Taylor Swift has just dropped new music, and it shocked half the internet—not only because of her return, but also because many believe she took the chance to throw shade at people in the entertainment industry. Fans on social media are convinced one particular song contains a direct jab at Charli XCX.
On Friday, October 3, Swift released her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl”, filled with tracks that quickly sparked speculation online, as many believe they reference people who have been close to her life.
Taylor Swift’s Song About Charli XCX
After the album’s release, fans quickly picked up on a strong reference to Charli XCX in the track “Actually Romantic”. The lyrics suggest Swift is addressing the British singer for allegedly belittling her and even hint at drug use and her closeness to one of Taylor’s exes.
“I heard you call me a boring Barbie when cocaine made you brave. You high-fived my ex and then said you were glad he left me behind, you wrote me a song saying you’re sick of seeing my face,” Taylor sings.
The reference appears to point directly at Charli XCX’s song “Sympathy Is a Knife”, where Charli sings about not wanting to see or run into someone. Fans connected the dots because of a line that says: “I don’t want to see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show, crossing my fingers, hope they break up soon.”
The context? Taylor Swift and Charli XCX were both hanging around The 1975’s backstage, since Swift was briefly dating Matty Healy in 2023, while Charli was in a relationship with drummer George Daniel.
@thinkingboutuu_ taylor disses charli xcx on her new song “actually romantic” #taylorswift #thelifeofashowgirl #actuallyromantic #charlixcx #sympathyisaknife
Though Taylor’s romance with Healy was short-lived—just a few months—it was apparently enough to spark a lasting feud. The twist is that the two were once on good terms, with Charli even opening for Swift during the Reputation tour.
