Fans of Taylor Swift have been eagerly decoding the singer’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” to uncover hidden meanings and references to the pop star’s life. The album, which includes an extended version called “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” is filled with names and references to real people and literary figures. Two poets, Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith, are specifically mentioned in the songs.
One of the characters that fans speculate about in the album is Matty Healy, the frontman for the band The 1975. Certain tracks like “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” “The Black Dog,” and “Down Bad” are believed to be inspired by Healy, especially with references to his music and personal traits. Additionally, the mention of a “tattooed golden retriever” in the title track points to Healy as well, according to fans.
“The Alchemy,” a track on the album, is thought to reference football player Travis Kelce, who is currently dating Taylor Swift. References to sports and winning in the lyrics have led fans to believe that the song is about Kelce. However, some point out that the term “blokes” suggests the song may not be about an American.
Many fans speculated that the song “So Long, London” may be about Joe Alwyn, the actor who recently ended a relationship with Taylor Swift. Alwyn, who is British, seemed to fit the profile of the song’s subject. Jack Antonoff, a longtime collaborator of Swift’s, also gets a lyrical shout-out in the title track of the album.
Musical artist Lucy Dacus is mentioned in the same track as Jack Antonoff, with Swift referencing a conversation where Dacus expressed concern about a relationship. The use of song lyrics to convey personal moments and interactions with other artists is a common theme in Swift’s music.
In addition to specific individuals, Taylor Swift also includes references to broader cultural figures like Kim Kardashian, Cassandra from Greek mythology, and Peter Pan. Each reference adds depth and layers of meaning to the songs on “The Tortured Poets Department.” Other notable figures mentioned in the album include Clara Bow, Stevie Nicks, Patti Smith, and Dylan Thomas, showcasing Swift’s admiration for these iconic personalities.
