During a Saturday Night Live performance last year, Chappell Roan debuted a country Western flirtation called “The Giver.” Since then, the meteoric pop star been The Teaser, cycling through ad campaigns that depict her in occupational cosplays to herald the song’s arrival (“showing crack is back” reads one billboard portraying Roan as a plumber).
Now, after four months of anticipation — during which Roan nabbed the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” — she’s finally released the new single. Bursting with bright notes of fiddle and banjo, the recording of “The Giver” largely aligns with the rendition Roan shared on SNL last November. Even for folks who won’t usually touch anything with twang, it’s undeniable that “The Giver” gets the hooky job done, as its chorus proudly proclaims.
“I have such a special place in my heart for country music,” Roan writes on Instagram. “I grew up listening to it every morning and afternoon on my school bus and had it swirling around me at bonfires, grocery stores, and karaoke bars.”
She continues: “Many people have asked if this means I’m making a country album??? My answer is.. hmm right now I’m just making songs that make me feel happy and fun and The Giver is my take on cuntry xoxo may the classic country divas lead their genre, I am just here to twirl and do a little gay yodel for yall.”
Her last words on the track? A drawling “you’re welcome,” effectively bridging Roan’s pop and country with lovable wiseassery. Give in below.