Olivia Rodrigo just released her new song “Serena Joy.”
The new track is an outtake of her recent album “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.”
The CD single was exclusively released on Friday at the Analog Music Shop, near Rodrigo’s “Daisy Chain Fields” festival.
Only 500 units were pressed and the store reported Friday night that all 500 copies had sold.
Inspired by ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
The title is inspired by a character, also called Serena Joy, from The Handmaid’s Tale, who holds a powerful position in a repressive patriarchal society in future America, before realising that she was just as oppressed as any other woman in the system.
The lyrics make references to the character, especially with these lyrics: “If they do it to them / They’ll do it to you / If they do it to them / They’re gonna do it to you,” suggesting that even women who help uphold a patriarchal system are not exempt from its oppression.
The rest of the lyrics also explore subtle themes of complicity, oppression and consequences.
The song was left off the album because it did not fit its relationship-focused narrative, according to Rodrigo.
“I actually really love (“Serena Joy”). It didn’t fit on the album. The record was very much a chronicle of a relationship – beginning, middle and end. But I hope that it’ll be a part of something else down the line,” Rodrigo said two months ago in an interview with Etalk, as quoted by Variety.
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Indie record store hosts exclusive ‘Serena Joy’ release
The release comes ahead of Daisy Chain Fields, set on August 29.
On Friday, Analog Music Shop said it was excited to support the festival in Orange County, writing on social media that it was “honestly just excited to see something this special happening right here in our hometown.”
The store added that, as “one of the closest record stores in the area,” it wanted to find a way to support Daisy Chain Fields.
The shop said it was surprised when it learned Rodrigo would release a new song ahead of the festival.
“And the best part… She’s giving it to us 3 DAYS before anyone else can hear it. Three days early. More than anything, we’re grateful for what this represents: An artist building a stage for women in music and raising funds for women and girls,” it said, as quoted by Rolling Stone.
The store added that Rodrigo’s decision represented support for women and girls.
“More than anything, we’re grateful for what this represents: An artist building a stage for women in music and raising funds for women and girls.”
“An artist willing to support a local independent record store. And a hometown getting to be part of something really special. That means a lot to us.”
The record shop also hinted that the digital version will be released on Monday.
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