Charlie Puth subtly acknowledged Taylor Swift’s name-dropping of him on her album The Tortured Poets Department, which was released on April 19. Swift praised Puth in the title track of the album, mentioning him in the lyrics. Fans speculated that the song may have been inspired by The 1975’s Matty Healy, who had a brief relationship with Swift in 2023. Healy had previously given a shout-out to Puth on Twitter in 2018.
Swift’s album includes multiple references to celebrities, including poets Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith in the title track, as well as mentions of Boygenius’ Lucy Dacus and Jack Antonoff. She also pays tribute to Stevie Nicks in the song “Clara Bow.” Despite never publicly expressing admiration for Puth before, Swift’s inclusion of him in her lyrics indicates that she respects his talent. Puth has also covered Swift’s songs in the past, showing his appreciation for her music.
Puth, known for hits like “See You Again,” has shown his admiration for Swift through covers of her songs. He once covered her song “Teardrops On My Guitar,” praising Swift’s songwriting skills and musical talent. Additionally, one of Puth’s songs, “Tears On My Piano,” is a nod to Swift’s early hit “Teardrops On My Guitar.” After previewing the song on TikTok in 2021, Puth confirmed that it was inspired by Swift’s song from her debut album.
The interaction between Swift and Puth on social media generated buzz among fans, who were intrigued by the mention of Puth in Swift’s lyrics. While Swift is known for including references to her personal life and relationships in her music, this subtle shout-out to Puth stood out to fans. Puth’s acknowledgment of the mention on social media further fueled speculation about the inspiration behind the song and the connection between the two artists.
Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department album received attention for its candid and bold references to various celebrities and personal experiences. Puth’s inclusion in the lyrics added another layer of intrigue to the album, sparking conversations among fans about the meaning behind the mention. As both artists continue to create music and connect with their audiences, the subtle acknowledgment of Puth on the album serves as a testament to the respect and admiration they have for each other’s work.
