The Subway Lyrics

About “The Subway”

“The Subway” by Chappell Roan is a poignant exploration of lingering feelings after a breakup. The track delves into the pain of seeing reminders of a former lover in everyday life and the struggle to move on.

• Album: CR2*
• Release Year: 2024
• Genre: Pop, Soft Rock
• Themes: Heartbreak, Moving on, LGBTQ+
• Notable Performances: Governor’s Ball, Bonnaroo
• Writer: Chappell Roan

Annotations and Meaning.

[Verse 1]

The first verse introduces the listener to the emotional turmoil of encountering reminders of a past lover. The mention of "green hair" and a "beauty mark" paints a vivid picture, while the subway setting emphasizes the unexpectedness of these encounters. The emotional impact is so intense that it nearly causes a breakdown, highlighting the depth of the protagonist's unresolved feelings.

[Chorus]

In the chorus, the repetition of "It's just another day" contrasts with the protagonist's ongoing emotional struggle. The idea that "it's not over 'til it's over" underscores the difficulty of moving on, suggesting that the healing process is far from complete.

[Post-Chorus]

The post-chorus reflects a longing for the day when the protagonist no longer searches for the ex on the staircase or reminisces about their soulmate connection. The countdown of days until the ex becomes "just another girl on the subway" indicates a desire for emotional closure and normalcy.

[Verse 2]

In the second verse, the protagonist wrestles with feelings of betrayal and loss. The ex is cast as a "villain" for moving on, and the protagonist is haunted by their shadow even in the absence of light. The promise to leave the city for Saskatchewan if the feelings persist after four months shows a drastic measure the protagonist is willing to take to escape the pain.

[Outro]

The outro's repetitive lines of "She's got a way" and "She got away" emphasize the lingering impact of the past relationship. It reflects the struggle to let go of someone who had a significant influence on the protagonist's life. Roan played “The Subway” for the first time at the Governor’s Ball on June 9, 2024. Speaking about the song at Bonnaroo on June 16, 2024, Roan said, “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.” This suggests that while the song may be unreleased, it holds personal significance and resonates with the themes explored in her previous work.