Chappell Roan Will Be Your Queer Awakening Whether You Like It Or Not - Good Luck, Babe

The rise of Chappell Roan from Missouri girl-next-door to the crown jewel of queer pop is nothing short of a modern fairy tale. With her latest single, "Good Luck Babe," she has officially positioned herself as a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community, transcending mere musical prowess to become an emblem of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you find yourself dancing in a club, driving with the windows down, or contemplating life’s intricacies, Roan's music is an invitation to embrace your true self unapologetically. And believ

e me, whether you like it or not, she will be your queer awakening.

From the first beat, "Good Luck Babe " captures you in a whirlwind of glittering synths and infectious rhythms, in a way that's reminiscent of a Pat Benatar or Cyndi Lauper song. Roan's voice, sultry yet powerful, carries a sense of urgency that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the weight of societal norms pressing down on their shoulders. Beneath the catchy melody lies a narrative of profound emotional depth. The song's protagonist addresses their partner with a mixture of defiance and resignation, acknowledging the partner's desire to conform to societal expectations while simultaneously asserting their autonomy.

The hard-hitting bridge's

"When you wake up next to him in the middle of the night, with your head in your hands. You're nothing more than his wife" has been taking the internet by storm. The line has been awakening for queer and straight girls alike unpacking the transformation into being "nothing more than his wife" as an encapsulation of the devaluing of women in het relationships.

Good Luck Babe so cleverly hits on a key and fundamental gripe with the het relationships. One the cishet relationship functions a default and a societally conditioned preference that keeps women within the confines of partnership with men, despite even a desire to explore sexuality and accept their queerness. (This is a broader topic that feeds into a lot of the tensions between the bisexual and lesbian communities). But for straight women, this call out begs to question our status as well within relationships with men.

In many traditional relationships, women are expected to prioritize their partner's needs and ambitions over their own. This can lead to a sense of confinement and a loss of personal ambition and identity. As Chappell suggests with the phrase "nothing more than his wife", once a woman becomes a wife, her individual aspirations and desires are overshadowed by her duties to her husband and family. This reduction of identity can be stifling and deeply frustrating, especially for women who seek to balance personal and professional aspirations with their roles within the family.

By highlighting these issues through her music, Chappell Roan contributes to a broader cultural conversation about the need to redefine gender roles within relationships. Her lyrics resonate with many who have experienced the limitations imposed by traditional expectations and inspire a movement toward more balanced and fulfilling partnerships. And perhaps, those partnerships are not with men. While I don't think Chappell's aim here to convert a generation of women to lesbianism (although if it secretly was, I couldn't be mad), I think her point here is to empower women to embrace themselves fully and authentically.

Part of this song revolving around the queer situationship, also serves a commentary, engaging with queerness in the most non-committal undefined way as a mechanism of preserving a version of self for heterorelationships. While she herself is making known her desire for love, there's something liberating about her being "upfront" about her affections and making them loudly known. Here she sets love and pursuit of queer love front and center , as opposed to her partner here who's engaging with it somewhat superficially or at the very least temporarily. And through her brazeness, Chappell is trying to lead by example, calling upon her love to embrace her true self and practice the kind of radical honesty we see Chappell displaying throughout the song.

The protagonist's acknowledgment of their partner's choice to conform to societal norms is tinged with both sadness and empowerment. It is a recognition of the partner's struggle with internalized expectations and a declaration of the protagonist's refusal to compromise their identity for the sake of conformity. And that's what makes "Good Luck , Babe" such an anthemic yet deeply personal song. For many, Chappell Roan's music is more than just a soundtrack; it’s a lifeline. "Good Luck, Babe" like many of her songs provide a safe space for those grappling with their identities, offering solace and solidarity. In an era where queer youth face unprecedented challenges, Roan’s music serves as a reminder that they are not alone. Her lyrics are a rallying cry, urging listeners to embrace their true selves and to live authentically. Regardless of if you identify as straight or queer, Chappell's music calls on you to look within to embrace your truest self. Whether you’re dancing in your bedroom or marching in a Pride parade, "Good Luck Babe" is the perfect companion for your journey of self-discovery.

Good Luck, Babe

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