Decoding Taylor Swift's Song 'The Black Dog': Unraveling Fan Theories

What Does Taylor Swifts The Black Dog Mean Breaking Down All of the Fan Theories

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

Taylor Swift wrote a song called "The Black Dog" for The Tortured Poets Department, which fans believe carries a deep meaning.

During her concert in Singapore on Sunday, March 2, Swift, 34, shared, "I just had a plan for Night 2. I kinda felt you’d be [excited and loud], so I kinda wanted to show you something that no one else has seen before. If you want to look at the main screen, I want to show you something. This is the final edition of The Tortured Poets Department."

She continued, “It’s the final cover … [and] there’s a song called ‘The Black Dog.’ I can’t wait for you to hear it, and I just appreciate the enthusiasm.”

The Tortured Poets Department will be Swift’s 11th studio album, dropping on April 19. In addition to “The Black Dog,” there are three other bonus versions: “The Manuscript,” “The Bolter” and “The Albatross.” Each version has been heavily speculated to chronicle Swift’s breakup from Joe Alwyn. (The pop star and Alwyn, 32, dated for six years until news broke in April 2023 that they split.)

According to Swifties, "The Black Dog" could also symbolize Swift's heartbreak following the breakup. Keep reading to learn more about the different theories:

What Does ‘The Black Dog’ Mean?

The term "black dog" was first used in the 1700s to refer to a short period in someone's life, but it now includes a wide range of depression and its signs.

According to BetterHelp, a mental health service, "For many people, this metaphor represents a type of depression marked by feelings of sadness or lack of motivation, including losing interest in activities you once enjoyed." This comparison can be beneficial for individuals of all ages dealing with depression, as well as for those who have loved ones showing symptoms.

According to BetterHelp, looking at a picture of a "big, imposing black dog" can assist individuals in recognizing their depressive actions. The sensation of a large dog closely observing someone can mirror the unsettling feeling of a depressive episode.

What Does Taylor Swifts The Black Dog Mean Breaking Down All of the Fan Theories

Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

It’s a Metaphor

In a department full of tortured poets, it's not surprising to come across some metaphors. One Swiftie even mentioned a secondary metaphor explaining why a black dog might appear in one's mind.

According to a definition from BetterHelp shared by the fan on X, this metaphor symbolizes the gradual takeover of once enjoyable activities, self-identity, or past life by depression. It illustrates how depression can feel like a constant shadow, a loyal companion like a canine. Initially, the black dog metaphor may not have seemed as profound or frightening.

The Surprise Song Connection

After announcing “The Black Dog,” Swift launched into a surprise song mash-up of “Clean” and “Evermore.”

An X user pointed out that there are two songs in the album that talk about healing from a sky that ‘turned black like a perfect storm’ and a ‘gray November.’ The album is centered around heartbreak, but also focuses on the journey towards healing.

In ancient English folklore, a black dog is believed to be a sign of death. Some people think that the title of Alwyn's song "So Long, London," along with her English background, suggests that her relationship with Alwyn may be coming to an end. (Alwyn also contributed to Swift's album Folklore in 2020.)

A social media user on X commented, "She recognized the signs that the relationship was ending and she fought against it with all her might."

Which Taylor Swift Rerecord Is Your Favorite?

A ‘Tortured Poets’ Connection

One of Swift’s other TTPD songs is called “Clara Bow,” after the late Hollywood icon. Bow, for her part, owned a black dog.

What Does Taylor Swifts The Black Dog Mean Breaking Down All of the Fan Theories

Clara Bow had a black dog. When the dog passed away, she wrote a three-page eulogy for him. An X user jokingly commented that this act was very characteristic of Taylor.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the intriguing symbolism behind Taylor Swift's song "The Black Dog," exploring its potential connection to her heartbreak. The term "black dog" has been used to represent depression, a metaphor that resonates with Swift's lyrical themes of loss and healing. The article also highlights Swift's use of other metaphors and references to the black dog in her music, inviting us to consider the deeper meanings embedded within her lyrics.

It is fascinating to speculate on the personal experiences that may have inspired Swift's choice of imagery. The article prompts us to contemplate the complexities of heartbreak and the ways in which it can manifest in our lives. By analyzing the lyrics and symbolism in Swift's music, we gain a glimpse into her emotional journey and the transformative power of art in expressing and processing our own experiences.