the “Let Her Go Home” website, featuring further insights and a five-minute video elucidating her activism. Her focus is primarily on the experiences of mothers who face separation from their children while incarcerated.

She noted:

“There’s so much stuff going on in the world right now that you feel like you can’t fucking do anything about it… This is something that I’m telling you [works].”

Apple encourages listeners to take action, whether through donations or by participating as court watchers.

Conclusion

Fiona Apple’s “Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)” stands as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggles against systemic injustice within the cash-bail system. By combining her artistry with activism, Apple seeks to inspire change and raise awareness about the profound consequences that those entangled in this system face.