Olivia Rodrigo Releases “Serena Joy,” an anthem about the dangers of complicity 

Complicity will destroy us. Olivia Rodrigo warns of the dangers of political ignorance in her new single “Serena Joy,” released globally on August 24th, 2026, following an exclusive physical release at Analog Records in Orange County, California, on August 21st. This single stands fearlessly alone after the recent June release of Rodrigo’s third album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.” 

Olivia Rodrigo has become a beacon of inspiration for women and young girls growing up in today’s political climate. The multi-Grammy-winning artist has never been afraid to express her opinion and take action. This is evident in Rodrigo’s inaugural festival, Daisy Chain Fields, a festival made up entirely of female artists that takes place this Saturday, August 29th, at Great Park in Irvine, CA. All net proceeds from the festival will be donated to nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping women and young girls. This is not new for Rodrigo; during her GUTS World Tour, she started “Fund 4 Good,” an initiative that helps fund non-profit organizations that provide reproductive health care, and raised over $2 million. She plans to continue this initiative with Daisy Chain Fields and her upcoming tour, The Unraveled Tour.

“Serena Joy” is titled after a character named Serena Joy Waterford from Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale: a book and adapted series in which Serena Joy is the antagonist and suffers from extreme regret in her complicity in the creation of the overpowering patriarchy.

Before diving into the lyricism of “Serena Joy,” it is important to note the cover art for the single. There is no picture of Rodrigo; it is simply a pink background with all the lyrics displayed on the front. This choice makes it clear that Rodrigo wants her audience to hone in on the lyrics and emphasizes how important they are to read and listen to. This song is a message, an anthem, and it is meant to be heard and inspire the world.

The opening instrumentals sound similar to “My Way,” a song on Rodrigo’s recent album “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.” “Serena Joy” was written during the creation of her latest album, and the new wave pop sound fits right into Rodrigo’s current era. Within the opening verse, the lines “Yeah, it’s all for the cause / For the good of us all / And if you close your eyes / Then it can’t be your fault” hit like a punch to your stomach. From a young age, we're taught not to be a bystander, no matter how big or small the issue is. Rodrigo attacks the complicity of privileged communities in a climate that is so divided.

A line that is repeated quite frequently throughout the song is “If they do it to them / They’ll do it to you.” This line warns that just because your rights haven't been affected yet doesn't mean you are safe. 

This single is as much a call to action as it is a warning. All proceeds from the single will be donated to the Daisy Chain Fields Fund and go towards reproductive rights for women and young girls.

Olivia Rodrigo continues to inspire generations and utilize her large platform to help others. “Serena Joy” stands strong as a single release. Not being on “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” gives the song more power, and it will be played live for the first time this Saturday at the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields Festival!!

Review by Alyssa Bole

Photos Provided by Universal Music Group