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Taylor Swift reveals the meaning behind Tortured Poets Department songs believed to be about Matty Healy

Home> Entertainment> Music

Published 11:25 23 Apr 2024 GMT+1

Taylor Swift reveals the meaning behind Tortured Poets Department songs believed to be about Matty Healy

The country-pop singer's new album is said to be inspired by a particular The 1975 musician

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna Benson

Taylor Swift has finally set the record straight on the speculation that some of her most recently-released singles centre on her short-lived fling with fellow musician Matty Healy.

It's only been four days since the country-pop singer's latest album hit the shelves and already, she has set tongues wagging all over the world.

Famed for her emotive lyrics, poetic song-writing, dramatic music videos and toe-tapping melodies, the eagerly-awaited composition has delighted millions of her fans already.

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Titled The Tortured Poets Department, 15 never-before-heard tracks landed on Spotify and Apple Music at 5am UK time, instantly sending listeners into a frenzy.

Within a matter of minutes of the release, however, Taylor revealed that just two hours later, there would be further exciting news.

Despite many fans assuming this could be a TTPD merchandise drop, the chart-topper actually dropped a further 16 songs on an extended version of the album.

It wasn't just the double-whammy announcement that had kept Swifties perched on the edge of their seats beforehand, however - it was speculation regarding the subject matter of her new songs.

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The extended album consists of 31 songs. (Republic Records via AP)
The extended album consists of 31 songs. (Republic Records via AP)

Taylor has never shied away from the fact that many of her hit singles have been based on her real life experiences in the realm of romance.

Her 2014 banger 'Style' - in which she describes a man with 'that long hair slicked back, white t-shirt' - was widely interpreted to be in ode to her relationship with ex-One Direction star Harry Styles.

And her heartbreaking ballad 'Dear John' - released in 2010 - is believed to centre on her brief romance with fellow singer John Mayer.

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Though Taylor has never explicitly delved into the meaning behind any of her tracks, some listeners believe a handful of her most recently-released songs may implicitly touch on her short-lived fling with The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, whom she briefly dated last year following her split from fiancé Joe Alwyn.

The duo had previously been linked between 2014 and 2016.

In Amazon Music-exclusive commentary, the singer gave fans some gave some insight into the meaning behind her most hotly-debated songs, admitting that some of them are about romance.

Taylor Swift and Matty Healy have briefly dated in the past. (Robert Kamau/GC Images)
Taylor Swift and Matty Healy have briefly dated in the past. (Robert Kamau/GC Images)

Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)

Taylor claims that amongst the numerous themes evident in this tune are 'longing', 'pining away' and 'lost dreams'.

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Essentially, however, the hit tells the tale of a 'temporary' romance that lasted for a fortnight (two weeks), which may well hint at her summertime fling with boyband member Matty, with whom she was photographed for a period of around about, ooh, 14 days?

Making reference to her lyrics 'I love you, it’s ruining my life', she confessed: "These are very hyperbolic, dramatic things to say. It’s that kind of album."

The Tortured Poets Department

When it comes to the album's titular song - despite the connection to her ex Joe's notorious-named WhatsApp group called 'The Tortured Man Club - many listeners believe it instead pays tribute to Matty.

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Several of Taylor's songs appear to be about Matty. (Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
Several of Taylor's songs appear to be about Matty. (Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

In a 2019 interview with GQ, the Manchester-born artist made the bizarre admission that he 'really likes' typewriters.

Could the opening lyrics to Taylor's new song - 'You left your typewriter at my apartment' - by a nod to the charming 'The Sound' hitmaker?

But Daddy, I Love Him

Fans of The 1975 will be well aware of the controversies that lead singer Matty has found himself embroiled in over the years.

Whether it's his Twitter outbursts, or the eyebrow-raising political remarks he makes on stage during his concerts, the man is notoriously outspoken.

Many fans, therefore, believe that Taylor's track 'But Daddy, I Love Him', could very well be all about their forbidden romance.

"No I'm not coming to my senses," she declares in the lyrics. "I know it's crazy but he's the one I want."

Matty is well known for being outspoken, especially when performing on stage. (Matthew Baker/Getty Images)
Matty is well known for being outspoken, especially when performing on stage. (Matthew Baker/Getty Images)

Fresh Out The Slammer

This is another track believed to reference her post-break-up love affair with Matty, due to its reference to 'running' to someone after being kept prisoner for so long.

"I did my time," she sings. "Now pretty baby I'm running back home to you."

Could this tell the secret tale of her split from former future-hubby Joe and her subsequent flee straight into Matty's arms?

Guilty As Sin?

Again, fans of Matty will know that back in 2022, the singer famously named The Blue Nile's Hats as one of his favourite compilations of the 1980s.

Is it just a coincidence, therefore, that one of Taylor's new songs includes the line, 'Drowning in the Blue Nile / He sent me downtown lights.'

Featured Image Credit: Don Arnold/TAS24 for TAS Rights Management/Robert Kamau/GC Images

Topics: Sex and Relationships, Taylor Swift, Celebrity, Music

Rhianna Benson
Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

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@rhiannaBjourno

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