Taylor Swift pours her emotions into her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, touching on the intense feelings, such as suicidal thoughts, she experienced when contemplating the end of a romance with a certain boyfriend.
The highly anticipated release of Swift's eleventh studio album happened in the early hours of Friday, April 19.
Many devoted fans had anticipated that the upcoming album would dive into the singer's breakup with Joe Alwyn, which ended in April 2023.
As it turns out, the album also hints at other romantic encounters in the artist's life.
'The Tortured Poets Department' Lyrics
Within a particular song, Swift delves into the depths of an intense romantic relationship where both Swift and a partner experience overwhelming emotions, to the extent that thoughts of separation feel unbearable and almost drive them to despair.
In the title track, "The Tortured Poets Department," Swift sings, "You told Lucy you'd kill yourself if I ever leave / And I had said that to Jack about you, so I felt seen."
In Swifties' eyes, the lyrics mentioned are a nod to her friend Lucy Dacus of boygenius and frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff.
Concurrently, the singer delves into the theme of heartbreak leading to despair in the track "Down Bad."
The 14-time Grammy winner expresses her emotions with intensity in the song, which features the line, "I might just die, it would make no difference."
READ ALSO: Taylor Swift Talks Inspiration and Meaning Behind Her New 'The Tortured Poets Department' Songs
Or Is It About Matty Healy?
When fans first heard the new album, many Swifties speculated that Swift might be referencing Matty Healy, the front man of The 1975, in her songs, especially the title track.
In early 2023, there were hints of a fleeting connection between Swift and Healy after her split from Alwyn.
Regarded as a "tortured, extra frontman caricature," Healy from The 1975 is known for his distinctive stage presence.
The lyrics of "The Tortured Poets Department" vividly depict a companion drifting off to sleep beside her, reminiscent of a golden retriever adorned with tattoos.
It's worth noting that Healy is recognized for his extensive tattoo collection, while Alwyn does not display any tattoos visibly.
In the verses of the same song, typewriters are referenced alongside a character who cherished them deeply.
"You left your typewriter at my apartment, straight from the Tortured Poets Department / I think some things I'll never say / Like who uses typewriters anyway?"
During a conversation with GQ magazine in 2018, Healy shared his admiration for typewriters when discussing the essential items he "couldn't live without."
Swift also sings in the song, "You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate."
Among the notable songs by The 1975 is the track "Chocolate," where the term chocolate symbolizes marijuana.
READ MORE: Matty Healy Goes Viral As the Alleged Subject of New Taylor Swift Song on 'TTPD' Reported Leaks
