Taylor Swift The Tortured Poets Department Cover
TTPD Synth-Pop

The Tortured Poets Department

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

You left your typewriter at my apartment

Straight from the tortured poets department

I think some things I never say

Like, "Who uses typewriters anyway?"

But you're in self-sabotage mode

Throwing spikes down on the road

But I've seen this episode and still loved the show

Who else decodes you?

[Chorus]

And who's gonna hold you like me?

And who's gonna know you, if not me?

I laughed in your face and said

"You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith

This ain't the Chelsea Hotel, we'rе modern idiots"

And who's gonna hold you like me?

Nobody

No-fucking-body

Nobody

[Verse 2]

You smokеd, then ate seven bars of chocolate

We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist

I scratch your head, you fall asleep

Like a tattooed golden retriever

But you awaken with dread

Pounding nails in your head

But I've read this one where you come undone

I chose this cyclone with you

[Chorus]

And who's gonna hold you like me?

(Who's gonna hold you? Who's gonna hold you?)

And who's gonna know you like me?

(Who's gonna know you?)

I laughed in your face and said

"You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith

This ain't the Chelsea Hotel, we're modern idiots"

And who's gonna hold you like me?

(Who's gonna hold you? Who's gonna hold you?)

No-fucking-body

(Who's gonna hold you? Who's gonna hold you?)

Nobody

(Who's gonna hold you? Gonna know you? Gonna troll you?)

Nobody

[Bridge]

Sometimes, I wonder if you're gonna screw this up with me

But you told Lucy you'd kill yourself if I ever leave

And I had said that to Jack about you, so I felt seen

Everyone we know understands why it's meant to be

'Cause we're crazy

So tell me, who else is gonna know me?

At dinner, you take my ring off my middle finger

And put it on the one people put wedding rings on

And that's the closest I've come to my heart exploding

[Chorus]

Who's gonna hold you? (Who?)

Me

Who's gonna know you? (Who?)

Me

And you're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith

This ain't the Chelsea Hotel, we're two idiots

Who's gonna hold you?

[Outro]

Who's gonna hold you?

Who's gonna hold you?

Who's gonna hold you?

Who's gonna hold you?

Who's gonna hold you?

Who's gonna hold you?

Who's gonna hold you?

Gonna know you? Gonna troll you?

You left your typewriter at my apartment

Straight from the tortured poets department

Who else decodes you?

About the Song

"The Tortured Poets Department" is the titular track of Taylor Swift's eleventh studio album. The song offers a satirical yet intimate look at a chaotic relationship, widely believed to be with Matty Healy of The 1975.

The "Tortured Poet" Persona

Swift deconstructs the idea of the "tortured artist." She mocks the pretension of using typewriters and comparing themselves to legends like Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith. She playfully (and bitingly) asserts that they aren't living in the iconic Chelsea Hotel; they are just "modern idiots" in a messy, intense romance.

Specific References

The lyrics are dense with specific imagery: "tattooed golden retriever" suggests a partner who is both eager and edgy. The mention of "Lucy" (likely Lucy Dacus) and "Jack" (Antonoff) grounds the song in Swift's real social circle, highlighting the desperate, dramatic nature of the fling ("you'd kill yourself if I ever leave").

Q&A

Who is 'The Tortured Poets Department' about?

The song is widely believed to be about Matty Healy, lead singer of The 1975. References to typewriters, tattoos, and being 'modern idiots' align with his public persona.

What is the meaning of the Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith reference?

Swift uses these names to highlight the pretentiousness of the relationship. By saying "You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith," she acknowledges they aren't these legendary artists, but rather "modern idiots" trying too hard.

What does the 'tattooed golden retriever' line mean?

This metaphor describes a partner who is affectionate and eager (golden retriever energy) but has an edge or a past (tattooed). It suggests a mix of innocence and rebellion.

Why is the typewriter significant in the lyrics?

The typewriter symbolizes an obsolete, impractical tool used to signal "artistry." It represents the partner's self-indulgent nature and the "tortured poet" persona they are trying to project.

Does the song reference Jack Antonoff?

Yes, the lyrics mention "And I had said that to Jack about you, so I felt seen." This refers to her producer and friend Jack Antonoff.

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