Taylor Swift is notoriously known as one of the most successful artists of all time, however, even she is not immune to backlash.
Swift has recently released her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl”, on Friday, October 3rd. Many of her dedicated fans expressed their excitement over this album, as it was described as having deep, poetic lyrics, with upbeat melodies.
However, once the album was released, many fans took their disappointment to the internet. With one fan even sharing to X, “For the first time in the 18 years of being a fan …. I didn’t like a single song on the album (never knew I’d experience this in my lifetime).”
Many fans are disappointed in Swift’s lyricism featured on “The Life of a Showgirl”, as they feel they are tone deaf, juvenile, awkward, and petty. Some of Swift’s most critiqued lyrics from the album are as follows: “I heard you called me boring Barbie when the coke’s got you brave”- Actually Romantic, “Did you girl boss too close to the sun?”- CANCELLED!
Swift’s song “Actually Romantic” is upsetting many of her fans and critics. According to Esquire, one fan said “Ugh. The lyrics are lacking for me on this. … It just feels like a lot of petty wordplay that won’t age well…” The song is meant to be a response to the alleged backlash Taylor Swift has been receiving from Charli XCX.
The entirety of the song is satirical, with Swift mocking Charli’s backlash and claiming it’s “actually romantic” how “obsessed” she is with her. The public took this as petty and childish, with some even comparing it to the famous quote from the movie Mean Girls, “It’s not my fault you’re in love with me or something,” and comparing Taylor to the character Regina George.
The public is also upset by her line “I heard you called me boring Barbie when the coke’s got you brave, ” specifically as it mocking Charli XCX’s struggle with a cocaine addiction. Many are angered by this and find it cruel and hurtful.
Some speculate Swift’s song CANCELLED! To be about Blake Lively and the recent criticism she underwent after she spoke out about her experience with co-star, Justin Baldoni, on the set of the movie “It Ends with Us.” However, some suggest it is about her friends and associates as a whole, as many of them have received backlash for potentially aligning themselves with Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
This controversy has sparked a debate among her fan base, with some claiming it must be about Blake Lively as Swift endorsed Kamala Harris, with others saying she is secretly a republican and her song is about her republican associates.
The public is speculating the downfall of Swift’s lyricism, comparing her older, more lyrical albums, to this one. According to the Business Insider Review, “While tracks like ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ and ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ showcase Swift’s lyrical strengths… others falter. Songs such as ‘Wi$h Li$t,’ ‘Wood,’ and ‘Cancelled!’ are criticized for being cringeworthy or shallow, undermining the album’s potential.”
Despite the backlash, many fans still came to Taylor’s rescue, with many claiming the album is a lot different, but that’s not a bad thing. According to the Washington Post, a fan named Hannah Zuckerbraun said “This is so different from the last album, but in a really good way … I feel like it’s perfect and upbeat.”
Although many find her recent songs to be cruel and tone deaf, some find them to be satirical and comical, with a fan posting to Reddit, “She’s crazy and she knows it lol. And as a fellow crazy girlie, I respect it.”
Regardless of the mixed reactions, Swift remains a cultural force who sparks conversation. Whether loved or criticized, her ability to provoke strong emotions is undeniable.
