Introduction
Taylor Swift’s sixth studio album, “reputation,” released in 2017, provided fans with a personal journey into her romantic relationships and public image. One of the prominent figures in the album was Calvin Harris, Swift’s former boyfriend and a successful DJ and producer. The portrayal of Harris in the songs from “reputation” offers a glimpse into their relationship and its aftermath.
1. “Look What You Made Me Do”
The album’s lead single, “Look What You Made Me Do,” set the tone for Taylor Swift’s narrative shift from her previous albums. Although the lyrics are more broadly directed towards her adversaries, it can be interpreted as partially referencing her past relationship with Calvin Harris. Swift hints at the idea that she was forced to change her image due to external influences, possibly alluding to the aftermath of the breakup.
2. “Getaway Car”
“Getaway Car” tells a story of a relationship that started as an escape and turned into a betrayal. While the song is not explicitly about Calvin Harris, some speculate that it may reference the end of their romance. Swift sings about being “desperate to seek a glimpse of the other side” and portrays their relationship as a “reckless, tumultuous ride.” This portrayal suggests that Swift might have felt trapped and sought refuge in a new relationship, possibly with her next boyfriend, Tom Hiddleston.
3. “Delicate”
“Delicate” is a catchy and playful track that captures the early stages of a new romance. Although it does not directly mention Calvin Harris, the song’s overall context contrasts with the turmoil of her previous relationships, providing listeners with a sense of freedom and lightness. “Delicate” portrays a hopeful and exhilarating moment in Swift’s love life following the end of her relationship with Harris.
4. “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things”
“This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” is seen as a response to the highly publicized feud between Taylor Swift and Kanye West, but it also references Calvin Harris and their failed relationship. The song portrays a sense of betrayal and loss of trust, as Swift sings, “Friends don’t try to trick you, get you on the phone, and mind-twist you.” It provides insight into the aftermath of their breakup and offers a glimpse into the emotions Swift experienced at the time.
Noteworthy Gossip
Aside from the songs on “reputation,” there was a fair share of gossip surrounding Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris during and after their relationship. Notably, their breakup took a public turn when it was revealed that Swift was a co-writer on Harris’s hit song “This Is What You Came For” under the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg. This revelation led to tension and a public Twitter feud between the two artists, with Harris accusing Swift of trying to make him look bad. However, they eventually resolved their differences, and even though their romantic relationship ended, they maintained a somewhat amicable public relationship afterward.
