Current:Home > NewsTaylor Swift draws backlash for 'all the racists' lyrics on new 'Tortured Poets' album -Thrive Money Mindset
Taylor Swift draws backlash for 'all the racists' lyrics on new 'Tortured Poets' album
View
Date:2025-04-27 20:29:04
Taylor Swift released a new album Friday, but not all listeners are loving a controversial line from her new song, "I Hate It Here."
In the track off of "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," a deluxe version of her new album, the Eras Tour singer sings about discontent and the way our recollections are distorted by nostalgia. In it, she says she wants to return to an era that ended more than a century before her career began.
"My friends used to play a game where we would pick a decade we wished we could live in instead of this / I'd say the 1830s but without all the racists and getting married off for the highest bid," Swift sings in the track.
What we know about Taylor Swift's'The Tortured Poets Department' album so far
The Civil War began in 1861, more than 30 years after the decade Swift references in the song. Slavery was still active in the United States during this time.
"Everyone would look down 'cause it wasn't fun now seems like it was never even fun back then / Nostalgia is a mind's trick if I'd been there, I'd hate it," she sings. "It was freezing in the palace."
'So many wrong things about this:' Social media users react to Taylor Swift's 'I Hate It Here' lyrics
The controversial line has drawn the ire of the internet and fueled conversations around Swift's lyricism. Users on X, formerly known as Twitter, reacted to Swift's "I Hate It Here" lyrics.
"y’all .. there are so many wrong things about this," one user wrote, while posting a screenshot of the song's lyrics from Genius.
Slavery's explosive growth, in charts:How '20 and odd' became millions
"'I'd say the 1830s but without all the racists' now Taylor …" another user commented.
Other fans on X defended Swift's songwriting capabilities as historical analysis.
"It's an interesting commentary on how we sometimes idealize certain eras without fully considering the realities of living in them," one commenter said.
'The Tortured Poets Department' features 31 songs
Swift's 11th album "The Tortured Poets Department" features 31 songs, when you add in the 15-song deluxe version "The Anthology," which includes "I Hate It Here." The album draws on heartbreak and coming of age, traditional themes for one of the world's most famous people and songwriters.
Lead single "Fortnight" features rapper and singer Post Malone.
veryGood! (45952)
Related
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- All the past Met Gala themes over the years up to 2024
- Wayfair Way Day 2024: The Best Kitchen Gadget and Large Appliance Deals
- 1 dead in Atlanta area apartment fire that forced residents to jump from balconies
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- Reese Witherspoon's Daughter Ava Phillippe Slams Toxic Body Shaming Comments
- Real Madrid wins its record-extending 36th Spanish league title after Barcelona loses at Girona
- Jury foreperson in New Hampshire youth center abuse trial ‘devastated’ that award could be slashed
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Actor Bernard Hill, of ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings,’ has died at 79
Ranking
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- 'It's one-of-a-kind experience': 'Heeramandi' creator Sanjay Bhansali on why series is a must-watch
- Hold onto your Sriracha: Huy Fong Foods halts production. Is another shortage coming?
- A truck driver is accused of killing a Utah police officer by driving into him
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Angel Reese, Cardoso debuts watched widely on fan’s livestream after WNBA is unable to broadcast
- Former Michigan basketball star guard Darius Morris dies at age 33
- Second juror in New Hampshire youth center abuse trial explains verdict, says state misinterpreted
Recommendation
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Let's Roll!
Mega Millions winning numbers for May 3 drawing: Jackpot rises to $284 million
Book excerpt: The Year of Living Constitutionally by A.J. Jacobs
'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
Former President Donald Trump shows up for Formula One Miami Grand Prix
You’ll Be Down Bad For Taylor Swift’s Met Gala Looks Through The Years
These Unbeatable Way Day 2024 Deals Up to 66% Off Are Perfect For Small Apartments & College Dorms