Taylor Swift’s Subtle References to Travis Kelce in Her Music
Taylor Swift has a long-standing tradition of weaving personal experiences into her songwriting, often drawing inspiration from her relationships. With the release of her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” fans have speculated about the influence of her romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The couple began dating in the summer of 2023 and publicly acknowledged their relationship in September, just before Taylor finalized this album.
While many anticipated that “TTPD” would reflect on Taylor’s past heartbreak following her split from Joe Alwyn, it instead features lyrics that hint at her new love interest. Here’s a closer look at some tracks from the album that fans believe contain references to Kelce.
Songs That Allude to Travis Kelce
In addition to incorporating football imagery into one track, Taylor likens aspects of their relationship to high school romance—drawing parallels reminiscent of her hit song “You Belong With Me.” Below are notable songs where listeners detect nods toward Travis.
The Alchemy
In “The Alchemy,” Taylor expresses how a fresh relationship revitalizes her spirit. Fans have pointed out numerous football-related references throughout the song. The chorus kicks off with lines like: “So when I touch down / Call the amateurs and cut ’em from the team / Ditch the clowns, get the crown / Baby, I’m the one to be.”
Further along in this track, she makes more explicit connections to sports culture with mentions of games and victories: “Shirts off and your friends lift you up over their heads / Beer stickin’ to the floor as cheers erupt because they said / There was no chance trying to be great in this league / Where’s my trophy? He just comes running over to me.”
Following her breakup with Joe Alwyn earlier this year—and a brief fling with Matty Healy—her line about being on a winning streak seems like an indirect jab at both exes since ‘blokes’ is British slang for boys.
Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus
From “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” another standout track is “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus,” which explores themes surrounding moving forward after heartbreak. Lyrics such as “And you saw my bones out with somebody new / Who seemed like he would’ve bullied you in school” suggest she may be referencing both Healy and Alwyn indirectly.
By describing someone who fits a jock stereotype—likely referring to Kelce—she contrasts him against previous partners who might not fit that mold as neatly.
So High School
This pop-rock anthem captures early moments between Taylor and Travis while also highlighting some viral interactions they’ve shared. One memorable reference includes an old interview clip where young Travis played ‘Kill, Marry, Kiss’ while mentioning Taylor’s name—a moment that resonated widely among fans.
Additionally, she alludes to paparazzi shots showing him opening car doors for her through lyrics like: “Get my car door; isn’t that sweet?” This playful acknowledgment hints at his efforts over time; she sings about how he had been trying hard for attention even suggesting he wanted to give her his number via friendship bracelet after one concert: “You knew what you wanted; boy, you got it.”
The Altered ‘Karma’ Lyrics
One unforgettable moment occurred during February when Swift performed at Accor Stadium during Australia’s leg of her Eras tour. In front of an audience including Kelce himself, she altered lyrics from “Karma.” Originally penned about Joe Alwyn—the line changed dramatically when she sang: “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs,” replacing its former version which referenced Alwyn’s acting career directly.
This lyrical shift served as clear evidence not only of moving on but also embraced by fans celebrating this new chapter in both artists’ lives.
Conclusion
As we delve deeper into these tracks from “The Tortured Poets Department,” it’s evident how seamlessly Taylor integrates elements from personal life into artful storytelling within music. Whether through clever wordplay or heartfelt reflections on love and loss—as well as newfound joy—it showcases not only talent but also resilience amidst change.
