Rhiannon Giddens, Crys Matthews, and the Resistance Revival Chorus Reimagine Peggy Seeger’s “How I Long for Peace”

Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens collaborates with singer-songwriter Crys Matthews and the Resistance Revival Chorus to present a new version of Peggy Seeger’s “How I Long for Peace.” This recording was released to coincide with National Voter Registration Day in the United States.

Originally written over two decades ago and released in 2021, Seeger’s song expresses a deep yearning for justice and peace. Its themes resonate powerfully during election season, emphasizing the impact of voting on societal change.

The collaboration, recorded in Brooklyn last month, is part of a broader initiative in partnership with Joy to the Polls and HeadCount, promoting community and civic engagement. Additionally, Joy to the Polls plans to use “How I Long for Peace” to launch a campaign encouraging artists to create new songs that envision a better world.

O how I long for peace
Among the peoples and the nation
How I long to halt the plunder
Of the wonders of creation
O how I long for peace

“Rhiannon, Crys and Company have done an amazing interpretation of my song How I Long for Peace. It really works and will take this simple song to new levels. Thank you, Rhiannon, as always – now it’s on its way!” — Peggy Seeger

“When Crys asked me to collaborate on this with her I got really excited. I have been a longtime Peggy Seeger fan and think she has written an incredible song that says some hard but crucial things and most importantly allows space for us all to wish for a better world.” — Rhiannon Giddens

“While participating in the Library of Congress Archive Challenge, I came across a live video of Peggy Seeger singing “How I Long for Peace.” The words were so poignant and relevant even though the video I was watching was from 2007, which was almost a decade before when I had stumbled across it. I fell in love with it, and adapted it to feel like how I would sing it in my family’s church because that is where I first learned about social justice music and freedom songs. I carried that song with me for many years and then, one day, after seeing a post on Rhiannon’s Instagram about a student-led, antiwar demonstration she had witnessed while giving a commencement address, I sent it to her. Next thing you know, she and I are in a studio in NYC singing it with the Resistance Revival Chorus.

“I truly hope this song will be a balm for the folks who, like us and like Peggy, are longing for and actively striving for peace. May we all continue to envision a world where lasting peace is finally realized.” — Crys Matthews

“How I Long for Peace” cover art: Ash Kwak Lukashevsky.