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Taylor Swift says ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ touches upon ‘dark’ themes, speaks of fatalism, longing and treatment of women in Hollywood

As soon as Taylor Swift dropped her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, fans started dissecting the lyrics, speculating that many songs are about her recent exes, Matty Healy and Joe Alwyn.

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Taylor Swift released her highly-anticipated 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, on Friday, featuring 15 tracks more than fans had expected. (Photo: Instagram/taylorswift)Taylor Swift released her highly-anticipated 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, on Friday, featuring 15 tracks more than fans had expected. (Photo: Instagram/taylorswift)

In a bid to connect more closely with her fans, Taylor Swift has offered an exclusive glimpse into the inspiration and meaning behind the tracks of her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, through a track-by-track commentary on Amazon Music.

Released on April 19 to resounding success, the album has already shattered streaming records, leaving fans eager for more insights into its intricate layers of meaning.

 

Now, with Swift’s commentary, listeners can delve into the inspirations and narratives that shape each track. Among the revelations, Swift provided a window into the thematic threads woven throughout the album, particularly in the opening track, “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone.

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Describing it as a reflection of fatalism and longing, Swift shared, “It’s a very fatalistic album… There are lots of very dramatic lines about life or death. “I love you, it’s ruining my life. These are very hyperbolic, dramatic things to say,” according to Variety.

Further exploring the album’s depth, Swift delved into the track “Clara Bow,” named after the iconic silent film star. She explained how the song serves as a commentary on the industry’s treatment of women, drawing from her own experiences navigating the music world.

 

Another standout track, “Florida!!” featuring Florence + the Machine, took inspiration from unexpected sources. Swift revealed that the song’s genesis stemmed from her fascination with true crime narratives, particularly the phenomenon of individuals seeking reinvention in Florida after committing crimes, as per a report by Variety.

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As the commentary unfolded, Swift peeled back the layers of metaphor within each track, offering listeners a deeper understanding of her lyrical and thematic choices. From societal critiques to personal reflections on relationships, each song emerged as a poignant exploration of the human experience.

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In closing, Swift shared insights into “My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys”, a track grappling with the complexities of relationships and self-worth. Through her commentary, Swift illuminated the song’s metaphorical resonance, inviting listeners to connect with its emotional core.

With The Tortured Poets Department commentary, Swift has not only provided fans with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her creative process but also offered a rich tapestry of storytelling and introspection.

The full track-by-track revelation is available on Amazon Music.

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