The Life of a Showgirl comes out!
- Evie Campbell
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In case you’re one of 86 million Swifties eagerly awaiting Taylor’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl was released last night. With upbeat songs like The Fate of Ophelia paired next to melodramatic ones like Elizabeth Taylor, Swift explored different genres and moods combined into her 12th studio album. Here’s the songs explained, my personal favorites, some recommendations of how to follow the album, and see some behind-the-scenes clips of the making.
The Fate of Ophelia - A nod to the famous Ophelia of Hamlet, Swift describes her resistance to “[drowning] in the melancholy”, and how her love in the song “Saved my heart from the fate of Ophelia”. The soft beats that transcend into stronger, more dramatic drums perfectly illustrate the story of Taylor and Ophelia.
Elizabeth Taylor - A reference to the actress’s many marriages, Elizabeth Taylor is a ballad about never wanting a relationship to end and wishing for it to be forever, while also questioning the future.
Opalite - A soft guitar and catchy beat start the song, later becoming almost musical theater-ish as Swift sings about how elated she is to have found her happiness.
Father Figure - A twist on George Michael’s famous song, Father Figure describes Swift’s response to, as some critics theorize, Scott Borcheta’s sell of her masters, and how she’s become a massive success in spite of it.
Eldest Daughter - A soft, quiet vulnerability and hurt that Swift felt after getting comments and hate on the internet is expressed through this ballad. She also shows her sense of protectiveness over her family, who she “will never let [you] down”.
Ruin The Friendship - This sorrowful song tells the story of Swift and a friend who she “should’ve kissed [you] anyway”, and feeling rejected.
☆ Actually Romantic - One of my favorites, Swift opens by clapping back at her famous adversaries, appreciating that her haters have put time into trying to make her feel hurt, but simply swung and missed. Some critics have theorized that the song is directed as a response to Charli XCX’s song “Sympathy is a Knife”, or possibly Olivia Rodrigo.
Wi$h Li$t - An almost bright, yet, angry take on the high expectations men have on women, Wi$h Li$t talks about not needing anything but the love of her life, and hope for the future ahead.
☆ Wood - My personal favorite, the song opens with the Jackson 5’s intro to I Want You Back, and transitions quickly to an upbeat and happy chorus. Themes like bad luck, superstition, and feeling secure knowing you’ve found the love of your life are beautifully incorporated into this masterpiece.
CANCELLED! - In this song, Swift talks about the backlash and harassment powerful and proud women face for taking initiative and pushing back against expectations and societal norms.
Honey - This happy, sweet tale of Swift finally allowing someone to call her “honey,” and being someone’s partner, is paired with quiet piano and a sweet vocal soundtrack.
The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter) - The final track on the album, The Life of a Showgirl speaks to the idea of the whole album, and, arguably, Swift’s whole career and life. Carpenter, one of Swift’s friends and collaborators, comes in on the second verse, and harmonizes beautifully with Taylor on the chorus and bridge, before finishing with a sentimental fade-out.
To listen more, and see some special behind-the-scenes shots from Swift and her team, go to a
theater near you to watch Taylor Swift | The Official Release Party of a Showgirl:
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