Taylor Swift’s Album “The Tortured Poets Department” – A Deep Dive
Published: April 19, 2024, 12:10 a.m. ET
Image credit: Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Introduction
There’s no denying that Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” has caused quite a stir. With its release on Friday, Swift’s fans were treated to a deep dive into her personal life and relationships. In this article, we’ll explore some of the album’s standout tracks and lyrics, shedding light on the various subjects of Swift’s powerful songwriting.
The Exes: Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy
Two prominent figures from Taylor Swift’s past feature in her songs on “The Tortured Poets Department.” Firstly, Joe Alwyn, the British actor who was in a six-year relationship with Swift until 2023, receives some attention. Additionally, Swift briefly dated the 1975 frontman, Matty Healy, and their short-lived romance becomes a subject worth addressing on the album.
Emotional Territory: Travis Kelce and Charlie Puth
Aside from her exes, Taylor Swift uses her powerhouse pen to mark her territory on her current beau, Travis Kelce. However, another surprising man who gets significant attention from Swift on “The Tortured Poets Department” is singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. Swift gives Puth the ultimate co-sign on the title track, showcasing her admiration for him and his talent.
Insight on Swift’s Romantic Connections: The Songs
Bonding Experience: Taylor Swift and Matty Healy
Swift’s lyrics on the album shed light on her bond with Matty Healy, particularly their mutual appreciation for Charlie Puth. Lines such as “You smoked and ate seven bars of chocolate / we declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist / I scratch your head, you fall asleep / Like a tattooed Golden Retriever” hint at the deep connection they shared during their time together.
The Ultimate Co-Sign for Charlie Puth
“TTPD” sees Taylor Swift giving a glowing co-sign to Charlie Puth, stating that he should be a bigger artist. These lyrics attest to Puth’s immense talent and the impact he has had on Swift.
A Vicious Takedown: Taylor Swift and Matty Healy
While not all connections draw praise on this album, Matty Healy doesn’t escape Swift’s pen venom. The track “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” seems to take a dig at Healy amid controversy surrounding his comments, including racist remarks about Swift’s close friend, Ice Spice.
A Potentially Ironic Song: “I Can Fix Him” (No Really I Can)
“I Can Fix Him” is not just a catchy title; it may be indicative of Swift’s past experiences. These lyrics imply the attempt to fix a partner who might not be the best match, with lines like “The smoke cloud billows out his mouth / Like a freight train through a small town.” The song potentially alludes to a previous relationship, with Swift claiming that she can fix her partner, no matter the flaws.
Shared Themes: Matty Healy and Joe Alwyn
Matty Healy is not the only one on the receiving end of Swift’s scrutiny. Joe Alwyn also shares the experience of being the subject of certain songs, and one track titled “So Long, London” implies a goodbye to the city where Alwyn and Swift once shared memories. With lines like “Just how low did you think I’d go / Before I’d self-implode,” there’s a sense of introspection and empowerment reflected in the lyrics.
Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” delves into the intricacies of her love life, dissecting past relationships and the emotional toll they took on her. With references to her exes, her current beau, and the impact of other artists like Charlie Puth, Swift showcases her powerful songwriting ability and vulnerability once again. The album invites listeners to join Swift on her artistic journey, offering insight into her personal experiences and providing a deeper understanding of her complex life.