Chappell Roan Releases Heartbreak-Inspired Hit Single 'The Subway'

Chappell Roan's latest single, "The Subway," is a deeply personal song inspired by a painful breakup and an emotional encounter with her ex on a New York City subway. The song took years to complete due to its emotional weight and complexity, with Roan describing the process as both painful and challenging. "The Subway" captures the raw feelings of heartbreak and the struggle to move on, resonating strongly with fans and critics alike, with some comparing its impact to Olivia Rodrigo’s "Driver’s License." The song's lyric about moving to Saskatchewan sparked real tourism interest, with the province launching a campaign highlighting its appeal as a place for healing. Roan debuted the song live at the Governors Ball Festival and released a visually striking music video filmed in a decommissioned subway car, marking her highest-streamed debut by a female artist on Spotify in 2025. Her candid storytelling and emotional vulnerability in "The Subway" present a more stoic and realistic portrayal of New York City compared to the usual romanticized depictions by other pop artists.