Swift’s 12th album teases brutal lyrics aimed at Trump, a lost friend and romance rumours

Taylor Swift is preparing to release her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl — and insiders claim it’s loaded with lyrical “Easter eggs” taking aim at everyone from former friend Blake Lively to Donald Trump, while also addressing persistent rumours that her romance with Travis Kelce is nothing more than a publicity stunt.

The singer, known for weaving cryptic personal references into her music, appears to be sticking firmly to tradition. Sources say the new tracks will draw directly from the past year’s drama: a friendship collapse, political spats, accusations of chart manipulation, and speculation over her love life.

Swift reportedly began writing the album during her record-breaking Eras Tour in 2024, working at an intense pace of up to three songs a day. The result is a body of work that mixes “dramatic” instrumentals with deeply personal — and at times romantic — lyrics.

On Monday, she revealed the album in a surprise teaser on Kelce’s New Heights podcast. Holding up a vinyl copy emblazoned with “TS”, she told listeners: “This is my brand-new album, The Life of a Showgirl.” Kelce, beaming, announced “TS 12” to mark it as her twelfth release. The cover art remains under wraps.

While much of the record is inspired by her relationship with Kelce, insiders say she hasn’t shied away from tackling the negative headlines. One source revealed: “Taylor is in such a good space right now, but she knew she couldn’t ignore all the drama. There are Easter eggs about how she overcame the fallout with Blake, and she addresses the people who thought her relationship with Travis was a PR stunt.”

The “dark chapters” referenced include the public collapse of her decade-long friendship with Lively. The rift reportedly deepened when Swift became entangled in Lively’s legal dispute with actor Justin Baldoni, in which the singer was named in court documents and even briefly subpoenaed. According to reports, Swift cut contact with Lively after the incident, despite being godmother to her three daughters.

The album is also said to contain a pointed “diss track” aimed at Donald Trump, who publicly criticised Swift for endorsing Kamala Harris. Other lyrics allegedly reference online accusations that Swift strategically timed her album releases to undermine rival artists.

Controversy over her release strategy escalated last year with The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD). The album dominated the Billboard 200 for 17 weeks, fuelled by a surprise double album drop and multiple “special” editions with bonus tracks. Critics accused Swift of using staggered releases to sustain chart dominance, while fans defended her as simply rewarding loyal listeners.

Tensions flared further when she issued UK-only editions of TTPD on the same day Charli XCX was expected to debut at No.1 with Brat. Fans noted Charli is married to The 1975 drummer George Daniel, bandmate of Matty Healy — Swift’s brief ex-boyfriend.

Despite the feuds and speculation, the new record reportedly radiates a happier tone in parts. One insider claimed: “Some songs sound dramatic in terms of the instrumental, but the lyrical content on a few is romantic. Being loved by Travis has helped her overcome some dark chapters in her life. He is proof there are kind men with good hearts — fans will hear how happy she is.”

No release date has been confirmed for The Life of a Showgirl, but given Swift’s history of cryptic teasers and surprise drops, fans are already scouring every clue for when the next bombshell will arrive.