Sophia Fishman

Contributing Writer

On Oct. 3, 2025 Taylor Swift released her highly anticipated 12th album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” This twelve track album was produced by Max Martin and Shellback along with Swift.

The album was written and recorded while on the European leg of her Eras Tour in 2024. The album is set to give listeners not only a preview of what goes on while on stage but also behind the curtain.

The first song on the album “The Fate of Ophelia,” opens up the album with an emotional message about a strong feeling of being lost due to emotional overwhelm. “Ophelia” is a reference from the famous poet Hamlet. It is used as a symbol of vulnerability. As she blends old, Shakespearean language with modern times, Swift talks about how she almost fell into a feeling of being lost until somebody saved her.

The second song on the album is called “Elizabeth Taylor.” In this song, Swift often references iconic names from Hollywood to show the glamorous side of love.

Taylor’s third track “Opalite” has symbolism for how opalite is man-made beauty and changes color depending on what lighting it is similar to people changing themself depending who they are around.

“Father Figure” is the fourth track where Taylor sings about different dynamics of power, having a mentor and influence. She also brings up a feeling of pressure to do well for people who are like “father figures.” Fans suspect she could be talking about the power in industry along with literal people she looks up to.

For the fifth song, “Eldest Daughter,” themes of family dynamics appear. Swift talks about taking responsibility of younger ones, being influential and being protective. This is a metaphor for her own figure with many young girls looking up to her as an idol and inspiration and the tasks that come along with it.

The sixth track is called “Ruin the Friendship.” This song is about the risky side of becoming more than friends in a relationship. Swift brings up topics of the lines blurring of boundaries and potential regret of moving forward into a stronger relationship.

“Actually Romantic” is the seventh song on the album. It covers elements of feeling truly yourself and vulnerable when in true love and how it no longer feels performative.

“Wi$h Li$t” is the eighth song on the album. It talks about her wants in life like being a mom and away from the media opposed to fame and money.

“Wood” is a song that has many sensual undertones with metaphors with a romantic meaning behind them and is one of Swift’s more “sexy” songs.

“CANCELLED!” is about social media backlash and cancel culture. Swift also addresses the constant rumors being spread about her and her life.

“Honey” is track eleven with sweet undertones. Fans suspect “Honey” is a pet name given to Swift by her fiance, Travis Kelce.

The last track on the album “The Life of a Showgirl,” featuring Sabrina Carpenter, sums up the theme of the album, talking about the ups and downs of being in the spotlight and the constant need to perform. The feature of Carpenter shows the shared experience of being a star to the public eye.

My personal thoughts on the album is that it was a miss for Taylor fans. I feel this theme and overall aesthetic of “The Life of a Showgirl” had so much potential yet the album was a let down.

I do enjoy the beats for most of the songs, however, the lyrics feel immature and aren’t well written. Taylor being known for poetic writing and amazing lyricism with albums like “Folklore,” “Evermore” and “The Tortured Poets Society.” This did not live up to those standards. Overall, I think the album had potential, but was most certainly not her best work.