Fans are buzzing with excitement and speculation regarding a possible diss track from Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl. Leaked lyrics from a song titled “Actually Romantic” have ignited discussions among Swifties, leading many to believe it could be directed at Charli XCX.
The circulating lyrics suggest an underlying rivalry as they begin with, “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave,” and continue with a line referencing being ghosted. While the authenticity of these lyrics remains uncertain, they have encouraged fans to connect them to Charli, who has openly discussed themes of substance use in her music, notably in her track “365.”
The connection between the two artists is further deepened by Charli’s marriage to George Daniel, the drummer of The 1975, whose frontman, Matty Healy, has a history with Swift. In her recent song “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” Swift appears to address being ghosted, which some believe could also suggest a link to Healy.
Despite speculation about a feud between the two artists, Charli addressed these rumors in 2024 after the release of her song “Sympathy Is a Knife.” She clarified in a TikTok video that her music is not intended as diss tracks, but rather reflect the complicated dynamics female artists face within the industry.
In a supportive nod to Charli, Swift expressed admiration for her talent during an interview with Vulture, praising her innovative songwriting and the hard work she has consistently demonstrated over the years. Charli opened for Swift during the 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour, highlighting the respect they hold for each other’s artistry.
The anticipation continues to build as The Life of a Showgirl is set to release at midnight ET on Friday, October 3. The excitement surrounding the album could potentially dominate charts and discussions, reinforcing the notion that both artists, despite any perceived rivalries, are powerful forces in the music industry.