Chappell Roan made waves on Saturday Night Live with a bold pivot into country music, debuting her new single “The Giver.” This latest release channels Roan’s unabashed style into a genre that’s not commonly known for embracing queer love so directly, marking a standout moment for representation in mainstream country music.
Clad in country-inspired gingham and backed by a full band decked out in retro Western wear, Roan leaned into her playful and seductive lyrics, sharing her unapologetic stance on satisfying her female partners better than “any country boy.” With lines like, “Take it like a taker, ’cause baby, I’m a giver,” Roan brought a fresh, LGBTQ+ perspective to the genre—a narrative often dominated by traditional themes and hetero-normative story lines.
Roan took a moment to address the audience directly during the bridge, humorously challenging the “country boys” and declaring, “Only a woman knows how to treat a woman right.” The bold line has already resonated widely, with “The Giver” earning a reputation as a potential new anthem in queer country music.
Roan’s playful, confident take on the genre is part of a broader wave of queering country music, following in the footsteps of other LGBTQ+ country artists like Brandi Carlile, Orville Peck, and Brothers Osborne.
Only time will tell if Nashville will fully embrace “The Giver,” but Roan’s SNL performance has already set social media abuzz. The question now is, can her fresh take on country find a lasting place in the genre?
