The release of “Actually Romantic”, one of the songs included in Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, has unleashed an intense wave of debate among her fans. In a matter of hours, the song became the center of analysis, theories and controversies on social networks, generating opposing interpretations ranging from allusions to old feuds to possible references to contemporary pop figures.
While some fans argue that the song is a veiled attack on British singer Charli XCX, others claim that it is a new dig at Kim Kardashian, with whom Swift has had a long and mediatic rivalry. The artist, true to her style, has neither confirmed nor denied any of these theories, thus fueling speculation about the lyrics.
References pointing to Charli XCX
A significant part of the fandom considers “Actually Romantic” to be inspired by Charli XCX, and they support their interpretation in several verses of the song. Among them, one that stands out is one that reads:
“I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave / High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me“
(I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave / High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me).
To many listeners, these lines seem to allude to a comment attributed to Charli XCX, as well as an alleged connection between Swift and Matty Healy, the American singer’s ex-boyfriend and bandmate of Charli’s husband, producer George Daniel.
The context of the dispute is not new. In 2024, Charli XCX released the song “Sympathy Is a Knife,” the verses of which read:
“Don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show / Fingers crossed behind my back / I hope they break up real quick“
(I don’t wanna see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show / Fingers crossed behind my back / I hope they break up real quick).
The lyrics were interpreted by many as a dig at Taylor Swift, hinting at professional awkwardness or comparisons within the industry. With “Actually Romantic”, some fans believe that Swift would have decided to respond ironically, alluding to the attention that her “rival” devotes to her.
In one of the most quoted lines, the artist sings: “You just give me so much… attention / It’s so romantic“
(You just give me so much attention… It’s so romantic).
The phrase, which Swift intones with an obviously sarcastic tone, has been interpreted as a criticism of media obsession and rivalry between women in music, a subject that the singer has addressed at different stages of her career.
The other reading: a hint to Kim Kardashian
Another sector of the fandom espouses a different theory: that “Actually Romantic” is directed at Kim Kardashian, picking up on a public feud that dates back to 2016, when edited recordings of Swift in a phone call with Kanye West were leaked.
Proponents of this interpretation rely on a specific verse: “But you keep sending me funny valentines / And I know you think it comes off vicious / But it’s precious, adorable“
(But you keep sending me funny valentines / And I know you think they sound cruel / But they’re precious, adorable).
These lines have been linked to an actual episode in 2018, when Kardashian sent Valentine’s Day gifts to several of her “enemies” – among them, allegedly, Taylor Swift herself – and posted the list on social networks. For many followers, the reference to “funny valentines” is a direct allusion to that moment, making the song a subtle response from Swift to the American businesswoman’s ironic gesture.
Despite the controversy, Taylor Swift has not made any statements confirming the assumptions. In recent interviews, the artist described the track as a reflection on “a person who has lived in your head for free, without your knowledge,” a phrase that many interpret as a metaphor for a troubled relationship in which hostility is transformed into a distorted form of affection.
This explanation fits both the narrative of professional rivalry between Charli XCX and Swift, as well as the prolonged tension with Kim Kardashian, leaving the door open to multiple readings.
Throughout her career, Taylor Swift has been recognized for her ability to turn her personal experiences into art, using lyrics loaded with references and metaphors. With “Actually Romantic”, the artist once again demonstrates her ability to generate conversation and cultural debate, making each song a piece subject to analysis.
Whether or not it’s a message towards Charli XCX or Kim Kardashian, the song has established itself as one of the most talked about tracks on The Life of a Showgirl and a new example of how Swift continues to be the talking point in contemporary pop music, not only for her musical talent, but for her emotional storytelling and her power to connect – and divide – millions of listeners.
Here you can listen to the song ‘Actually Romantic’ by Taylor Swift.
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