[1] Roan cited her Missouri upbringing as a key influence in crafting the song, drawing upon her early exposure to country music, which she described as both nostalgic and playful in its cultural resonance.
[3][4] Nigro revealed that preparing the song involved extensive research and a creative exploration of country music tropes, though he refrained from detailing specific influences.
[5] The song's lyrics and Roan's SNL performance were noted for their assertive and direct address of queer themes, positioning the track among modern LGBTQ+ country anthems.
Commentators have situated "The Giver" within a broader trend of increasing LGBTQ+ representation in country music, likening Roan's efforts to those of artists such as Brandi Carlile and Orville Peck.
[1][2] The debut of "The Giver" on SNL included a visually distinct performance featuring Roan with an all-female band, dressed in Western-inspired denim and gingham attire.