The star has explained why she’s not dropped the track yet
BY AMELIA JONES , IMAGE BY MTV
Chappell Roan knows how to turn a live performance into a full-body experience – and nowhere is that clearer than in the case of The Subway, a track that’s never seen a studio release but still feels like a queer anthem in the making.
The ballad, which Roan has performed at live shows since early 2023, has taken on a life of its own. Fan recordings are passed around like treasured relics, TikToks use the emotional chorus to soundtrack heartbreaks and hook-ups, and whole comment sections beg for a release date. And yet – no Spotify drop. No YouTube premiere. Just a growing cult status and a lot of longing.
In an interview with iHeartRadio on Wednesday (16 April), Roan hinted that the lack of release date may be due to the overwhelming fan reaction to the live version. She told hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, “I’ve been banging my head against the wall with The Subway, because… some songs just work live – certain things work live – and they don’t work in the studio.”
Of course, that hasn’t stopped fans from clamouring for it. One took to social media saying: “Chappell Roan stop gatekeeping The Subway from us challenge.” But Roan’s refusal to rush feels refreshingly defiant in an industry obsessed with quick hits, (let’s be honest – she can do no wrong in our eyes).
After all, Roan spoke out earlier this year, challenging the pressures and unrealistic expectations placed on artists. In her Grammy speech in February, she opened up about the toll the industry takes on mental health, highlighting the constant threat of burnout that so many artists face.
Studio version or not, The Subway is already a queer classic. And when it’s ready, we’ll be waiting – with open arms.
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