Decoding Taylor Swift's Subtle Nods to Matty Healy in the 'TTPD' Segment of Her 'Eras Tour'

Swifties Think Taylor Swift Subtly Referenced Matty Healy During the TTPD Section of The Eras Tour

Taylor Swift, Matty Healy Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management;Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Swifties are noticing some possible references to Matty Healy in Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department performance during her Eras Tour in Europe.

Taylor Swift performed for the first time after releasing TTPD on Thursday, May 9, in Paris. She not only dedicated a special era to TTPD but also updated her wardrobe and adjusted her setlist to include her new songs.

The singer recently performed songs from TTPD for the first time. Some of the songs included “But Daddy I Love Him,” “So High School,” “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me,” “Down Bad,” “Fortnight,” “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” and “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.”

Fans were surprised when Swift released TTPD in April. Many noticed that most of the album seemed to be about Healy rather than Swift’s ex Joe Alwyn, whom she dated for six years. (Swift and Healy have been connected since 2014 but had a short-lived romance in June 2023 following her breakup from Alwyn.)

During the TTPD segment, fans quickly spotted potential homages to the 1975 frontman as Swift rocked the stage.

Check out below to see how Swift subtly referenced Healy during The Eras Tour:

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The Infamous March and Salute

During her performance of “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” there were whispers that Taylor Swift may have subtly referenced her ex-boyfriend. She appeared to poke fun at him by including a move he is known for - marching and saluting the audience. This move is typically done by Healy during his performances of “Love It If We Made It.”

Swift confidently sang the ballad, striding down the stage with flair and acknowledging the audience with a salute at the end of her performance. Fans were quick to notice the potential shade thrown.

"I noticed it right away. So bold and straightforward. She does it every time she sings 'Love It If We Made It'," one viewer remarked on a TikTok video showing a snippet from the show.

Being Carried Away in Style

Swift ends her performance of “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” in a dramatic fashion. Two of her dancers gracefully carry her off the stage and gently lay her down on a couch as she prepares for her next song.

The choreography is similar to Healy’s onstage scene when he is also carried by a man in a coat to a sofa.

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Self-Touching

While rehearsing for the song "So High School," which appears to be inspired by Swift's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, Swift is seen sitting with her dancers. As she reaches the lyrics, "Touch me while your bros play Grand Theft Auto," she gestures by lightly running her hand down her chest, imitating a move commonly done by Healy during his performances.

Editor's P/S:

Taylor Swift's recent Eras Tour performance has sparked speculation among fans about possible references to her rumored ex-boyfriend, Matty Healy. During the "Tortured Poets Department" segment, Swift allegedly incorporated subtle homages to Healy, including a march and salute reminiscent of his signature move and a similar choreography to his own onstage performance. These references have led many to believe that the songs in TTPD may be inspired by their relationship.

Despite the lack of confirmation from Swift or Healy, the potential nods to Healy have created a buzz among fans. Some have expressed excitement at the possibility of Swift exploring a new muse, while others have questioned the timing and appropriateness of these references given her current relationship with Joe Alwyn. The ongoing speculation and analysis of Swift's performance highlight the enduring interest in her personal life and the ongoing fascination with her songwriting process.