Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, has fans buzzing over her track “Actually Romantic”, which many speculate is directed at British pop star Charli XCX. Social media is alight with theories connecting the song’s lyrics to Charli, particularly following her 2024 track “Sympathy Is a Knife”.
Lyrics Fuel Fan Speculation
In “Actually Romantic”, Swift sings about a former collaborator who allegedly called her a “boring Barbie” and spent considerable effort in her life:
“High-fived my ex and then said you’re glad he ghosted me / Wrote me a song sayin’ it makes you sick to see my face / Some people might be offended / But it’s actually sweet / All the time you’ve spent on me / It’s honestly wild / All the effort you’ve put in / It’s actually romantic.”
Later in the song, she references repeated attention from another person:
“How many times has your boyfriend said / Why are we always talkin’ about her? … You just give me so much … attention / It’s so romantic.”
Fans immediately connected the lyrics to Charli XCX, who also released the track “Everything Is Romantic” on her 2024 album Brat. Many believe the songs reflect a playful—or possibly pointed—exchange between the two pop stars.
Charli XCX and Taylor Swift: A History of Collaboration
The speculation is rooted in a long history of collaboration and public admiration. Charli opened for Swift on the Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018, often joining Swift and fellow supporting artist Camila Cabello for “Shake It Off”. Despite a few awkward moments on tour—Charli once described her experience jokingly as “waving to 5-year-olds”—the two maintained mutual respect.
Swift has praised Charli’s talent, telling New York magazine in 2024:
“I’ve been blown away by Charli’s melodic sensibilities since I first heard ‘Stay Away’ in 2011. Her writing is surreal and inventive, always. She just takes a song to places you wouldn’t expect it to go, and she’s been doing it consistently for over a decade.”
Personal Connections Intensify the Rumors
Fans also note a personal connection that could be influencing the songs. Charli is married to George Daniel, drummer for The 1975, while Swift previously dated Matty Healy, the band’s frontman. Charli is close friends with Healy and his fiancée Gabbriette Bechtel, adding a layer of intrigue to the perceived lyrical rivalry.
On Charli’s 2024 album Brat, the song “Sympathy Is a Knife” includes lyrics such as:
“Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show / Fingers crossed behind my back / I hope they break up quick.”
Many fans believe this was inspired by Swift, though Charli has not directly confirmed it, stating in a 2024 Vulture interview:
“People are gonna think what they want to think.”
Album Launch and Multimedia Experience
The Life of a Showgirl was released on October 3, 2025, and Swift also announced a series of theatrical screenings for her album’s launch, including The Release Party of a Showgirl, behind-the-scenes footage, and lyric videos. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing how Swift’s creative vision for the album complements the rumored musical dialogue with Charli.
Conclusion
While neither Taylor Swift nor Charli XCX has explicitly confirmed the rumored feud, “Actually Romantic” has sparked widespread discussion among fans, highlighting the ongoing fascination with celebrity collaborations, pop star rivalries, and lyrical storytelling. Whether the track is a playful nod or a pointed diss, it underscores Swift’s continued dominance in pop music and the nuanced relationships within the industry.
Leave a Reply