Chappell Roan fans are convinced that ‘The Subway’ was inspired by this singer-songwriter
Fans have speculated that Annika Bennett and Chappell Roan may have written numerous songs about each other. (@dailyroan)
Fans have speculated that Annika Bennett and Chappell Roan may have written numerous songs about each other. (@dailyroan)
Chappell Roan is the woman of the moment, and many fans are interested in discovering the truth behind her music, such as whether singer-songwriter Annika Bennett inspired her latest hit “The Subway”.
Both singer-songwriters have penned tracks seemingly about a close friendship that teetered on the edge of romance, with the lyrics of each appearing to hint at the other singer.
Ilana Frost first outlined the rumours in 2024 for Betches, but now with “The Subway” being released, fans are yet again pondering who could have inspired the moving anthem of heartbreak, lost love, and moving to Saskatchewan.
From their posts online, it’s clear Annika Bennett and Chappell Roan were close friends (at the very least). The pair still follow each other on Instagram and hung out earlier this year, so if they do have any kind of romantic history, it seems that there’s no bad blood between them.
Many fans have theorised that “The Subway” could be about Annika Bennett.
The track opens with Roan singing: “I saw your green hair.” Guess what: Annika has green hair.
“The Subway” music video sees Chappell Roan traversing New York City in chase of a person with green hair.
Is it possible that Chappell’s video is a response to Annika’s “A Tree Falls” music video? Annika’s video also has some very interesting symbolism where she chases a woman with wavy red hair and arm tattoos.
The track finishes with a heartbreaking declaration: “I’ll still love you even if you never know.”
“The Subway” is not the only song that seems to hint at a connection between the two; the same is also true for Roan’s “Kaleidoscope”.
‘What an incredible person to fall in love with’
Annika was a songwriter on the Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess track “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” and elsewhere on the album, a song seems to be dedicated to her.
Some fans think that “Kaleidoscope,” an intimate ballad about falling in love with a best friend, may be about Annika.
Chappell sings: “Everything has changed / The way I write your name / The cursive letter A.” You know what begins with an A? Oh yes, that’s right: Annika Bennett.
Speaking at the Grammy Museum event in November 2024, Chappell shared: “I was in love with [a friend] and it was so amazing even though she didn’t feel the same back.
“I’m so grateful that that happened because for the first time, I got confirmation that ‘Yeah, I’m not a fraud for saying I’m gay.’
“What an incredible person to fall in love with for the first time. Like, your best friend that you think is awesome and hilarious. It was just perfect, looking back.”
Chappell also added that they “had to take a year off” from their friendship but eventually became friends again.
We may have also had a hint at what this relationship was like from Annika’s perspective.
“Annabelle”, which came out the same day as “Kaleidoscope”, seems to share the narrative of Chappell’s song: that of friends to potential lovers.
Take these lyrics as an example… Annika sings “You’re so pretty in pink,” and Chappell was very well known for sporting an all-pink look in her most famous track at the time, “Pink Pony Club.”
“Annabelle” and “Kaleidoscope” were released the same day
She also sings “Rose perfume in the air.” Chappell’s real middle name is Rose? Coincidence?
Annika’s song concludes on a bittersweet note: “They’re not just friends / They couldn’t be / Oh, Annabelle, that’s you and me.” This exact sentiment echoes what Chappell said about “Kaleidoscope.”
Additionally, adding to this timeline, Annika’s track “Molly, I’m Coming Around” seems to express the joy of reconciling with a friend after not speaking for a year.
She sings: “Took a whole year and it all crashed down… I’m sorry I never called back… if you ever need me now, then Molly, I’m coming around.”
Share your thoughts! Are we being rational? Unhinged? Somewhere in between? Do we need to get out more? Let us know below and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
