The song "Good Luck, Babe!" signaled a new chapter for one Midwest Princess. When she released the song in April, months after her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Roan called it “the new theme song of the next chapter.” Indeed, the release of “Good Luck, Babe!” was the start of even more astronomical growth for the singer. Now, Roan is up for best new artist at the 2024 MTV VMAs and is slated to perform at the show for the first time. Since "Good Luck, Babe!" is her most-streamed song, there's a chance she'll perform the song — so, what's it about?

Meaning Behind the Lyrics

In an April 2024 Rolling Stone interview, Roan said the song is “about wishing good luck to someone who is denying fate.”  She said she wrote the song in three minutes. “I knew exactly what I wanted... I felt so much anger. I was so upset. It all came out and I didn’t add anything when I wrote it all done. It was a perfect storm,” she said.

With themes of shame and guilt, "Good Luck, Babe!" tracks a relationship between two women that goes awry when one can't accept her feelings. The song opens with Roan — or the narrator — speaking directly to her lover. “It’s fine, it’s cool,” she sings (although it seems it's anything but). The narrator maintains that their love and attraction are mutual, even if the other person denies it. “You can say that we are nothing, but you know the truth,” she says.

The feeling is echoed at the end of the song, which ends with emotional lyric, “You’d have to stop the world just to stop the feeling.” The other person can’t deny what’s between them, even if she tries. But try, she will. The falsetto chorus is all about her efforts to run away from the narrator and into relationships with men.

"You can kiss a hundred boys in bars/ Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling," she sings — but it's all just an "excuse" or a "stupid reason" to avoid what's between them. The bridge speaks to her ex's retreat into compulsive heterosexuality: “When you wake up next to him in the middle of the night / With your head in your hands, you’re nothing more than his wife.”

Roan predicts that her former lover will regret repressing her queer identity. "You know I hate to say, but, I told you so," she sings. The title acts as parting words: "Good luck, Babe!"

Roan's Musical Journey

Roan's journey as an artist has been marked by themes of honesty and authenticity. Her music has resonated with audiences, particularly those who identify with her own experiences as a young woman navigating complex emotions and societal pressures. The release of "Good Luck, Babe!" has been a pivotal moment in her career, highlighting her growth as a musician and showcasing her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. The song's success is a testament to her talent and her commitment to sharing her story through her music. With her captivating vocals and relatable lyrics, Roan has established herself as a voice to be reckoned with in the contemporary music scene. Her success has been fueled by her ability to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, qualities that have made her music resonate with listeners across generations.

'Good Luck, Babe!' as a Cultural Touchstone

The song's popularity extends beyond the realm of music. "Good Luck, Babe!" has become a cultural touchstone, sparking conversations about queer identity, love, and societal expectations. The song's themes have resonated with individuals who have experienced similar emotions of denial and repression, making it an anthem for those who dare to challenge the status quo. Its impact can be seen in the way it has been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, where it has become a symbol of self-acceptance and the strength to embrace one's truth. The song's lasting power lies in its ability to provide a sense of validation and empowerment for those who have felt marginalized or misunderstood.

Final Thoughts: A Song for the Ages

Chappell Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!" is a song that will resonate for years to come. Its powerful message of self-acceptance and its raw portrayal of love and regret have cemented its place as a modern classic. The song is more than just a catchy tune; it's a testament to the power of music to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. As Roan continues to rise in the music industry, it's clear that "Good Luck, Babe!" will remain a defining moment in her career. It's a song that will continue to inspire and empower listeners, reminding them that it's always worth fighting for love, even when the path is fraught with challenges.