Olivia Rodrigo Releases Serena Joy as Exclusive CD Single

Exclusive Physical Release at Analog Music Shop

On Friday, August 21, Olivia Rodrigo released a limited run of 500 CD copies of her new song, “Serena Joy,” exclusively at the Analog Music Shop in Tustin, California. The independent record store was chosen for its proximity to Irvine’s Great Park, the site of the upcoming Daisy Chain Fields festival. While Source 1 describes the shop as being located about eight miles from the venue, Sources 2 and 3 place the distance at 7.5 miles.

The physical copies sold out before the end of the day on Friday. Following the sell-out, the CD single began appearing on secondary markets such as eBay for prices exceeding $300, and it was noted as currently unavailable on Discogs. The store expressed its gratitude for the exclusive release on social media, highlighting the singer's history of supporting local independent businesses.

"When we heard that Olivia Rodrigo was bringing an all-women music festival to Orange County, we were honestly just excited to see something this special happening right here in our hometown. As one of the closest record stores in the area, we wanted to find a way to support Daisy Chain Fields."

— Analog Music Shop

"More than anything, we’re grateful for what this represents: An artist building a stage for women in music and raising funds for women and girls. An artist willing to support a local independent record store. And a hometown getting to be part of something really special. That means a lot to us."

— Analog Music Shop

Song Inspiration and Sonic Profile

“Serena Joy” is a socially conscious track inspired by the character of the same name from The Handmaid’s Tale. The song features lyrics such as “If they do it to them/They’ll do it to you.” Sonically, the track is described as featuring layers of jubilant Devo-like synths, bearing similarities to the song “Expectations.” It was co-written and produced by Rodrigo’s longtime collaborator, Dan Nigro.

Three days after the initial physical release, Rodrigo released the song on streaming services, announcing the wide launch on social media by sharing a photo of the lyrics.

"I love this song so much!!!!"

— Olivia Rodrigo

Connection to Third Studio Album

The track was originally recorded during the sessions for Rodrigo’s third studio album. While Source 1 identifies the album title as you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, Sources 2 and 3 refer to it as You Look Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in June and features the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single “Drop Dead,” as well as the top 10 hits “The Cure” and “Stupid Song.”

In a July interview with Etalk, Rodrigo explained why “Serena Joy” was ultimately omitted from the final tracklist of the LP.

"I actually really love [‘Serena Joy’]. It didn’t fit on the album. The record was very much a chronicle of a relationship — beginning, middle and end. But I hope that it’ll be a part of something else down the line."

— Olivia Rodrigo

Daisy Chain Fields Festival and Charitable Mission

Rodrigo is set to debut “Serena Joy” live during her headlining set at the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields festival on August 29. A portion of the net proceeds from the song will be donated to the Daisy Chain Fields fund, which supports charities championing women and girls. The festival features an all-woman lineup including:

• Chappell Roan

• Garbage

• Doechii

• The Breeders

• Mitski

• Bikini Kill

• KATSEYE

The event will also feature special guests Karen O, Sarah McLachlan, and Stevie Nicks.

Artist Background

Formed in 2003, Olivia Rodrigo is a two-time Grammy winner known for her work in the Pop, Pop Rock, and Punk Rock genres. Her recent headline performance at the Glastonbury festival 2025 on the Pyramid Stage further established her status in the industry prior to the launch of her own festival in Orange County.