One thing about me, if there’s a new Taylor Swift album dropping, you better believe I am binging it the moment it releases. Enter “The Tortured Poets Department”, Taylor’s 11th studio album. When I clocked into work this morning, I warned my colleagues that from 2pm (when the album officially releases), I would be busy until further notice. However, I did not expect Taylor Swift and Matty Healy’s short-lived romance to be my downfall.
Diving into this album was like stepping into uncharted territory. I had my expectations sky-high, thinking it would be a direct follow-up to her “Reputation” album, all about her longtime, now former, beau Joe Alwyn. Boy, was I off the mark. After scouring through endless fan theories, it hit me like a ton of bricks: we had it all wrong. Or, at least, I did. Turns out, a good chunk of the tracks are actually (unconfirmed) about her brief fling with The 1975’s frontman, Matty Healy. I’m convinced.
Is Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” About Matty Healy?
In the midst of all the buzz surrounding the end of Swift’s romance with Joe Alwyn, her short-lived fling with Matty Healy kinda slipped under the radar. They were first linked back in 2014, but it wasn’t until May 2023, right after her breakup with Alwyn, that things got public. They were seen together at concerts, on dates, you name it. But just like that, it was over by June.
As I delved deeper into the lyrics of “The Tortured Poets Department”, it became increasingly apparent that Swift might’ve poured her heart and soul into recounting her experiences with Healy. Tracks such as “The Tortured Poets Department”, “Guilty as Sin”, “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” and “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” resonate with a raw emotion that hints at the intensity of their relationship and its subsequent demise.
Who Is “The Tortured Poets Department” About?
One particular track, aptly titled “The Tortured Poets Department”, stands out as a poignant ode to Swift’s time with Healy. Lines such as “You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate / We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist / I scratch your head, you fall asleep / Like a tattooed Golden Retriever” paint a vivid picture of the moments shared between the two.
“We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist” ??? taylor swift you need to be so serious right now pic.twitter.com/gUFYwBd22A
— joey (@emmarobcerts) April 17, 2024
The references to smoking and chocolate undoubtedly point towards Healy, known for his affinity for both. Additionally, the mention of Charlie Puth, who covered The 1975’s song “Somebody Else”, further solidifies the connection to Healy. Swift’s lyrical prowess shines through as she masterfully weaves together imagery that encapsulates the essence of their relationship.
Another notable lyric from the same track, “I laughed in your face and said, ‘You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith / This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’re modern idiots’,” offers a glimpse into the dynamic between Swift and Healy. While Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith may serve as symbolic figures representing the archetype of tortured poets, the comparison also hints at the complexity of their relationship.
Who Are Patti Smith and Dylan Thomas?
Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet known for his tumultuous life and tragic end, which you could argue mirrors Healy’s own reputation as a troubled artist. On the other hand, Patti Smith is an American singer and poet revered for her unconventional approach to artistry, which embodies Swift’s own persona as a fiercely independent woman navigating the complexities of love and fame.
Who Is “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” About?
Alright, let’s dissect the 14th track on “The Tortured Poets Department”, and uncover what Taylor Swift was really thinking post-breakup with Matty Healy.
The lyrics set the scene: “Gazing at me, starry-eyed / In your Jehovah’s witness suit / Who the heck was that guy / You tried to buy some pills / From a friend of friends of mine.”
Fans are buzzing with speculation about Swift’s nod to Healy’s signature look — his black suit, which they’re dubbing the “Jehovah’s witness suit”. And remember that interview Healy did with Apple Music in 2022? He opened up about his struggles with drugs, particularly heroin.
Who Is “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” About?
Rumour has it, “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” delves into Swift’s belief that she could change Matty Healy and smooth out his controversial behaviour when they were together.
Now, let’s break down those lyrics: “The smoke cloud billows out his mouth like a freight train through a small town / The jokes that he told across the bar were revolting and far too loud / They shake their heads, saying, ‘God help her’ when I tell ‘em he’s my man”.
You see, Healy’s known for being a smoker, and his jokes? Well, he has often been criticised for his controversial and insensitive jokes. This controversy surrounding his behaviour definitely had fans raising eyebrows and questioning Swift and Healy’s relationship.
Verdict?
While there’s been no official confirmation yet, you can bet I’ll be digging deep into every lyric and melody of Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department”. From what I’ve gathered on my first listen, it sure seems like a lot of these tracks are pointing directly at Matty Healy. So, until we get the full scoop, you’ll find me sleuthing around, trying to crack the code of Swift’s latest musical masterpiece.
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