While ‘expectations’ was already a prominent fan favourite off Olivia Rodrigo’s latest hit album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, its surprise release as a single featuring Rodrigo’s past tour opener Chappell Roan did the impossible: making an already perfect song more perfect. Both versions of the song poke fun at the pitfalls of modern dating (“I’m not kissing any boy that is passive / Their indecision is painfully unattractive”), resolving to demand higher expectations in one’s partners. This teasing, in combination with the high-energy pop-punk sound that Rodrigo has become synonymous with, creates a fun, upbeat affirmation of feminine self-worth that packs a punch, both in terms of meaning and sound.
In Rodrigo’s solo version of the track, she sings frankly and openly about her negative experiences with men: “He wasn’t smart or funny / I convinced myself he was.” With the addition of Chappell Roan, an openly lesbian woman, to the remix, the duo is able to explore not only the failures of men, but also the failures of women as romantic partners – “She said she’d call me later / That was three weeks ago.” Thus, the culmination of these factors creates the ideal 21st-century pop song, remaining equal parts catchy and meaningful.
“Rodrigo performing at Glastonbury 2025” by Raph_PH is licensed under “CC BY 4.0“
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