Since the release of Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated album The Life of A Showgirl, one song in particular, “Actually Romantic”, has ignited a storm of online speculation. Fans are debating whether it’s a subtle diss track aimed at fellow popstar Charli XCX.
Taylor Swift Reveals Meaning Behind “Actually Romantic”
In a special cinema screening event for her album launch, Swift described the track as “a love letter to someone who hates you.”
Although she did not name the subject, Swift sarcastically thanked them for the attention, saying: “It’s flattering.” This sparked curiosity and fan theories about who inspired the song.
Lyrics Hint at a Personal Feud
“Actually Romantic”, the seventh track on the album, contains lines that suggest it is directed at another singer who has publicly expressed dislike for Swift.
Swift sings:
“It sounded nasty but it feels like you’re flirting with me… all the effort you’ve put in, it’s actually romantic.”
Fans believe this could be a direct response to Charli XCX’s track Sympathy is a Knife from her album Brat (2024), which contains pointed lyrics about backstage rivalries and insecurity.
Charli XCX Connection: Why Fans Are Speculating
Charli XCX, who scored her second UK number 1 album with Brat, allegedly wrote Sympathy is a Knife about Swift. The song includes lyrics such as:
“Don’t know if it’s real or if I’m spiralling… Fingers crossed behind my back. I hope they break up real quick.”
The rumored connection intensified due to past relationship overlaps: Charli’s then-boyfriend, now-husband George Daniel of The 1975, and Swift’s brief relationship with Matty Healy, The 1975’s frontman.
Taylor Swift’s Public Comments on the Track
In her intro to Actually Romantic, Swift explained:
“There can be this moment where it’s unveiled to you, through things that they do that are very overt… It’s flattering. In my industry, attention is affection, and you’ve given me a whole lot of it.”
This further fuels speculation that the track is a pointed yet playful response to another artist.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics
At a “Swiftogeddon” club night in London, fans expressed divided opinions:
- Anya (24, Brighton): Believes Actually Romantic is about Charli XCX and relates to the emotions expressed.
- Tanya (27): A Charli XCX fan who feels it’s “unfair and unfeminist” for Swift to seemingly take shots at another artist.
This reflects how Swift’s lyrics often spark debates and fan “decoding” sessions.
Other Tracks Fuel Speculation About Swift’s Personal Life
Beyond Actually Romantic, fans have speculated about other songs in The Life of A Showgirl:
- Father Figure – Thought to be about music executive Scott Borchetta.
- Cancelled! – Rumored to address her friendship with Blake Lively.
- Opalite – Believed to be about Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole.
Swift has maintained she will never confirm the subjects of her songs, keeping fans intrigued.
Final Thoughts
Taylor Swift’s Actually Romantic exemplifies how her music blends personal storytelling with public intrigue. Whether it is a diss track or a heartfelt reflection, it has reignited conversations about her relationships and artistic rivalries, especially with Charli XCX.
