Taylor Swift | 66th Grammy Awards

Taylor Swift | 66th Grammy Awards

Taylor with Caroline Polacheck at a Grammys afterparty (via carolineplz on IG)

Reflecting on the theme of the new lyrics, it seems Taylor Swift may be exploring the notion of self-diminishment within the context of her past relationship with Joe. The lyrics suggest a narrative where Swift felt compelled to dim her inherent vibrancy, possibly to align with her partner's expectations—echoing a desire for her to return to a more dull version of herself reminiscent of her 2016 hiatus or the solitude imposed by the pandemic, rather than the version poised to embrace the limelight with the release of "Midnights." The emotional toll of conforming to these expectations, of feeling obligated to shrink her essence for the sake of love and acceptance, emerges as a poignant theme. The internal struggle, a contemplation on the value of a relationship that demands such compromise, is encapsulated in the line, "What's a girl gonna do? A diamond's gotta shine."

This album may dive deeper into Swift's introspection and the resolution process—how she grapples with the realization that the relationship isn't aligned with her authentic self and embarks on the painful yet liberating journey of detachment from a person she once envisioned as her lifelong companion.

Remember when folklore and evermore dropped and we listened to them for the first time and were all suddenly VERY concerned about Taylor’s well being and how was she writing all these songs but we were like “oh haha it’s fine they are fake, just fictional songs :)” I feel like TTPD is going to be that feeling but amplified times a million and WITHOUT the “it’s just fiction” reassurance

I need this album right now. midnight tonight I need it to drop. I’m going feral. Literally barking like a dog until I can hear it

Can’t imagine how Taylor is feeling right now.