Hold your horses pop music fans because Chappell Roan just dropped a country song and it is everything. Seriously. If you thought this Midwest Princess was just about pure pop bangers think again. Her new single "The Giver" is a full-on country track and it is packed with queer energy banjo twangs and a whole lot of attitude. Let's unpack this awesome surprise.
What's "The Giver" Giving? Lesbian Country Camp and a Whole Lotta Heart
"The Giver" is not just dipping a toe into country it's diving in headfirst with cowboy boots and a rainbow flag. This song is officially a country single from Roan and it is exactly what you did not know you needed. We are talking banjos fiddle melodies and lyrics that wink at lesbian desire while playfully poking fun at country music tropes. Roan herself even jokingly calls it a "lesbian country song" so you know it is legit.
Think classic country vibes but totally flipped on their head with Chappell's signature pop sensibilities and queer perspective. It is catchy fun and surprisingly deep all at the same time. If you were wondering if country music could get any more interesting Chappell Roan just answered with a resounding "yes".
Country Music is Camp? Chappell Roan Explains the LGBTQ+ Connection You Might Be Missing
Chappell Roan is not just randomly trying out country music. She actually sees a real link between LGBTQ+ culture and country. In a recent interview with Apple Music she described country music as "so incredibly camp". And she has a point. Think about it country music is full of big emotions dramatic storytelling and over-the-top performances all things that camp loves.
Roan points out that even though openly queer artists might be underrepresented in country the LGBTQ+ community is definitely present in the genre's fanbase and behind the scenes. "Even if it’s not the artist that’s gay singing — girl those backup singers those girls on tour the people playing banjo — there are gay people making the music" she said. She also notes that drag queens everywhere love country anthems like Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" and Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!". Drag superstar Trixie Mattel even makes her own country albums. The connection is real.
Ozarks to Outlaw Country: How Chappell Roan's Midwestern Roots Shaped "The Giver"
Growing up in the Ozarks Missouri country music was everywhere for Chappell Roan. It was the soundtrack to her childhood playing in grocery stores on the radio basically everywhere. She took the "Roan" part of her stage name from her grandfather’s favorite western song "The Strawberry Roan". Country is in her blood.
For "The Giver" Roan drew inspiration from country queens like Shania Twain and also classic artists like Miranda Lambert Alan Jackson and George Strait. She wanted to "honor that part of myself" by making a country song that was authentically her queer and pop-loving self. It's about embracing her roots and showing that "country can exist in a queer space and a queer space can exist in a country space." It's a song about owning all parts of her identity.
"The Giver" A Song of Joy? Finding Freedom and Fun in Queer Country
Despite the twang and country instrumentation "The Giver" is not a sad song. Roan calls it a "song of joy". It is about taking her sometimes difficult experiences growing up queer in the Midwest and turning them into something celebratory. It is about self-acceptance and finally feeling free to be herself.
The promotional campaign for "The Giver" even reflects this playful and bold spirit. Remember those billboards and flyers with Roan in vocational uniforms and slogans like “Dental dams aren’t just for dentists!”? That's all part of the fun. It is about pushing boundaries challenging expectations and having a laugh while doing it.
Country Boys and Contradictions: Chappell Roan's Complicated Love for Country Masculinity (and Horse Manure)
While "The Giver" definitely pokes fun at "country boys" Chappell Roan actually admits she has a soft spot for them. She joked in an interview with Apple Music "I love a country boy. I love them. I love a man who can shovel horse manure . I love that. I love a man who will sit in grass." She even said "country boys" have treated her both "the best and the worst".
It is a complicated relationship a mix of genuine appreciation and playful teasing. She acknowledges the appeal of certain traditional masculine traits associated with country culture while also challenging the limitations and expectations that can come with it especially for women and queer people. "Why do we keep having songs about women not being satisfied?" she asks pointing to a common theme in country music and flipping it on its head with "The Giver".
Key Things to Know About Chappell Roan's "The Giver":
- Genre-Bending: A mix of country pop and queer anthem.
- LGBTQ+ Theme: Explicitly a "lesbian country song" celebrating queer desire.
- Musical Influences: Inspired by Shania Twain Miranda Lambert Alan Jackson and George Strait.
- Midwestern Roots: Reflects Roan's upbringing in the Ozarks and relationship with country music.
- Song of Joy: A positive and celebratory track about self-acceptance and queer identity.
- Campy and Playful: Embraces camp humor and challenges country music stereotypes.
- Billboard Campaign: Promoted with bold and humorous billboards and flyers.
Saddle Up and Stream: Chappell Roan's "The Giver" is Your New Favorite Country Song (Probably)
Chappell Roan's "The Giver" is here to shake up country music in the best way possible. It is fun it is fresh it is unapologetically queer and it is catchy as hell. Whether you are already a country fan a pop lover or just someone looking for something new and exciting you need to give this song a listen. Chappell Roan might just be your new favorite country sheriff in town. Go stream "The Giver" now and get ready to twirl in your own country (or non-country) boots!