The long-awaited studio version is available now
Global pop sensation Chappell Roan has released one of the most anticipated songs in her growing discography—the official studio recording of her new single “The Subway,” out now on Amusement/Island Records. A gut-wrenching ballad that fans have been clamoring for since she began performing it live last summer, “The Subway,” produced by and co-written with Daniel Nigro, is another immaculately crafted home run that puts Roan’s once-in-a-generation talent at the forefront.
The song tells the story of the quiet heartbreak of literal and metaphorical missed romantic connections and the pain that endures through the small daily reminders everywhere. Lyrically at her utmost vulnerable, Roan cleverly captures the disorienting grief of moving on with some of her most heartfelt songwriting yet and a vocal performance that defies any expectations. Her flair for the dramatic reverberates as her gentle soprano musings turn into full volume iconic catchphrases, “I made a promise, if in four months this feeling ain’t gone, well f*ck this city, I’m moving to Saskatchewan!”
Fans started to catch on that the long-awaited single would soon be released as posters, murals, and red tresses were spotted around New York last week, and a video of a moving truck in Saskatchewan went viral. Yesterday (Thurs, July 31st), Roan launched a limited edition copper metallic seven-inch that quickly sold out, featuring “The Subway” on side A and the previously unreleased “I Hate It Here” (Demo) on side B.
Alongside, the song comes Roan’s most ambitious official video yet, shot on location in Manhattan. Directed by Amber Grace Johnson (Jorja Smith, FKA Twigs, Lolo Zouaï), “The Subway” video is a high-camp love letter to New York and the one that got away, all shot on 35mm film. Throughout the video, Roan’s famous red locks are shed, exposing the lovelorn singer in iconic New York moments, doing anything but blending in and getting dragged. On the subway, she sees ghosts of her past and visions of her future self; in the outside world, she is plagued with garbage and rats but remains in pursuit of that once-special feeling.
Last week, Roan announced a string of U.S. live dates this fall with multiple all-ages shows in New York, Los Angeles and Kansas City, Missouri. The newly announced pop-up shows include a four-night takeover at Forest Hills Stadium in Forest Hills, NY on September 20th, 21st, 23rd, and 24th, crossing the midwest with a two-night stay in Kansas City at the Museum and Memorial Park on October 3rd and 4th; and wrapping with two nights at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on October 10th and 11th.
“The Subway” follows Roan’s hotly anticipated 2025 single “The Giver,” a country anthem that debuted earlier this year at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart. First performed at her Saturday Night Live debut performance, the track arrived with a hotline teaser, national billboard campaign, and limited-edition vinyl series showcasing Roan in various over-the-top service roles – from plumber to private investigator.
