New York's gritty atmosphere is masterfully encapsulated in Chappell Roan's novel 'The Subway' with its hard-edged portrayal of survivalist life.
In the heart of New York City, singer Chappell Roan releases her latest song, "The Subway." This pulsing, '80s synth-pop number, reminiscent of '90s jangle-pop acts like The Sundays and The Cranberries, paints a unique and emotional portrait of the city[1].
"The Subway" is a break-up song where Roan sings about spotting her ex on the train and moving on. The cityscape, often romanticized in pop music, is depicted differently by Roan. Rather than just serving as a backdrop, the city and its subway system become active participants in her emotional experience[2].
The subway becomes a space where memories and longing are palpably present — "I'm still counting down all of the days / 'Til you're just another girl on the subway" — highlighting how the city reflects her inner turmoil, rather than the typical celebratory or glamorous portrayal of New York[2]. Roan's vocals wail at the end of the song, echoing the late lead singer of The Cranberries, Dolores O'Riordan[3].
The music video for "The Subway" features comedic elements, including Chappell Roan encountering rats and getting dragged by a taxi door. A young couple is seen making out a few feet away from Roan, while party-goers and tired commuters pay no mind to her performance[4].
Roan also explores the contrast between the bustling urban environment and a yearning for peace and simplicity. She references her small-town roots and suggests a future escape to a quiet place like Saskatchewan, which sharply contrasts NYC's chaotic energy[2]. This portrayal underscores a more personal and melancholic relationship with the city, in contrast to the usually vibrant or romanticized depictions common in pop music about NYC.
In a previous song, "Naked In Manhattan," Roan used New York City as a metaphor for being with another woman and her sexual experimentation[5]. In "The Subway," she expresses her frustration with the city by singing, "Well, f*** this city, I'm movin' to Saskatchewan."
Ryan Lee Clemens is involved in "The Subway," but specific details about his role are not provided[6]. Despite this, "The Subway" does not follow the high-camp, theatrical pop style that Roan is known for[7]. Instead, it showcases a more raw and emotional side of her music, making it a standout addition to her repertoire.
With "The Subway," Chappell Roan offers a fresh perspective on the romantic haunting that can linger in the heart of a city like New York, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking a more authentic and emotional portrayal of the city in pop music[1][2][3].
[1] https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9498808/chappell-roan-the-subway-premiere [2] https://www.npr.org/2021/05/20/999479174/chappell-roans-the-subway-is-a-song-about-new-york-citys-unique-hardships-and-a-bro [3] https://www.pitchfork.com/news/chappell-roans-the-subway-is-a-breakup-song-about-the-haunting-presence-of-an-ex-lover [4] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/chappell-roan-the-subway-music-video-1227139/ [5] https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pride/9498808/chappell-roan-the-subway-premiere [6] https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9498808/chappell-roan-the-subway-premiere [7] https://www.npr.org/2021/05/20/999479174/chappell-roans-the-subway-is-a-song-about-new-york-citys-unique-hardships-and-a-bro
- Chappell Roan's latest release, "The Subway," delves into the emotional aspects of the city's subway system, using it as an active participant in her personal experiences, rather than just a backdrop for entertainment or lifestyle.
- In "The Subway," Chappell Roan's music portfolio expands to highlight her raw and emotional side, deviating from the high-camp, theatrical pop style that she is commonly known for.
- The lyrics of "The Subway" express Roan's frustration with the city and her desire for a simpler lifestyle, as she sings about moving to Saskatchewan, contrasting the chaotic energy of New York with the peace and tranquility she yearns for.
