“The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift

By Martina Brajanovska, Copy Editor • June 2, 2024

On April 19, 2024, Taylor Swift released her newest album entitled “The Tortured Poets Department”. This is Swift’s eleventh studio album containing 31 songs that portray a wide range of emotions about her past relationships and her life in general. After only a week of this album being released, people have begun to state their opinions all over social media; and for the most part, they seem to be positive.

Fans have already begun to hypothesize who each song might be about. Her current and past love interests are the clear answer to this question. There have been assumptions that a handful of the songs on the album are dedicated to or written about her ex-boyfriends Matty Healy and Joe Alwyn, where she criticizes how they treated her. She has also included songs about her new love interest Travis Kelce. In addition to songs about her love life, Swift also wrote songs that described other personal relationships that she has in her life and may have thrown a little shade.

One song specifically titled “Clara Bow” is assumed to be written about Swift’s own complicated relationship and journey with fame. She talks about a character being compared to Clara Bow, Stevie Nicks, and then Taylor Swift, where fans assume that Taylor Swift is the next “abused” celebrity in the spotlight. Others also believe that this song was written for other up-and-coming young artists in general who may also have a complicated relationship with stardom.

Another song she wrote that has gained lots of attention is titled “thanK you aIMee”. Fans believe that Swift wrote this song about Kim Kardashian as the capitalized letters in the title spell out the word ‘Kim’. Swift holds a grudge against Kardashian due to past drama involving Kim Kardashian and her ex-husband Kanye West. Some fans applaud Swift for “standing up for herself” while other listeners are telling her to just “let it go”. This song alone has now sparked a new TikTok trend where fans write out a sentence with capitalized letters spelling out the name of a person who has wronged them, while simultaneously lip-syncing to Swift’s song.

There has not been much criticism that has been thrown at Swift after the release of the album, and fans really seem to be enjoying her new music. This album is filled with much emotion and self-reflection on Swift’s part, regarding her life and past and current relationships.

About the Contributors

Martina Brajanovska, Copy Editor

Hey guys! I’m Martina Brajanovska, and I’m finally a senior! It’s been a long journey getting here, but I’m very excited that we made it. The past four years have all blended into one giant reel of memories that I have made along the way; many that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I’ve made and lost friends along the way, gained skills and cried tears (many tears), but I would not take back a single second. As this final year begins, my anticipation grows and stress is settling in. Writing for The Ubiquity has given me the opportunity to freely express my thoughts on topics that intrigue me. I am sad to see my time as a staff writer and copy editor come to an end this year, but excited to begin a new chapter in my life.

Judy Lee, Staff Writer

Hello everyone! I’m Judy, a senior at Quartz Hill. I joined journalism during eleventh grade and decided to join again because I enjoyed it last year. I’ve been a part of the Quartz Hill Cheer team for four years. I am so excited and not so patiently waiting for all the events and games. One fact about me: I have played the violin for over eight years. I was the concertmaster of the West Coast Classical Orchestra last year. I am aiming for that position again this year when I audition soon. Playing as first chair last year was fantastic, so I hope to experience it again! The first few months of senior year will be busy because of college applications and other things, but I hope it’s fun and worthwhile. I’m glad to be returning to journalism and writing for The Ubiquity!