Olivia Rodrigo Releases Politically Charged New Single “Serena Joy,” Inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale

“Serena Joy” was first released on a limited run of 500 CDs, sold exclusively at Analog Record Shop in Tustin, California, on August 21. The records sold out that day.

Now, the singer-songwriter has officially released The Handmaid's Tale-inspired single on streaming platforms.

The title takes inspiration from the character, Serena Joy Waterford, in Margaret Atwood’s 1985 dystopian novel, set in the future United States. In the book, Serena plays a significant role in establishing Gilead’s authoritarian regime.

In the new politically-charged song, Rodrigo sings, “Come a little bit closer, sing along, sing along, what they tell you to do, comin’ around the corner. If they do it to them, they’ll do it to you.”