With a career marked by heartfelt songs and impassioned activism, Charlie Castell ’s newest single, “Where Were the Grown Ups,” continues his legacy of using music as a force for social change. The second release from his upcoming album Beautiful Apocalypse, this track shines a spotlight on the moral inconsistencies witnessed by the youngest members of society, who have been watching as the adults around them failed to live up to their responsibilities.

The song’s protagonist is 13-year-old Natalia Eremiasova, whose voice brings a touching sense of innocence to the track, questioning the world with a sincerity that only a child can. Charlie Castell draws inspiration from his own experiences as a father. Sitting in his daughter’s third-grade classroom, surrounded by posters reminding kids to “Be Kind” and “Don’t Be a Bully,” Castell couldn’t escape the irony of a photo of the 45th president hanging on the wall. How could children be expected to internalize these messages when those in power were modeling the exact opposite?

What makes “Where Were the Grown Ups” particularly compelling is its emotional depth. The simplicity of the lyrics mirrors the complexity of the message, as Charlie Castell navigates the heartache of realizing that we’ve failed a generation of kids. The song isn’t just an artistic expression, but a call to action for all of us to rise to the occasion and show children what moral leadership looks like.

Complementing the song is a powerful music video animated by Oliver Rodriguez, using Procreate—a children’s app. The video delves into the unique challenges that kids have faced over the past few years: from being shouted at for wearing masks to enduring the trauma of shooter drills. It’s a haunting reminder that these issues have real-world consequences, and Castell isn’t afraid to hold up a mirror to the society that allowed it to happen.

In “Where Were the Grown Ups,” Charlie Castell follows up on the success of his earlier single, “My America,” a track that critiques the country’s current state and calls for unity. Together, these songs from Beautiful Apocalypse serve as a reminder that music can still be a tool for change, bringing attention to the issues that matter most.

Castell’s vision extends beyond the music itself. He’s building a dedicated community of music lovers who want to make a difference. Fans can join his Private Community to connect with Castell and be part of a larger movement for change.

“Where Were the Grown Ups” is a reminder that music still has the power to speak truth to power—and to inspire the kind of change we so desperately need.