In my view, the existence of a genuine feud between these two women is beside the point. A more intriguing aspect is that “Almost Romantic” continues a familiar narrative for Swift—one that reveals more about her own experiences than it does about any other artist who may have influenced her. While it seems she struggles to move on (consider that Brat debuted over a year ago), her preoccupation appears less about specific individuals and more about the pervasive tone of internalized misogyny. This is a recurring focus.
Consider her rumored, nearly ten-year-long discord with Kim Kardashian, to whom Swift seems to allude in the bonus track “thanK you aIMee” from The Tortured Poets Department—catch the cleverness there?—following a series of songs from her 2017 retaliatory album Reputation detailing that discord. Additionally, “Clara Bow” from TTPD has sparked discussions about whether it’s directed at Olivia Rodrigo, who is also thought to be the subject of the recent song “Father Figure.” Prior to that, there was “Bad Blood,” a track widely regarded as being about Katy Perry.
It would be straightforward to write off all this as tabloid chatter; fans enthusiastically dedicate a significant amount of their time analyzing the intricacies of Swift’s lyrics. The identities of those she may or may not be addressing adds to the enjoyment. However, the theme of female rivalries is woven throughout her music, existing independently of rumored celebrity references. For example, consider “You Belong With Me” from the 2008 album Fearless, in which she juxtaposes herself—the underestimated outsider—with his girlfriend characterized by the male gaze: “‘Cause she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts / She’s cheer captain, and I’m on the bleachers.”
Swift’s 2010 album Speak Now introduced “Better Than Revenge,” a track so scathing about another woman that when she re-recorded the album in 2023, she opted to alter the lyrics. “She’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress” transformed into “He was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches.”
