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Chappell Roan Performs New Unreleased Song ‘The Subway’

Chappell Roan dressed in Lady Liberty drag to perform an unreleased song called 'The Subway' at the New York Governor's Ball on June 9.
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Chappell Roan dressed in Lady Liberty drag to perform an unreleased song called “The Subway” at the New York Governor’s Ball on June 9.

Chappell Roan dressed in Lady Liberty drag to perform an unreleased song called 'The Subway' at the New York Governor's Ball on June 9.
Scott Kowalchyk/CBS

Roan explains, “I’m not sure if or when it’s coming out, but I just think it’s fun to sing … To me, it kind of feels like Casual’s cousin.” The song “Casual” came from the pop star’s debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which describes a relationship that isn’t balanced.

However, “The Subway,” a mid-tempo ballad, has a more somber feel, with lyrics like, “It’s just another day, and it’s not over ’til it’s over, it’s never over.” The singer has been teasing this new song, changing her profile picture to the famous Subway logo.

As fans know, Roan loves a good theme. The pop star emerged from a half-eaten apple as the Statue of Liberty before transforming into a classic New York taxi cab outfit to pay homage to the city. The “Good Luck, Babe!” singer performed ten tracks, including songs like “Femininomenon,” “Naked in Manhattan,” “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl,” and “HOT TO GO!”

During her set, the “Casual” singer gave a statement, quoting the poem etched on the Statue of Liberty: “I am in drag of the biggest queen of all, but in case you had forgotten what’s etched on my pretty little toes, ‘Give me your tired, your poor; your huddled masses yearning to breath free.’ That means freedom and trans rights. That means freedom and women’s rights, and it especially means freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories.”

@rollingstone @chappell roan gets emotional talking about her symbolic outfit at #Govball #chappellroan #chappellroantour #chappellroanconcert #chappellroanmidwestprincess #chappellroantiktok #tour #concert #fyp #fypツ #foryou ♬ original sound – Rolling Stone

Towards the end of her set, Roan revealed that she turned down the White House when they asked her to perform at their pride event. The singer shares, “In response to the White House, who asked me to perform for Pride, we want liberty, justice, and freedom for all. When you do that, that’s when I’ll come.”

@rollingstone “We want liberty, freedom, and justice for all” @chappell roan said at #Govball #chappellroan #chappellroantour #chappellroanconcert #tour #concert #viral ♬ original sound – Rolling Stone

While her response to the White House received mixed reactions, the singer doubles down on her statement, “I said what I meant, and meant what I said on stage.”

Fans have been loving Roan’s Gov Ball performance, even pointing out some references she made other than to the Big Apple.

However, fans weren’t the only ones noticing the pop star’s performance. Bratz, the famous doll company, made a doll to celebrate Roan’s Statue of Liberty costume. The pop star replied, “AHHH.”

You can watch Roan’s debut performance of “The Subway” below.