Taylor Swift’s album, The Tortured Poets Department, features tracks that seem to allude to her past relationships, particularly her breakup with Joe Alwyn and her fling with Matty Healy. In the first track, “Fortnight,” Taylor sings about the end of her romance with Joe and a short-lived fling with Matty. The titular track, “The Tortured Poets Department,” references her mental health and her fling with Matty. “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys,” written solely by Taylor, touches on heartbreak after splitting with Joe or the abrupt end of her relationship with Matty. “Down Bad” explores feelings of infatuation and mental health struggles following an old relationship.
In “So Long, London,” Taylor reflects on her British ex, likely Joe, and a follow-up to her hit “London Boy.” “But Daddy I Love Him” shows Taylor’s humor as she admits to falling for bad boys and ignoring critics’ warnings. “Fresh Out The Slammer” details rushing into a new relationship, potentially referencing her fling with Matty. “Florida!!!” is an uplifting escape song, likely inspired by her split from Joe. “Guilty As Sin?” delves into unrequited love and features a slice of ’80s-style soft rock.
“I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” possibly alludes to Taylor’s relationship with Matty, with lyrics hinting at their dynamic. “loml” reflects Taylor’s warm, resonant feelings about love and marriage, potentially referencing her long-term relationship with Joe. “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart” is an ’80s-influenced electronic pop track about remaining resilient despite romantic strife. “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” is a melodramatic ballad with disdainful lyrics possibly aimed at Matty.
Other tracks like “The Alchemy” bring sporting metaphors and upliftment, possibly inspired by her relationship with Travis Kelce. “Clara Bow” is inspired by the 1920s actress and reflects Taylor’s struggles with fame. Bonus tracks such as “The Black Dog,” “Imgonnagetyouback,” and “The Albatross” continue to weave tales of heartbreak, betrayal, and self-discovery. Taylor’s songwriting prowess shines in tracks like “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus,” “How Did It End?,” and “I Hate It Here,” showcasing a range of emotions and experiences.
As the album progresses, Taylor’s vulnerability and resilience are evident in tracks like “thanK you aIMee,” where she seemingly addresses Kim Kardashian, and “I Look in People’s Windows,” reflecting on her longing for love in the public eye. Symbolism and references to past relationships, personal growth, and nostalgia are present in “Robin” and “The Manuscript.” Overall, The Tortured Poets Department encapsulates Taylor Swift’s journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery with a blend of humor, introspection, and raw emotion.
