the song received favourable reviews, and many spoke positively about the message of the song. "fast company" described it as "simple yet unquestionably powerful", stating that it will force listeners to remember those who have been murdered. stereogum called it "less a song and more of a chant, with some gospel overtones", and emphasized that it is both "simple" and "effective". "usa today" declared it the 'song of the week', praising the song's "simple but stark approach" of only listing names rather than describing circumstances, and attributing this to a desire to avoid "arguments that can quickly turn divisive and bitter", while national public radio called it "visceral" and "blistering".