Since the release of Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated new album The Life of a Showgirl on Friday, fans have been dissecting every lyric to uncover hidden meanings. One track in particular, Actually Romantic, has sparked widespread speculation online, with many convinced it is aimed at fellow pop star Charli XCX.
The seventh track on the album describes an unnamed singer who constantly criticizes Swift, calling her a “boring Barbie” while writing songs about disliking her. The lyrics turn that negativity into irony, with Swift singing, “It sounded nasty but it feels like you’re flirting with me. All the effort you’ve put in, it’s actually romantic. nDuring a special cinema screening to celebrate the album launch, Taylor Swift explained the inspiration behind Actually Romantic. She described it as “a love letter to someone who hates you,” noting how strange it feels to realize you occupy such a significant space in another person’s mind. “It’s flattering,” she added, thanking her critic sarcastically for the attention.
Taylor Swift Fans Speculate “Actually Romantic” Targets Charli XCX
Fans quickly linked the song to Charli XCX’s 2024 track Sympathy is a Knife, from her hit album Brat. In that song, Charli sings about feeling insecure over another woman backstage at her boyfriend’s gig. Many listeners believe the lyrics referenced Swift, as Charli’s then-boyfriend (now husband), George Daniel, is the drummer for The 1975 — the same band fronted by Matty Healy, who briefly dated Taylor Swift.
This possible overlap in their personal lives has fueled theories that Actually Romantic is Swift’s direct response to Charli’s earlier track. Social media has been buzzing with debates, with some fans insisting the subtle shade is unmistakable, while others argue the connection is just fan speculation.What makes the drama more intriguing is Swift’s history of never explicitly confirming who her songs are about. While she has openly praised Charli in the past — telling New York Magazine she was “blown away” by Charli’s melodic sensibilities — the lyrics of Actually Romantic have left fans wondering if tensions have quietly resurfaced.
At a popular “Swiftogeddon” club night in London, partygoers admitted they had spent hours analyzing the lyrics. Some were convinced the track targets Charli, while others criticized the idea, saying it could be unfair to pit two female artists against each other. Beyond Actually Romantic, several other tracks from The Life of a Showgirl are already fueling online debates. Fans speculate that Father Figure references music executive Scott Borchetta, while Cancelled! may allude to her rumored fallout with Blake Lively. Another song, Opalite, has been linked to Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole. As always, Taylor Swift remains tight-lipped, allowing her music to spark conversation without ever confirming the identities of her subjects. Whether or not Actually Romantic is about Charli XCX, the track has clearly achieved its purpose: keeping fans talking, decoding, and debating every lyric. With over a decade of songwriting known for hidden messages and easter eggs, Taylor Swift has once again proven she’s a master at keeping the spotlight exactly where she wants it — on her music
