“I Have Kept Country in My Heart”: Chappell Roan Discussed Her Inspiration Behind New Song, “The Giver”

While making a splash in pop music with hit songs like “Hot to Go” and “Pink Pony Club”, Chappell Roan watched her fame explode over the last few years. All starting with the release of “Good Luck, Babe”, it seemed the perfect song to help celebrate Roan’s entrance into music. While winning Best New Artist at the 67th Grammy Awards, the hitmaker continues to explore more than just pop. Teasing her new song “The Giver”, Roan discussed her inspiration behind the upcoming single and how country music helped bring the lyrics to life. 

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Speaking with Kelleigh Bannen on Today’s Country Radio, Roan insisted there was not deep meaning behind having a taste for country music. “I wanted to write a country song because I just thought it would be funny.” While wanting to have some fun, she did look back on her childhood and how she always kept country music close. “I’m from southwest Missouri. Grew up on Christian and country, and then found ‘Alejandro’ by Lady Gaga and I was like, ‘I think I like this, too.’ So, I have kept country in my heart.”

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Will Chappell Roan Go Country With “The Giver”

Although noting her love for Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee”, it was actually Big & Rich’s “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” that pushed her to record “The Giver.”“I was like, ‘I want to feel that way on stage. I want to feel that.’ Because that’s how I write. I’m like, ‘How do I want to walk around on stage and sing?’ And I was like, ‘I want to write that song, but Chappell’s version.’”

Since first performing the song on Saturday Night Live last year, her fans wondered if Roan wanted to switch genres and go country like Beyonce and Post Malone. Keeping fans guessing, the singer finally revealed, “I really just did it for fun. I’m not switching genres or anything.” 

While clearing the air about country music, Roan insisted the idea of dabbling in the genre wasn’t off the table. “It’s not no forever.” With a deep understanding of music and the legends that paved the way, the rising star hoped to leave her mark while honoring her musical roots.  

(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Valentino)