Decoding Taylor Swift's 'LOML' from 'The Tortured Poets Department' Album

Taylor Swift Has a The Tortured Poets Department' Song Called LOML What Does It Mean

Taylor Swift Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift's fans are buzzing with excitement over The Tortured Poets Department tracklist.

The 12th track on TTPD, titled "LOML," has been marked as explicit on Apple Music. While fans are unsure about the musical style and lyrics of the song, many believe that "LOML" stands for "love of my life." On the other hand, some fans speculate that it could also mean "loss of my life," leading to a wave of questions among Swifties.

One fan expressed confusion over the meaning of "loml," suggesting it could stand for either 'love of my life' or 'loss of my life,' causing a moment of distress. Another fan noted that Taylor Swift's decision to stylize the track title in all lowercase letters may suggest a more sorrowful tone.

There is also speculation that Taylor Swift, who is 34 years old, may have invented a completely new acronym for "loml."

One fan on Tumblr expressed their belief that the acronym 'loml' could possibly stand for 'love OR my life,' sparking a debate on what it truly means to Taylor Swift.

Other suggestions for the acronym include "loss of my love," "losing only my love," "lonely over my lover," and "living only my life." However, the most commonly accepted meaning is "love of my life," a phrase previously used by Swift in her song lyrics.

In her 2017 duet with Zayn Malik, "I Don't Wanna Live Forever," Swift sings, "Wondering if I dodged a bullet or just lost the love of my life?" This line further adds to the speculation surrounding the true meaning behind the acronym 'loml.'

During one of her concerts in Chicago in June 2023, Taylor Swift surprised fans by adding “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” to her setlist. While performing, fans noticed Swift looking emotional as she sang the lyrics “just lost the love of my life.” Speculations arose among Swifties that she was singing from the heart, possibly referencing her recent breakup with Joe Alwyn, which was confirmed in April 2023.

Almost a year later, during a concert in Singapore in March, Swift once again included “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” in her acoustic set. This time, she performed a mash-up with “Dress” from her album Reputation. Fans on social media observed a difference in her performance, noting that it seemed less somber and more uplifting. Many believed that this change reflected Swift's healing process from the heartbreak and hinted at a new romantic chapter, as she has been dating NFL star Travis Kelce since the summer of 2023.

"Love of My Life" is a song by Harry Styles, one of Taylor Swift's exes, from his 2022 album "Harry's House".

In the song, Styles sings, "Baby, you were the love of my life, woah." Styles and Swift dated from late 2012 to early 2013, and it is believed that their relationship inspired some songs on Swift's album "1989". He also sings, "Maybe you don’t know what’s lost ’til you find it."

Taylor Swift announced at the 2024 Grammys in January that her next studio album will be TTPD. She later revealed that she began writing it right after finishing her 2022 LP, Midnights.

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During a February Eras Tour concert in Australia, Swift shared that her upcoming record, Tortured Poets, was like a lifeline for her. She expressed how songwriting has always helped her get through life, and this album was no exception.

Although Swift has not disclosed the inspiration behind TTPD, fans believe it may be about a breakup, specifically with her ex-boyfriend Alwyn. The speculation was fueled by certain songs on the album, such as "So Long, London," "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)," and "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart," especially since Alwyn is from England.

The Tortured Poets Department will be released on Friday, April 19.

Editor's P/S:

The release of Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department tracklist has sparked a frenzy of excitement and speculation among her fans. The explicit tag on the 12th track, "LOML," has left Swifties debating its meaning, with theories ranging from "love of my life" to "loss of my life." The cryptic nature of the acronym has fueled further discussion, with fans offering their own interpretations.

The speculation surrounding "LOML" has also been fueled by Taylor Swift's past experiences and lyrical choices. Her use of the phrase "love of my life" in previous songs has made this a popular theory, while her recent heartbreak has led some to believe that it may be a more somber reference to a loss. The inclusion of "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" in her recent concert setlists, a song that explores the pain of losing love, has further added to the intrigue. Ultimately, the true meaning of "LOML" will remain a mystery until Taylor Swift chooses to reveal it, but the anticipation and speculation surrounding it are a testament to her enduring ability to captivate her fans.