Eric Church has dropped "Kill a Word" as his next single. The earnest, anti-hate tune featuring Rhiannon Giddens is directed at the power words have to build people up -- and tear them down.

The thought-provoking "Kill a Word," from Church's Mr. Misunderstood, is about laying to rest all the hateful words in our human dictionary -- a subject that's especially relevant today. In the midst of a contentious presidential election and growing intolerance and unrest throughout the U.S., Church says that the message behind the song is needed now more than ever.

"I would have regretted not putting out "Kill a Word" and let[ting] this season pass, not knowing if I would get a chance again where it was this relevant, this timely," Church tells Rolling Stone. "With this song, it's a good time to bring it to the forefront. And whatever happens with it, happens. I just think it's time for the world to hear it."

"Kill a Word" "goes beyond the political" for Church, the singer notes, adding that he's "never had a song that felt more meaningful and relevant than this one."

"It is something that is so basic, and there's just something so common sense about it, about the way you treat people and the way you talk to people and the things you say," Church explains. "With bullying and all the stuff going on, words are very important. Words can be more hurtful than anything physically."

Church performed "Kill a Word" during his recent two-night stint at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater, and turned the footage into a music video for the tune. Readers can press play above to watch.

Co-written with Jeff Hyde and Luke Dick, "Kill a Word" is the third single off Church's 2015 surprise album. In 2017, the country star will be hitting the road for his Holdin' My Own Tour.

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