When it comes to having her name-dropped by Taylor Swift, Lucy Dacus was ready for it.
A member of the band Boygenius disclosed that Taylor granted permission to incorporate her name in the title track of her 2024 Grammy-winning album titled “The Tortured Poets Department.” In this song, Taylor sings, “At times, I ponder if you’ll mess things up with me / Yet, you confided to Lucy that you’d take your life if I were ever to depart.
It’s said that the song lyrics may be related to Matty Healy, a member of the band The 1975, who Taylor Swift was reportedly romantically involved with during the period between her breakup with Joe Alwyn in 2023 and her current relationship with boyfriend Travis Kelce.
Lucy agreed, stating that it was appropriate to respond positively since she had been personally consulted about the matter mentioned in the People interview published on March 27, as she received a text from her asking for her approval.
When the 29-year-old, who teamed up with Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers to form Boygenius in 2018 as per a heads up from Taylor, unexpectedly heard her name mentioned in the song when she listened to it for the first time, she was taken aback.
The singer, known for his hit song “Best Guess,” remarked, “It’s quite strange, I said. This voice I’ve been hearing, it seems like throughout all my conscious years, has been calling out my name.
For Lucy, Taylor’s music has taken on a fresh dimension since she became friends with the Grammy-winning artist.
She exclaimed, “I hit play on the album, and it was like, ‘Wow, this is incredible!'” She explained that this was the first album by Taylor Swift she had heard since they became friends, and hearing a friend’s music is an entirely unique experience compared to listening to a stranger’s record.
Lucy commented, “It was truly an extraordinary event,” further adding, “I found myself saying, ‘Really? Wow.’ I believe her music is incredibly sincere, and it’s rare to find someone at her stature expressing themselves so honestly from the heart.
For more of the hidden meanings behind Taylor’s The Tortured Poets Department lyrics, read on.
‘Fortnight’” (featuring Post Malone)
In the opening song of TTPD, the duo, Taylor Swift and Post Malone, harmonize to tell a story about a fleeting love affair that spanned a period of two weeks.
“And I love you, it’s ruining my life,” the lyrics tease. “I touched you, for only a fortnight.”
It seems the song might be hinting at Taylor’s renewed relationship with Matty Healy from The 1975, which started back in 2014 and was rekindled around the spring of 2023, following her split with Joe Alwyn.
Despite their rekindled romance between Taylor and Matty being short-lived, it was filled with intense emotions as suggested by these lyrics.
She told iHeartRadio the opening number is “fatalistic” just like the rest of the “tragic” album.
“The Songwriter’s Struggle Collective”: Previously, fans noted a link between the album title TTPD and Joe’s WhatsApp group chat named “The Tortured Man Club.” However, it is worth mentioning that the title track itself contains references to Matty.
The song’s initial lyrics, “You left your typewriter at my place,” seems to pay homage to Matt, who expressed his fondness for typewriters during an interview with GQ in 2019.
As the song progresses, the lyrics provide a deeper understanding of Taylor and Matty’s powerful connection. Taylor reminisces, “During dinner, you remove my ring from my middle finger and place it where wedding rings typically are. And that’s the most I’ve felt my heart nearly bursting.
In my musings, I find myself drawing inspiration from various artists and poets, including the legendary Dylan Thomas and the iconic Patti Smith. Yet, I’m quick to clarify that I’m not them – I’m me. And when it comes to Charlie Puth, well, I think he deserves a larger platform in the world of music. In fact, I once shared a moment where he inspired me so much that I even indulged in an unusual snack: seven chocolate bars, all consumed after a puff or two.
Taylor sings about her partner who loved destroying her favorite toys (sandcastles) on the third track of her album, reminiscing about someone who walked away from their relationship.
As someone who knew too much, I sensed the peril in my presence; thus, he shattered what could’ve been an eternal bond.
The Grammy-winning artist shared with iHeartRadio that the song represents a metaphor from a child’s toy’s viewpoint. When the child damages the toy and loses interest, it mirrors the dynamics in relationships where we are highly valued at first. The song expresses the regret and denial that the romance can’t return to its initial stage.
In the song “Cruel Summer” from 2019, she likened lovers to expensive playthings, singing, “You’re a troublesome, attractive gadget with a hefty cost / And I’m well aware that I purchased it.
In this song’s lyrics, Taylor expresses feelings of disappointment after being abandoned by someone she deeply cared for and referred to as her “twin.” This person was the subject of her intense affection.
She expresses indignantly, “How presumptuous of you to consider it romantic / To abandon me securely and alone,” she laments. “After all, I was smitten / So, quite frankly, I curse you for denying us the chance together.
In the song “New Romantics” from her album 1989, Taylor Swift utilizes the phrase “stranded,” as she sings: “Could you kindly abandon me? There’s something charming about it.
Taylor confessed to iHeartRadio that the song “Down Bad” portrays the concept of being love-bombed (where someone captivates you intensely, then seemingly abandons you) as a form of alien abduction. The artist explained that when her character is returned to her hometown, she yearns for the strange and alluring world she left behind.
Just now, I’ve stumbled upon a completely new cosmos, one I never knew existed! It’s mind-blowing! And now that I’ve caught a glimpse of it, I can’t help but wonder, how can you possibly return me to my old reality?” Taylor exclaimed.
Taylor often assigns track five to her most poignant songs, and indeed, “Farewell, London” matches that description perfectly.
In this song, Taylor reminisces about the conclusion of her romance with Joe, who once inspired the track “London Boy.” She recalls the moments they spent in London throughout their years together and hints at the factors that ultimately caused their relationship to fall apart.
As a devoted member who helped establish it, I never intended to be the black sheep. I built the legendary club they rave about, and for that, I abandoned everything familiar. Yet, here I stand, feeling abandoned, left alone in that house by the Heath.
Taylor found herself under scrutiny when she spent time with Matty, known for his contentious remarks throughout the years. The song “But Daddy I Love Him” sees her tackling a comparable issue – striving to make a relationship succeed in the face of disapproval from external sources.
“No I’m not coming to my senses,” she declares. “I know it’s crazy but he’s the one I want.”
‘Newly Free’: Following the end of a lengthy romance with Joe, Taylor immediately knew who to reach out to: Matty.
“I did my time,” she sings. “Now pretty baby I’m running back home to you.”
She’s previously referred to her lover as her “jailer” during reputation‘s “Ready For It.”
When seeking an escape, consider venturing to Florida, as suggested by Taylor and Florence Welch in this song.
In my own words,
“I’m expressing feelings that I can’t escape the rumors surrounding me, as if I’ve been falsely accused, like a song I’m singing,” Taylor sings, alluding to the whispers about her private life. “And my companions, they either reek of marijuana or newborn babies, and this city is driving me up the wall.
To escape my memories, let’s go to Florida,” and further, “With some past pain, I plan to lay it to rest in Florida.”
The revised lyrics convey the same meaning as the original while using simpler language that is more natural to read.
Taylor explained that the song was actually inspired by true crime sagas about escaping town.
As a diligent observer, I can’t help but notice a pattern similar to crime documentaries I often watch, like Dateline. It seems that when individuals engage in criminal activities, they tend to flee without looking back, and more often than not, their destination of choice is Florida. They aim to start anew, creating a fresh identity for themselves, blending seamlessly into the crowd. In the aftermath of a heartrending breakup, I believe many of us can relate to that longing for a fresh start, a new name, a new life, and the desire to remain completely anonymous, leaving our past behind altogether.
One last secret about “Florida!!!”? Taylor’s pal Emma Stone helped write the song.
In a seemingly deliberate reference to Matty, Taylor’s song “Guilty as Sin?” opens with the lines, “Caught in the tide of the Blue Nile / He directed me towards downtown lights.” It’s worth noting that, all the way back in 2022, Matty listed The Blue Nile’s Hats as one of his top albums from the 1980s.
In this powerful song, Taylor addresses her critics with the title “‘What Makes You So Scary, Little Ol’ Me?’“. She playfully inquires about more criticism, singing, “Is it a mystery that I broke? Let’s share another joke,” indicating that she can handle their comments and finds it all amusing, until she cries from laughing along.
In this track, Taylor expresses her conviction that she can assist in transforming an individual, disregarding the skepticism of others.
She sings about how a plume of smoke puffs from his mouth, just as a freight train moves through a quaint village.”
“The jokes he shared in the bar were distasteful and excessively loud.
They nod disapprovingly and mutter, “‘God, have mercy on her,’ when I mention him as my partner,” the song goes on. “Yet, you see, their divine being doesn’t require intervention / I am capable of repairing him, yes, truly I am / And none other than myself can do it.
In this heartfelt song, Taylor initially expresses that she has been referred to as the ‘love of someone’s life’ countless times. Yet, the situation subsequently shifted.
She remarks, “Something that becomes instantly recognizable is truly iconic.” She adds, “Things we once believed were eternal, turned out to be fleeting.
She ends the song by letting the person know, “You’re the loss of my life.”
The song’s implications might suggest that her connection with Matty is the one being referred to, as lines such as “rekindled flames” and “we were just kids, babe” seem to point towards that. This could be interpreted as: “I have experienced a warmth like this, unlike anything I’ve felt before or since.
‘I Can Perform Despite Heartache’: The song seems to be about Taylor triumphantly executing her Eras Tour despite the pain she’s enduring, emphasizing that she’s delivering her performances flawlessly under the stage lights and amidst a roaring audience. She masks her feelings with a tough exterior: ‘Spotlight, camera, steely gaze.’
Though this song is upbeat, it’s filled with lyrics of unrequited love.
1. Instead of saying, “I’m so obsessed with him, but he avoids me like the plague,” you could say, “I can’t get enough of him, but he keeps his distance.”
2. Instead of saying, “I cry a lot, but I am so productive, it’s an art,” she sings, you could say, “She cries frequently, yet manages to be incredibly productive, it’s amazing.”
3. Instead of saying, “You know you’re good when you can even do it with a broken heart,” you could say, “When you can still achieve great things despite a broken heart, that shows true talent.”
Taylor is curious about the tiniest man known to have existed, as he appears to have abruptly ended his romantic involvement without notice.
She sings, “You knocked over the stage lights, yet you continue to perform,” which translates roughly to, “In full view, you concealed yourself, but your actions define you.
In my narrative, titled “The Alchemy,” I, as a devoted admirer, subtly acknowledge my significant other, Travis Kelce of the Chiefs. In this work, I weave various sporting allusions, reflecting our shared passion for the game.
Taylor sings, ‘It’s been a while since I’ve shown up, but my return will be powerful.’ When I make my comeback, let’s bring in the beginners and trim them from the group.
Later, I’ll mention some gentlemen from my past, who have found themselves in a supporting role, often cheering from the sidelines. However, it’s worth noting that we’ve been on quite a successful run lately.
Or:
In the past, there were a few fellows who took a back seat, but now I’m eager to highlight our impressive winning streak.
Both sentences convey the same idea in a natural and easy-to-read manner, using first-person perspective as a lifestyle expert.
The last track on the album speaks about the bond between Taylor and the late actress Clara Bow, whose life, like Taylor’s, faced intense speculation and examination, just as mine does now.
“It’s hell on earth to be heavenly,” Taylor sings. “Them’s the brakes, they don’t come gently.”
The lyrics additionally highlight the contrasts drawn among high-profile women, as they reference Clara, Stevie Nicks, and Taylor Swift themselves.
As if I were whispering to the next rising star, “You bear an uncanny resemblance to Taylor Swift in this soft glow, and it’s truly captivating,” the lyrics go. “Unlike her, you possess a unique edge that sets you apart. Your future shines as brightly as a beacon, dazzling all who see it.
“The Dark Canine”: The artist laments the distance she now feels from her former confidant, expressing this through song: “I was once someone with whom you shared your deepest secrets / And your whereabouts, too / Yet, somehow, those lines of communication were severed / Now, I see you entering a place called The Dark Canine / And I feel fresh wounds in my heart.
Fans are interpreting that she’s expressing her sorrow after breaking up with Joe, as they notice a similarity between an outfit Taylor wore while recording a track in a behind-the-scenes video and one she wore in New York on May 18, 2023. This could imply that she wrote the song before her split with Matty became public knowledge in June 2023.
I’m thrilled beyond words to express my gratitude for your amazing response after I released an unexpected double album at 2 a.m., including 15 more songs from the Tortured Poet series. Swifties were sharp-eyed and swift in noticing Kim Kardashian’s name appearing in the title of “thanK you aIMee.
Taylor sings, “It wasn’t a balanced battle or an honorable act of violence / Each time Aimee strutted across my stage,” which appears to be a reference to the controversial phone call between her and Kanye West that Kim shared online in 2016. “And then she wrote headlines for the local newspaper, chuckling at every small advance I made.
However, the song suggests that Taylor has grown stronger: “While you were throwing blows, I was constructing something / And I couldn’t wait for you to see it was genuine / I yelled ‘Fk you, Aimee,’ to the heavens as the blood flowed / But I can’t forget how you helped me heal.
Taylor appears to draw a parallel between her relationship with Travis and the romantic experience of being in high school, suggesting it’s as delightful and captivating as that classic teenage romance.
She sings, “Will we get married, share a kiss, or face some challenge together? In this playful song, I’m hoping for all three outcomes between the two of us.
In an old video that went viral, Travis was posed the popular game ‘kiss, marry, or eliminate’ featuring Taylor, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande. He expressed that he would give a kiss to Taylor and marry Katy.
In “So High School,” Taylor subtly hints at Travis assisting her by opening the car door for her and later recounts a time when she rode in his convertible following one of his football games, expressing, “How thoughtful, isn’t it? Then he guided me to the backseat.
Not to mention this mic-drop: “You know how to ball, I know Aristotle.”
This song is influenced by the ancient Greek seer Cassandra. As described by the Brooklyn Museum, “Apollo, captivated by her, bestowed upon her the gift of prophecy; however, after she spurned him, he doomed her with a curse that no one would ever believe her future warnings.
Taylor appears to be expressing that she had previously alerted the audience about one of her adversaries, and now she believes that everyone is aware of their real character.
They killed Cassandra initially because she was scared of the impending doom,” she sings. “I tried to warn the town, but instead they locked me up with venomous snakes, I must admit.” Do you find my version believable now?
The song portrays a poignant scene of longing for a past love. In the chorus, she croons, “I peer into strangers’ homes / Just in case you’re dining there / If our gazes crossed again, even for a moment / It would be like seeing you once more.
Her 2019 ballad “Death by a Thousand Cuts” evokes memories, as she sings about the love they shared, “I gaze at the windows of our love / Though we barred them shut / Yet the chandelier still glimmers here / Since I cannot feign it’s all right when it isn’t.
Taylor earnestly implores those in authority to bestow upon her a fresh romantic partner, seemingly as a result of her recent separation from Joe.
The song’s lyrics convey, “I’ve been humbly pleading for change / Rewrite the destiny,” or in simpler terms, “I’ve been praying for a transformation / Alter the fate that’s set,” and “I don’t seek wealth / Instead, I yearn for companionship / May there come a time when I am cherished.
Fans think the song isn’t about Matty Healy because Taylor Swift subtly hinted at “The Prophecy” in her “Karma” music video, which was released on May 26, 2023, well before their breakup with The 1975 musician. In the video, Taylor is depicted as a golden statue, echoing these lyrics from “The Prophecy”: “Even statues crumble if they’re made to wait.” (Taylor herself acknowledged this Easter Egg by liking a fan tweet pointing out the connection.)
“Peter”: The song is about a man who promised her he would grow older and come looking for her to begin their life together. Yet, a hint about Peter’s possible age led fans to speculate that ‘Peter’ might actually be a nickname for Matty.
In a different phrasing, Taylor sings, “You promised to pick me up, but it turns out you were only 25 years old.” “The dreams I had about you have now passed their expiration date.
In 2014, Matty was around 25 years old and it was during this time that they became quite close. Notably, he showed his support for Taylor by donning a T-shirt bearing the name of her album “1989”.
In the tune we’re listening to, it’s plausible that the character named Peter is identical to the one portrayed in the “Cardigan” song of 2020 (the one where Peter lets go of Wendy), as a nod to the story of Peter Pan.
In a reference to the ‘Lost Boys’ part of your past, the words of her latest 2024 song go like this: “Please forgive me, Peter, understand that I made the effort.
Are you still uncertain that Matty is indeed PETER? Back in May 2023, when he was dating Taylor, she whispered on stage during her Eras Tour performance of “Cardigan,” “This one’s for you. You know who you are. I love you.” This seems like a hint, don’t you think?
The song’s verses might hint at her romantic history with either Jake Gyllenhaal or John Mayer, given that they are both significantly older than her. Specifically, Jake is 9 years older, and John is 12 years older, which could be the basis for the age difference mentioned in the song.
In his time, she longed to be thirty and prepare coffee each morning using a French press, as Taylor sings. Later, she ponders over his words that she seemed so wise for her age, suggesting everything was fair game. However, she wasn’t completely certain about it.
One significant hypothesis posits that she penned “The Manuscript” when revisiting “All Too Well,” a piece commonly interpreted as being about Jake, in order to produce the 10-minute rendition for the 2021 release of Red (Taylor’s Version). She appears to reference this short film within “The Manuscript” with these lyrics: “As actors stepped onto their cues / And the slow dance sparked to life / Tears followed in harmony with the music.
In a similar vein to some of Taylor’s recurring thoughts on “All Too Well,” it seems the song no longer solely represents her past relationship, but rather, has evolved into a tale shared more by her fans: “Occasionally I revisit the script, but the narrative is no longer just mine.
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2025-03-28 00:18