Chappell Roan, the rising star known for her vibrant pop sound, has officially stepped onto the country music scene with her new single "The Giver," released on March 13, 2025. The release follows her energetic performance of the song on NBC's Saturday Night Live back in November 2024, where audiences got their first taste of this playful, fiddle-heavy anthem.
Drawing inspiration from country classics like Big & Rich’s "Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)" and Alan Jackson’s "Chattahoochee," Roan combines nostalgia with upbeat energy, creating what she describes as her personal spin on the genre. After months of teasing the track through social media and marketing stunts, such as billboards and previews, the song finally hit the digital platforms, much to the delight of her fans.
"I wanted to write a country song because I just thought it would be funny," Roan shared during her Apple Music interview set to release shortly after the song launch. "It’s campy and fun," she added, highlighting how the track reflects not only her love for the genre but also her upbringing. Growing up listening to country music during school bus rides and at bonfire gatherings shaped her deep connection to the style.
Roan’s social media presence buzzed with excitement leading up to the release. An Instagram post revealed, "Many people have asked if this means I’m making a country album??? My answer is... right now I’m just making songs..." With her playful and heartfelt approach to country, she reassures fans of her commitment to her pop roots, stating, "I’m not trying to convince a country crowd... That’s not what I feel like I’m doing. I just think a lesbian country song is really funny, so I wrote it." Her humorous undertone resonates well with listeners, setting the stage for the song's playful lyrics, including the cheeky chorus: "Take it like a taker, ’cause, baby, I’m a giver."
During her past SNL appearance, Roan wore a pink gingham leather outfit, symbolizing her bold fusion of style and musical genres. The performance featured her backed by musicians dressed in matching western attire, with visuals of animated trees and critters, creating a whimsical and genuine vibe reflective of her artistry.
Though "The Giver" exemplifies her affinity for country, Roan has made it clear this does not signify a full genre shift. On Country Heat Weekly, she stated, "I wrote a country song not to invade country music, but to really capture what I think the essence of country music is for me, which is nostalgia and fun... It makes me feel a certain type of freedom..." This expression of her love for the genre highlights the influence country music has had on her artistic development.
Fans are buzzing with speculation on what might come next from Roan. While "The Giver" marks her first new single since her viral hit "Good Luck, Babe!" released in April 2024, there are whispers about the potential direction of her future music projects. Her accolades are not unnoticed, as she was recently awarded "Best New Artist" at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she performed her earlier hit "Pink Pony Club." That performance was not just about music; she took the opportunity during her acceptance speech to advocate for healthcare reform within the industry.
Roan’s dynamic approach to blending genres and addressing different themes establishes her as not only a music artist but also as a vibrant voice for representation and fun within the industry. The release of "The Giver" signifies not just the birth of another single, but also her continuous evolution as an artist willing to embrace and honor her roots, even as she carves out her unique path.
With laughter and nostalgia at its core, "The Giver" is more than just another song—it's Chappell Roan’s heartfelt tribute to the genre she holds dear, and it’s setting the stage for much more to come as she navigates the colorful world of country and pop music. Her fans eagerly await what’s next as she twirls her way through this exciting new chapter of her musical career.