"The Giver" is a song by American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan, her first in the country music genre. It is set to be released as a single through Amusement and Island Records on March 13, 2025. Written by Roan and its producer Dan Nigro, the song features traditional country instrumentation, including a fiddle, and explores themes of queer storytelling through subversion of conventional country lyrical norms.[1]
"The Giver" was first performed live during her debut appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live (SNL) on November 2, 2024.[1] It has received praise for its innovative take on country music, with critics highlighting its cultural resonance and representation of LGBTQ narratives.
"The Giver" marks a departure for Chappell Roan into the country music genre.[2] Roan cited her Missouri upbringing as a key influence in crafting the song, drawing upon her early exposure to country music, which she described as both nostalgic and playful in its cultural resonance.[2][3] The song incorporates traditional country instrumentation, including a fiddle, while subverting conventional lyrical themes with queer storytelling.[2][3] Roan collaborated with producer Dan Nigro on the writing process, emphasizing a piano-driven approach to establish the song's structure before focusing on production.[3]
The song was first performed live during Roan's debut appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) on November 2, 2024.[4][5] Ahead of the release, she teased the song during a question and answer session at the Grammy Museum, where she described the writing process as an opportunity to reconnect with her roots.[2][3] Roan hinted at the song and its thematic departure from her earlier work through social media posts, suggesting the beginning of a new era in her career.[4][5] Nigro revealed that preparing the song involved extensive research and a creative exploration of country music tropes, though he refrained from detailing specific influences.[3] The single's official release is anticipated following the positive reception of the live debut.[3]
On SNL, "The Giver" was presented as a brand-new song following her performance of "Pink Pony Club" from her 2023 debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.[5] The live debut featured an elaborate stage setup and her characteristic drag-inspired aesthetic.[4][5]
Critical reception
Critics responded to "The Giver" with commentary on its impact within the country music landscape.[6]USA Today identified it as part of a growing movement of queer country music, highlighting how it challenges traditional norms in the genre.[6] The song's lyrics and Roan's SNL performance were noted for their assertive and direct address of queer themes, positioning the track among modern LGBTQ+ country anthems.[6][5][2] Critics highlighted Roan's use of humor and assertiveness as distinctive within the genre.[2]
The performance on SNL drew attention for its blend of retro Western visuals and modern thematic content. Commentators have situated "The Giver" within a broader trend of increasing LGBTQ+ representation in country music, likening Roan's efforts to those of artists such as Brandi Carlile and Orville Peck.[2][3]
Live performances
The debut of "The Giver" on SNL included a visually distinct performance featuring Roan with an all-female band, dressed in Western-inspired denim and gingham attire.[4][5][3] The performance was characterized by spoken word interjections where Roan addressed the audience directly.[4][5][2] Critics described the performance as vibrant and reflective of her theatrical style.[4][5]
1 2 3 Gibbs, Audrey (March 5, 2025). "Is Chappell Roan making a country album? Lesbian country song 'The Giver' drops next week". The Tennessean. Gannett Co., Inc. Retrieved March 5, 2025. The pop singer announced that her country single will be arriving to streaming platforms next week on Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. CT. "@dan_nigro and I wrote this together and it was so fun!!!" Roan said on Instagram. "We've never done a country song and I have such a special place in my heart for country music.
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