I’ve always liked Taylor Swift’s music, but I wouldn’t call myself a full-on Swiftie. I think that helps me stay a little more… objective — which might come in handy while reviewing her newest album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Released on October 3, 2025, the 12-track record includes:
“The Fate of Ophelia,” “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Opalite,” “Father Figure,” “Eldest Daughter,” “Ruin the Friendship,” “Actually Romantic,” “Wi$h Li$t,” “Wood,” “CANCELLED!,” “Honey,” and “The Life of a Showgirl” (feat. Sabrina Carpenter).
At first listen, I loved it. It felt fresh, fun, and classic Taylor — catchy choruses, cinematic lyrics, a little bit of heartbreak. I played it on repeat while painting my house and thought, “She’s done it again.” But as the internet started unpacking the lyrics and controversies, my enthusiasm started to fade. Am I deleting her from my Spotify playlists? Absolutely not. But my feelings have definitely gotten more… complicated.
Let’s break it down track by track.
1. “The Fate of Ophelia”
Taylor opens with a haunting love song that uses the tragic Shakespearean heroine as a metaphor for heartbreak and redemption. It’s about finding safety and love before spiraling into despair — a nod to her very public romance with Travis Kelce. “Go, Travis!” indeed.
2. “Elizabeth Taylor”
This track draws parallels between the two Taylors — Swift and Elizabeth — both navigating fame, love, and constant scrutiny. With details like white diamonds and film-star romance, it’s a lush and cinematic ode to glamour and public scrutiny. Before this song came out, I was most excited about it! The actual Elizabeth Taylor lives in my head rent free.
3. “Opalite”
Taylor chose opalite — Travis Kelce’s birthstone — as a symbol of joy and transformation, though the lyrics also revisit past pain. One standout verse captures that past pain regarding Travis:
“You couldn’t understand it
Why you felt alone
You were in it for real
She was in her phone…”
The imagery of “dancing through the lightning strikes” and “the sky is opalite” is gorgeous, however, this track has sparked controversy. Some listeners have criticized the line referencing “onyx nights” and the phrase “the sun will never set on the English empire” as racially insensitive — especially given Kelce’s-notorious- history of dating Black women, including influencer and sports newscaster, Kayla Nicole, which the above quote is about. The symbolism of moving from a dark stone to a light one feels icky. Are people reading too much into it? Maybe. But I can’t ignore that it feels tone-deaf as ever.
View Kayla Nicole’s clapback below. Since it seems that Taylor threw the first punch, I’m all for it.
4. “Father Figure”
This song dives into exploitation and power imbalances — emotional, professional, or both. It immediately reminded me of Yellowstone’s Beth and Jamie Dutton dynamic. This references Taylor’s real-life struggles with her former label and the sale of her masters, nodding to Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun. Many fans can relate to feeling betrayed by someone they once trusted or admired.
5. “Eldest Daughter”
“Eldest Daughter” captures the exhaustion of being the reliable one — the person who always holds it together, even when falling apart. It’s heartfelt and deeply resonant.
But then there’s this line:
“But I’m not a bad bitch / And this isn’t savage.”
It’s… odd. Out of place, even. Some fans have called it a subtle microaggression, given Kelce’s connection to Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” and his dating history with Black women. Taylor’s famous for her Easter eggs, and this one misses the mark. At first, this line to me meant I can’t be what society calls beautiful or strong and that’s OK, but it’s switched up for me.
6. “Ruin the Friendship”
A nostalgic, wistful track about a high school crush she never acted on — until it was too late. It’s bittersweet and simple, urging listeners to take the risk before time runs out. “My advice is to ruin the friendship,” she sings, and honestly? Fair. This is probably my third favorite song on the album. Go for it!
7. “Actually Romantic”
Reportedly aimed at Charli XCX, this one’s sharp and clever. It flips the idea of rivalry into obsession — someone who dislikes you but still can’t stop thinking about you. It’s classic Taylor: petty, poetic, and painfully catchy. And, eh, not for me and that’s OK.
8. “Wi$h Li$t”
My personal favorite. It’s all about imagining a future with Travis — kids, love, stability, domestic bliss. Taylor leans fully into the “trad wife” fantasy, and I love that she owns it. As long as it’s her choice, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a soft life. 10/10.
9. “Wood”
My second favorite — and let’s be honest, we know what this one’s about. Taylor insists it’s not, but lyrics like:
“Forgive me, it sounds cocky / He—matized me / Redwood tree / It ain’t hard to see…”
say otherwise. It’s playful, confident, and just cheeky. Like, it’s OK girl — we know what wood is about. You’re grown, honey.
10. “CANCELLED!”
Here, Taylor revisits the chaos of cancel culture — the Kim and Kanye fallout, public backlash, and the media circus. It’s about standing by friends when they’re under fire, with a nod to Sophie Turner. A fiery, loyal anthem.
11. “Honey”
A sweet, gentle ballad about reclaiming words that once hurt you. “Honey” used to sting; now it’s a term of endearment. It’s soft, loving, and clearly inspired by Travis. I can’t even be mad — it’s adorable.
12. “The Life of a Showgirl” (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)
The album’s title track closes with a wink. It’s framed as a conversation between a young dreamer and a weary veteran of fame — one warns, the other dives in anyway. It’s a commentary on the glamour and grind of celebrity, equal parts confession and contradiction. . It’s classic Taylor: self-reflective, dramatic, and a little whiny about how hard it is to be famous, yet she admits she loves it too. My love for Sabrina Carpenter revives this song for me.
Final Thoughts
Will I “cancel” Taylor or delete her music? Hell no. But I do think this album includes some questionable lyrical choices and microaggressions that make me side-eye her a bit. I don’t love it as much as I did at first. With Taylor, nothing is ever just what it seems — and sometimes, that mystery is more frustrating than fun. I think Taylor remains a master of mystery — nothing she writes is ever straightforward, and that’s both her gift and her curse.
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 