Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, was anticipated to address her past relationships, but instead took aim at Kim Kardashian. In the second batch of songs released on April 19, one track titled “thanK you aIMee” contained hidden capital letters that spelled out Kim’s name. The song paints a picture of a high school bully named “Aimee” who causes Swift pain but also helps her heal. Swift alludes to the unfairness and animosity in their relationship, suggesting that Kardashian has stomped on her progress and laughed at her struggles.
The feud between Swift and Kardashian dates back to 2009 when Kanye West interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV VMAs. This was followed by West’s lyrics about Swift in one of his songs, which led to Kardashian releasing a phone conversation between them. The feud escalated further when Kardashian called out Swift with snake emojis on social media for “National Snake Day.” Swift addressed the feud in her 2017 album Reputation, and later reflected on the experience in an essay for Elle. In 2020, a leaked phone conversation between Swift and Kardashian resurfaced, reigniting the public dispute.
Despite Kardashian’s recent praise for Swift’s music in a podcast, Swift appears to still hold onto the past animosity. The song “thanK you aIMee” suggests that Kardashian’s actions and words continue to echo in Swift’s mind. Swift also references her mother, implying that even she wished ill will towards Kardashian. The track insinuates that Kardashian may have reframed the feud in her mind to cope with it, but Swift is not yet ready to move on. She finishes the song by musing about Kardashian’s children one day singing a song about their mother, showing that the animosity may continue for years to come.
Swift’s song protects Kardashian’s identity with a name change and no definitive clues, although the references in the track make it clear who she is addressing. The final lines of the song hint at a sense of closure for Swift, as she thanks “Aimee” for the role she played in their town. Overall, The Tortured Poets Department album seems to address unresolved feelings in Swift’s past, including her feud with Kardashian. Despite the public praise from Kardashian, Swift’s song suggests that there are still lingering emotions that she has yet to let go of.
