The Giver

Chappell Roan

Sommer Wagen

As the partner of a blue collar lesbian service top, Chappell Roan’s new single “The Giver” really speaks to me.

From the very first line, “Ain’t got no antlers on my walls, but I sure know mating calls,” she had me hook, line, and sinker.

The Grammy winner’s iconic range blends brilliantly with the squealing fiddle, twangy banjo, and confident drums, creating the perfect soundtrack for a sapphic square dance.

It’s surprising that the Midwest Princess didn’t already have a country track, but after she previewed the song on SNL in November, there was no chance it would be slept on once it finally came out.

And the fun that Roan had writing this song with producer Dan Nigro comes through so clearly. Roan said of “The Giver,” “I just think a lesbian country song is really funny, so I wrote that.”

But “The Giver” isn’t a shallow satire of country people. The backing vocals drawling in the bridge how “She gets the job done” and Roan’s spoken word “Yes, ma’am, yes I do / You’re welcome” at the very end are fun bits of campy comedy. It comes off as an appreciation for the sound, something Roan herself grew up with.

Speaking as a fellow small town kid, the country sound becomes nostalgic for you whether you like it or not. “The Giver” gives permission to embrace that sound, particularly if you’re queer.

So if you need me, I’ll be takin’ it like a taker. Once again, Chappell Roan has gotten the job done.