By Amelia Burke
Pop music has a new feud, and it’s getting personal. Taylor Swift’s latest track may have just reignited the fire between her and fellow pop girl Charli XCX.
On Friday, October 3rd, Taylor Swift released her long-awaited 12th studio album titled The Life of a Showgirl. In one of the album’s songs, “Actually Romantic,” fans were quick to zero in on some pointed lyrics, such as references to Taylor being called “Boring Barbie”. Though no names were explicitly stated, listeners were quick to assume the lyrics were said by singer Charli XCX.
The speculation is not baseless.
Charli released her album Brat last year, and it was widely praised. Her song “Sympathy is a Knife” in particular raised eyebrows. It’s a song about self-doubt and was a powerful and bold examination of female insecurity. “This one girl taps my insecurities / couldn’t even be her if I tried.” The lyrics are a clear reference to Charli’s personal feelings.
Sometime between 2022 and 2023, Taylor Swift was not publicly dating Matty Healy, lead singer of indie pop band The 1975. Charli, now married to Healy’s bandmate George Daniel, has claimed he was like her “brother” in past interviews. The lyrics, “Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show / Fingers crossed behind my back, I hope they break up quick,” made fans further believe the song [Sympathy is a Knife] was about Taylor Swift.
Fans argue that the difference between the two is that although Charli’s words are not particularly kind, she is not necessarily lashing out. She is straightforward, assertive, and messy. In the most difficult situations, she represents everything that women are rarely permitted to be.
Although both musicians have previously shown public admiration for one another – Charli served as Taylor’s opening act on her Reputation tour, and Taylor has previously commended Charli’s experimental songwriting – things now appear more amicable.
The internet has exploded with speculations, with fans dissecting every lyric to both songs. While some fans say Taylor is using her status to “punch down” another female artist, others accuse Charli of “starting drama for clout”. Fanbases have taken the drama and run with it.
Right now, Charli XCX could be the internet’s favourite anti-hero. Without playing the victim, apologising, or toning it down. Instead, she’s posting cryptic videos, dodging bad fan behaviour, and writing a diss track “just because she’s bored”. It’s chaotic. It’s kind of iconic. It’s very Brat.
There is actual tension. Perhaps it’s simply another brilliantly chaotic moment in the music industry where drama drops faster than singles and everyone’s brand gets a boost. Whatever it is, it will keep us listening.