Chappell Roan Reveals Heartbreak Behind Hit Song “The Subway”

Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” was inspired by a painful breakup she initially thought was serious.
She revealed the story behind the song in a Rolling Stone interview.
The lyric about moving to Saskatchewan sparked real tourism interest.

Chappell Roan’s latest single, “The Subway,” isn’t just another breakup anthem—it’s a raw, personal confession.

The Grammy-winning artist recently opened up about the devastating split that inspired the track, blending vulnerability with her signature storytelling. Fans and critics alike are calling it her most relatable work yet.

Roan wrote the song after a painful long-distance relationship ended abruptly. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she shared:

“I was talking to a friend that was with them the day they ended things with me, and they had told my friend it was nothing and was just casual. And in my head, I was like, ‘What the fuck do you mean it was casual? We were telling secrets and talking literally every day!’”.

The emotional whiplash left her reeling, and “The Subway” became her way of processing the grief. The lyrics capture the agony of seeing an ex move on:

“Made you the villain, evil for just moving on or I see your shadow, see it even with the lights off”.

Chappell Roan stuns for Vogue. pic.twitter.com/YJ1X24yBC5

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 4, 2025

Why Saskatchewan? A Symbolic Escape

One of the song’s most talked-about lines is Roan’s threat to “move to Saskatchewan” if her heartache lingers. The reference wasn’t random—it symbolized a drastic fresh start.

Tourism Saskatchewan CEO Jonathan Potts embraced the unexpected spotlight, telling ABC News:

“It’s great news for our province. It’s a lot of fun to have such a wonderful, popular artist singing our praises”.

The province even launched a campaign capitalizing on the buzz, highlighting its serene landscapes as the perfect place to heal.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

Since its release, “The Subway” has resonated deeply with listeners. One fan on Autostraddle compared it to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License,” calling it “a karaoke showstopper at the next queeraoke night”.

Roan’s honesty about post-breakup struggles—like smelling an ex’s perfume on a stranger—struck a chord.