Olivia Rodrigo Releases ‘Serena Joy’ Song Inspired by ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ with Limited CD Run

Olivia Rodrigo has released a non-album track titled ‘Serena Joy,’ inspired by the character from Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ The song, named after a pivotal figure in the dystopian novel who regrets her complicity in a repressive patriarchy, was made available as a limited-edition CD single with only 500 units pressed. These were exclusively sold at Analog Music Shop in Tustin, California, which reported selling out within hours. Rodrigo explained that the track didn’t fit her album ‘You Look Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,’ which focuses on a romantic narrative. The song’s lyrics, while not explicitly referencing the book, contain themes of societal control and female oppression, aligning with the novel’s critique of patriarchal systems. Fans praised the song as a political statement, though some noted its departure from the album’s relationship-centric theme. The digital release is set for Monday, expanding access beyond the physical CD run.