Taylor Swift has provided insights into the end of her six-year relationship with Joe Alwyn and her brief involvement with The 1975 frontman Matty Healy through songs on her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Upon its release to streaming platforms on Thursday night, fans eagerly delved into the 16-track album, anticipating revelations about Swift’s recent romantic disappointments.
Many followers had anticipated that “The Tortured Poets Department” would serve as the quintessential breakup album for Joe and Taylor, given speculations that the title was a direct reference to the British actor, with whom she was romantically linked from 2016 to early 2023.
Swift entered into a whirlwind romance with Healy, although neither explicitly confirmed it, commencing in April 2023 after they were spotted kissing in NYC. However, the fling swiftly fizzled out after Healy’s ‘bad boy’ persona and ‘racist’ comments prompted a backlash against Swift, known for her pristine image.
Swift has since found happiness in her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Nevertheless, it appears she still harbors grievances towards the ‘worst men’ from her past.
The album’s lead single, “Fortnight,” features rapper/singer Post Malone. In the song, Swift seems to direct her lyrics towards Healy, whom she describes as her ‘miracle move-on-drug,’ highlighting how their toxic relationship was ‘ruining my life.’
She sings softly: “And there’s no one here to fault, but what about your silent betrayal?” /I took the miracle move-on-drug/ The effects were temporary/ And I love you, it’s ruining my life.’ The choice of title, ‘Fortnight,’ a term from British English meaning ‘a period of two weeks,’ could be interpreted as a direct reference to the British rocker and the fleeting nature of their romance.
Fans speculated: ‘Am I the only one who thinks #Fortnight is about Matt Healy, I wonder… how long did her relationship with Matt last? What if it was… for a fortnight?’
The album’s title has sparked speculation, initially believed to be a dig at Joe, who had previously mentioned his involvement in a WhatsApp group chat called The Tortured Man Club with close friends Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott.
However, the titular track contains numerous references to Swift’s time with Healy. She suggests that Healy would be distraught if she were to leave him, even hinting at his close friend Lucy Dacus from the band boygenius.
Swift sings: ‘Sometimes I wonder if you’re gonna screw this up with me/ But you told Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave’
“And I had confided that to Jack regarding you, so I felt understood. Everyone we know comprehends why it’s destined.”
The song also includes the line: ‘Like, ‘Who uses typewriters anyway?’ Back in 2019, Healy faced online teasing after admitting to GQ that he ‘really likes’ using a typewriter. A Twitter user humorously remarked: ‘Remember when we thought The Tortured Poets Department was a Joe Alwyn breakup album and then Taylor Swift took out Matt Healy and Kim Kardashian too?’