Chappell Roan’s new country song about lesbian sex doesn’t play by typical genre rules

Chappell Roan, the rising pop star, made a bold move into the country music scene with the debut of her provocative new song, “The Giver,” on Saturday Night Live last weekend. The song’s unambiguous lyrics about sexual relationships with women have sparked conversations about queer representation in country music, a genre traditionally dominated by straight, white men.

During her SNL performance, Roan addressed country boys directly, challenging their notions of how to treat a woman. She asserted, “Well, only a woman knows how to treat a woman right. She gets the job done.” This spoken-word aside was a powerful statement that resonated with her online fans.

Nadine Hubbs, a musicologist and culture historian, sees Roan as part of a burgeoning “sapphic pop” movement, where women are writing explicitly about sex between women. She compared Roan’s approach to artists like Billie Eilish, who also delve into similar themes in their music. While Roan’s lyrics may not be fully understood by all listeners, they represent a departure from the traditional themes found in country music.

Hubbs drew parallels between Roan’s campy presentation on SNL and the style of Canadian country icon k.d. lang, who faced skepticism in the country scene due to her unconventional approach in the 1980s. Roan’s bold lyrics and retro country aesthetic could potentially challenge the norms of country music, much like lang did in her time.

Despite Roan’s potential crossover into the country scene, there may be pushback from some fans. Shana Goldin-Perschbacher, an associate professor of music studies, noted that Roan’s critique of bro country could alienate certain listeners. Queer themes have existed in country music for decades, but acceptance of LGBTQ+ artists has been slow to progress in the industry.

Roan’s foray into country music represents a slight shift in the genre, with more artists exploring diverse themes and identities. While challenges still exist for queer musicians in the country scene, there is a growing recognition of the need for inclusivity and diversity. Roan, along with other pop stars like Trixie Mattel and Orville Peck, are breaking boundaries and reshaping the landscape of country music without relying on traditional industry standards for success.