Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” continues to resonate with listeners nearly two years after its initial release.
Released on August 12, 2022, this track from “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” has proven its staying power in a fast-paced industry.
The song’s recent climb to #96 on the Hot 100 chart (during the track-ending week of August 3, 2024) demonstrates its enduring appeal.
This marks Roan’s sixth appearance on the prestigious list, solidifying her position as a formidable force in contemporary pop music.
“Femininomenon” blends alt-pop and dance-pop elements, creating a sound that feels as fresh today as it did upon release.
Roan’s clever wordplay and Dan Nigro’s dynamic production continue to captivate new listeners while rewarding long-time fans with each replay.
Chappell Roan’s Journey to Fame
Chappell Roan’s rise to pop stardom was not an easy one. Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Roan began her career as a downbeat songwriter, signing with Atlantic Records as a teenager.
However, after being dropped by the label, she spent years rediscovering her voice, even working at a drive-thru doughnut shop to support herself.
Her breakthrough came when she embraced her queer identity, which allowed her to craft a flamboyant, larger-than-life persona that resonated with fans.
By signing with Island Records, Roan truly found her sound and style, becoming the queer pop sensation she is today.
Her journey is one of resilience, personal discovery, and perseverance.
The Origin of “Femininomenon”
The term “femininomenon” itself is a Roan original, blending “feminine” and “phenomenon.”
She coined this phrase to describe an experience so extraordinary, it would be “a phenomenon if sleeping with a man was better than sleeping with a girl.”
This playful yet pointed wordplay sets the tone for the entire song.
The Meaning Behind Femininomenon
While Femininomenon may appear to be a fun, infectious pop track, the song also carries a deeper personal meaning for Roan.
In an interview with Earmilk, Roan revealed that the song reflects her struggle with romantic relationships with men and the contrasting ease she feels in relationships with women.
“It’s about the confusion I have in relation to my sexual relationships with men. Something is not connecting… With a woman, it’s easy and different and wonderful. It’s a phenomenon,” she explained.
This nuanced message, layered beneath a dance-pop beat, has made the track a hidden queer anthem, resonating deeply with her LGBTQ+ fanbase.
Connection to Drag Culture
Roan’s strong ties to the drag community have played a significant role in her rise to fame.
Known for inviting drag performers to open her shows, Roan has embraced the vibrant, over-the-top energy of drag culture, which aligns with her own maximalist style.
Her connection to the community runs deep, with Roan even raising funds for LGBTQ+ charities like For the Gworls and Kaleidoscope Trust.
Roan credits drag culture for helping her build confidence, allowing her to embrace her flamboyant, larger-than-life stage persona.
As she told The Guardian, “Becoming a drag version of myself has allowed me to be whatever I want.”
Behind the Scenes: Creation and Production
Roan collaborated with Dan Nigro to write and produce “Femininomenon.”
Initially released independently after Roan’s departure from Atlantic Records, the track later found a home with Amusement Records and Island Records.
The song’s production is as multifaceted as its lyrics. Roan herself described it as “three songs in one,” highlighting the complexity of its composition.
“Femininomenon” Lyrics Breakdown: A Journey Through Modern Romance
Verse 1 dives into the all-too-familiar territory of online dating disappointments.
Roan paints a vivid picture of getting “so close but then you lost it,” referencing the frustrations of virtual connections that fizzle out in reality.
The pre-chorus builds tension with its staccato rhythm, culminating in Roan’s cheeky demand:
“Um, can you play a song with a fucking beat?”
This line, delivered with raw authenticity, perfectly captures the song’s rebellious spirit.
The chorus explodes with energy, featuring the catchy “rom-pom-pom-pom” hook that’s impossible to forget.
The reference to Papa John adds a touch of humour while maintaining the song’s critique of modern relationships.
Verse 2 shifts focus to the disillusionment that can follow when online connections transition to real-life relationships.
The imagery of “folding his laundry” and “crying at the nail salon” speaks volumes about the often-uneven expectations in heterosexual partnerships.
The bridge drives home the song’s central theme, directly addressing the audience with, “Ladies, you know what I mean / And you know what you need / And so does he / But does it happen? (No).”
This call-and-response section feels like a rallying cry for women everywhere.
“Femininomenon” Makes a Distinct Impact
Try to pin down “Femininomenon,” and you’ll find it slipping through your fingers.
One minute it flows like an introspective ballad, and next you’re bobbing your head to a catchy pop beat, the next you’re caught off guard by a raw, almost punk-like intensity.
Roan’s voice dances between sweet and snarling, keeping you on your toes.
The song kicks off with a dirt bike rev—not exactly your typical pop intro.
Then it throws you into a whirlwind of piano riffs, guitar licks, and Roan’s voice doing vocal gymnastics.
It’s like someone tossed a handful of genres into a blender and hit ‘liquefy’.
You might catch yourself trying to sing along, only to realise you’re not quite sure what comes next.
Is it the bouncy “rom-pom-pom-pom” bit? Or maybe it’s time for Roan to demand “a song with a fucking beat”? This unpredictability is part of the charm.
“Femininomenon” keeps you guessing but always brings you back to a hook you can’t help but shout along to.
Why You Need to Listen to “Femininomenon”
“Femininomenon” is that song that makes you turn up the volume and sing along, even if you’re butchering the lyrics.
Chappell Roan poured her heart, wit, and frustrations into this tune, and it shows.
When you listen to “Femininomenon,” you’re not just hearing a pop song.
You’re experiencing Roan’s unfiltered thoughts on dating disasters, relationship letdowns, and the quest for satisfaction.
It’s messy, it’s real, and it’s probably going to get stuck in your head for days.
This track doesn’t preach or pretend; instead, it commiserates with you over bad dates and online disappointments.
It’s like having a brutally honest conversation with your best friend, set to a beat that makes you want to dance it out.
Sure, “Femininomenon” showcases Roan’s talent. But more importantly, it gives voice to the frustrations and hopes of anyone who’s ever swiped right, got their hopes up, or settled for less than they deserve.
It’s not trying to be an anthem; it just happens to say what a lot of us are thinking.
For fans of bold, genre-bending pop music, “Femininomenon” is a must-listen.
It showcases Roan’s growth as an artist and her willingness to push boundaries.
Whether you’re drawn to its clever wordplay, infectious rhythm, or empowering message, this song has something for everyone.
So turn up the volume, learn those “rom-pom-pom-pom” lyrics, and let Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” sweep you off your feet.
This track isn’t just listening to music; it’s experiencing a true femininomenon.
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Chappell Roan Femininomenon Lyrics
Verse 1
Same old story, time again
Got so close but then you lost it
Should’ve listened to your friends
‘Bout his girlfriend back in Boston
You sent him pictures and playlists and phone sex
He disappeared from the second that you said
“Let’s get coffee, let’s meet up”
I’m so sick of online love
And I don’t understand
Why can’t any man
Pre-Chorus
Hit it like, get it hot
Make a bitch, it’s a fem
Hit it like, get it hot
Make a bitch, it’s a—
Um, can you play a song with a fucking beat?
Chorus
(Hit it like) Hit it like rom-pom-pom-pom
(Get it hot) Get it hot like Papa John
(Make a bitch) Make a bitch go on and on
(It’s a fem) It’s a femininomenon
(Hit it like) Hit it like rom-pom-pom-pom
(Get it hot) Get it hot like Papa John
(Make a bitch) Make a bitch go on and on
(It’s a fem) It’s a femininomenon
Verse 2
So let’s say it’s working out
You pretend to love his mother
Lying to your friends about
How he’s such a goddamn good lover
Stuck in the suburbs, you’re folding his laundry
Got what you wanted so stop feeling sorry
Crying at the nail salon
I’m so sick of online love
And I don’t understand
Why can’t any man
Pre-Chorus
Hit it like, get it hot
Make a bitch, it’s a fem
Hit it like, get it hot
Make a bitch, it’s a—
Dude, can you play a song with a fucking beat?
Chorus
(Hit it like) Hit it like rom-pom-pom-pom
(Get it hot) Get it hot like Papa John
(Make a bitch) Make a bitch go on and on
(It’s a fem) It’s a femininomenon
(Hit it like) Hit it like rom-pom-pom-pom
(Get it hot) Get it hot like Papa John
(Make a bitch) Make a bitch go on and on
(It’s a fem) It’s a femininomenon
Bridge
Ladies, you know what I mean
And you know what you need
And so does he
But does it happen? (No)
But does it happen? (No)
Well, what we really need is a femininomenon
(A what?) A femininomenon
Pre-Chorus
(Hit it like) Hit it like rom-pom-pom-pom
(Get it hot) Get it hot like Papa John
(Make a bitch) Make a bitch go on and on
(It’s a fem) It’s a femininomenon
(Hit it like) Hit it like rom-pom-pom-pom
(Get it hot) Get it hot like Papa John
(Make a bitch) Make a bitch go on and on
Did you hear me? Play the fucking beat
Chorus
Hit it like rom-pom-pom-pom
(Get it hot) Get it hot like Papa John
(Make a bitch) Make a bitch go on and on
(It’s a fem) It’s a femininomenon
(Hit it like) Hit it like rom-pom-pom-pom
(Get it hot) Get it hot like Papa John
(Make a bitch) Make a bitch go on and on
(It’s a fem) It’s a femininomenon
Outro
Hit it like, get it hot
Make a bitch, it’s a fem (It’s a femininomenon)
Hit it like, get it hot
Make a bitch, it’s a fem, fem, fem, fem
