Taylor Swift received backlash for her lyrics on her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” where she mentioned wanting to live in the 1830s “but without all the racists.” In the track “I Hate It Here,” she expressed discontent with living in the current era, mentioning her friends playing a game about picking a decade to live in. The mention of the 1830s and the issue of slavery being legalized during that period sparked criticism from fans.
Some fans pointed out the insensitivity of Swift’s lyrics, highlighting that slavery was still legal in America during the 1830s. The mention of wanting to live in that era “but without all the racists” was seen as tone-deaf and dismissive of the harsh realities of that time period. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment and confusion over Swift’s choice of lyrics, questioning why she would reference a time period with such dark historical events.
Despite the backlash, Taylor Swift has not publicly addressed the controversy. The singer has a history of meaningful lyrics and storytelling in her music, but some fans felt that her reference to the 1830s was inappropriate and lacked sensitivity. The mention of wanting to live in a time period plagued by slavery without acknowledging the implications of such a statement raised concerns among fans about her understanding of history and social issues.
In addition to the controversial lyrics about the 1830s, Taylor Swift also included references to her ongoing feud with Kim Kardashian in a song titled “thanK you aIMee.” The track alludes to a “bronze, spray-tanned” bully, seemingly referencing Kardashian, whom Swift has had a public feud with since 2016. The lyrics suggest unresolved feelings towards the situation, with Swift expressing both hurt and a sense of empowerment in response to the perceived bullying.
The album also touches on other personal aspects of Swift’s life, including references to her exes Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy, as well as her current boyfriend Travis Kelce. Despite the controversies surrounding some of the lyrics, Swift continues to receive praise for her songwriting and storytelling abilities. The album released on Friday has sparked discussions among fans and critics about the messages conveyed through her music and the impact of her words on her audience.
