Image: INQUIRER.net stock photo
Taylor Swift’s latest single “…Ready for It?” takes a detour from her usual sound and introduces electronic pop—and rap—into her portfolio.
Fans used to her country, pop, and most recently, 1980s-type songs were surprised at this turn, but some are taking to it:
Me: I don’t like rap music
Taylor: KNEW HE WAS A KILLA-
Me: pic.twitter.com/6omVXOgZ8H
— aly$$a (@pauladeenyaIl) September 3, 2017
But rather than her new sound, the conversation has once again shifted to who the song is about.
Swifties on Twitter have speculated that the song is both a dig at her exes and dedicated to her new beau, British actor Joe Alwyn, who has been with her in a low-key relationship for nearly a year.
The pop princess has always littered her songs with clues on their subjects, and this one is no exception.
While some were far reaching, others hit the mark.
For instance, one Twitter user tried to relate the lines “And we’ll move to an island/He can be my jailer” as an allusion to a possible love team name, “Jaylor.”
Younger than my exes but he act like such a man so
We’ll move to an island-and and he can be my JAILER
JAILER
JAYLOR
JOE AND TAYLOR
— Had🐍 (@Thisswifttbeat) September 3, 2017
Another Joe in her life has been Joe Jonas, so she may not be keen on relationship names.
Unsurprisingly, Harry Styles makes an appearance, as their on-again-off-again relationship has been referenced in both their works.
After going solo, Styles released the song “Two Ghosts” which has been thought to be about his romance with Swift.
A Twitter user theorizes that one of her lines alludes to him through his work, in this line: “But if he’s a ghost then I can be a phantom/Holdin’ him for ransom.”
Harry: We’re just Two Ghosts standing in the place of you & me
Taylor: But if he’s a Ghost then, I can be a Phantom holding him for ransom
— 10 GRAMMYS ✨ (@Swiftness13) September 3, 2017
In usual TSwift fashion, the singer will never confirm who it’s about. But possibly the best hint that fans have is her official Tumblr.
One post that Swift has liked—or rather, whoever is managing her account—includes an explanation of the song posted in the website Variety Beat.
The analysis cites that the song is dedicated to Alwyn, with the line “Are you ready for it?” cautioning him about “all the attention and new fame that comes with dating her.”
Another line also hints that the song is about him, and does the job of putting down others she’s dated: “Some boys are tryin’ too hard, he don’t try at all though/Younger than my exes but he act like such a man”.
According to the article, the Brit, 26, isn’t the youngest of her former beaus which include Harry Styles, 23, and Taylor Lautner, 25. But he is definitely younger than the most recent ones, namely Tom Hiddleston, 36, and Calvin Harris, 33.
The line “Burton to this Taylor” allegedly references actress Elizabeth Taylor and her colorful romantic past that included eight marriages—incidentally, Swift has eight official exes.
Of course, all of this is speculation, and most likely still another well-planned move in the Swift PR machine. JB
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