Olivia Rodrigo Unveils Poignant Video for “The Book of Love” Featuring Footage Captured by Children in Conflict Zones
Olivia Rodrigo’s latest visual project is profoundly resonant, turning the lens toward the daily lives of children growing up in regions devastated by war. Released on Friday, March 6, the video serves as the backdrop for her soulful rendition of The Magnetic Fields’ 1999 classic, “The Book of Love.”
The track is a standout contribution to Help(2), a new benefit compilation from War Child Records. As Rodrigo’s delicate vocals glide over a minimalist string arrangement, the screen fills with raw, firsthand footage filmed by children in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen. The imagery captures a bittersweet reality: young people seeking out moments of play and normalcy—running through open fields or navigating debris-strewn streets—amidst the upheaval of their environments.
The video arrived alongside the full release of Help(2), which boasts an impressive roster of contributors including Arctic Monkeys, Damon Albarn, Depeche Mode, Arlo Parks, Big Thief, and Fontaines D.C. This project marks the 30th anniversary of the original Help album, a landmark release that featured Oasis and Radiohead to support victims of the Bosnian conflict in the mid-90s.
Today, War Child and its artist partners are channeling resources to those suffering through humanitarian disasters in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Syria, as well as ongoing struggles in Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rodrigo has been a vocal advocate for those affected by these crises. She previously shared her perspective on social media, noting that the devastation inflicted upon innocent civilians is “completely unacceptable” and a rejection of “our shared humanity.”
Reflecting on the recording process, producer James Ford recalled the effortless talent Rodrigo brought to the studio. “I convinced Olivia to attempt a ‘Sinatra-style’ take, which meant recording live alongside a string section,” Ford told Billboard. “She was a total professional and embraced the challenge, walking in and nailing the performance immediately.”
Stream the full Help(2) charity album below:
