| "United Health" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Jesse Welles | |
| Released | December 11, 2024 |
| Recorded | 2024 |
| Genre | Folk, Protest song |
| Length | 2:39 |
| Label | Independent |
| Songwriter(s) | Jesse Welles |
| Producer(s) | Jesse Welles |
"United Health" is a protest song by American folk singer-songwriter Jesse Welles, released on December 11, 2024. The song critiques the practices of the U.S. healthcare industry, particularly targeting UnitedHealthcare, in the wake of the assassination of its CEO, Brian Thompson. Welles' poignant lyrics and acoustic performance resonated widely, leading to viral attention across social media platforms. [1]
The song was released shortly after the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot on December 4, 2024. The incident sparked widespread discussions about the U.S. healthcare system. Welles, known for his topical songwriting, addressed these issues head-on in "United Health," highlighting the perceived commodification of healthcare and the challenges faced by patients. [2]
"United Health" features Welles' signature acoustic guitar style, reminiscent of folk legends like Woody Guthrie and John Prine. The lyrics deliver a scathing critique of corporate healthcare, with the chorus reading: "There ain't no you in United Health, there ain't no me in the company, there ain't no us in the private trust, there's hardly humans in humanity."
Upon release, "United Health" quickly gained traction online, amassing millions of views on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Critics praised Welles for his timely and bold commentary. Vulture described the song as "a mix of old-fashioned folkie signifiers and trending-topic populism," noting its impact on audiences seeking music that reflects current societal issues. [3]
The official music video for "United Health" was released on Jesse Welles' YouTube channel, featuring a minimalist setup with Welles performing against a rural backdrop, a common occurrence in Welles' videos. The video's down-to-earth simplicity underscores the song's raw emotional power. [4]