Exploring Taylor Swift's References to Substance Use in 'The Troubled Artists Division'

Every Drug and Alcohol Reference on Taylor Swift TTPD

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Taylor Swift’s newest release showcases some of her most mature lyrics yet.

Swift dropped her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, along with a bonus extended version called TTPD: The Anthology, on Friday, April 19. Throughout the album's 31 fresh tracks, the 34-year-old singer-songwriter explores themes of love, heartbreak, and angst, even making nods to drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes.

In the song “Florida!!!,” a collaboration between Taylor Swift and Florence and the Machine, they sing about a breakup with the lyrics “Florida is one hell of a drug.” The track is believed to be inspired by Swift’s ex Joe Alwyn, especially since she performed it during her Eras Tour in Tampa, Florida right after news of their split in April 2023.

The bridge of the song features the lyrics “Tell me I’m despicable, say it’s unforgivable / What a crash, what a rush, f—k me up, Florida.” Swift and Welch express the intense emotions of love and resistance with the lines “It’s one hell of a drug / It’s one hell of a drug/ Love loves me like this and I want to resist / So take me to Florida.”

Keep scrolling to read every reference Swift makes about substances in the lyrics of The Tortures Poets Department album:

‘Fortnight’

The album’s first single is believed to be inspired by Taylor Swift’s short-lived romance with The 1975’s Matty Healy. The title of the song may be a nod to the brief duration of their relationship, which lasted less than two months in the spring of 2023.

In the opening verse of the song, Swift sings, “I was a functioning alcoholic / ‘Til nobody noticed my new aesthetic.” She then goes on to express in the second verse, “All my mornings feel like Mondays stuck in a never-ending February / I tried a drug to help me move on, but its effects were only temporary.”

'The Tortured Poets Department'

In the second verse of the breakup track, Swift sings about smoking and eating seven bars of chocolate. She also mentions declaring Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist. It is rumored that this song was inspired by Healy, who is 35 years old.

Every Drug and Alcohol Reference on Taylor Swift TTPD

Kevin Mazur/TAS23/Getty Images

‘But Daddy I Love Him’

Swift's song "But Daddy I Love Him" appears to draw inspiration from Healy, with some subtle jabs at critics of her relationship with the musician. Many fans criticized their romance due to controversial remarks made by Healy in the past.

“All the wine moms are still holdin’ out, but f—k ‘em, it’s over,” Swift sang in response to haters.

‘Florida!!!’

Swift starts the song by saying, "You can beat the heat if you beat the charges too. They said I was a cheat, I guess it must be true. And my friends all smell like weed or little babies. And this city reeks of driving myself crazy."

In the chorus, she describes the state as "one hell of a drug." Swift continues, "The hurricane with my name when it came. I got drunk and I dared it to wash me away. Barricaded in the bathroom with a bottle of wine. Well, me and my ghosts, we had a hell of a time."

'Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?'

In the bridge of her song, Swift talks about rumors surrounding her life. People say she will sue if you step on her lawn, that she is fearsome, wretched, and wrong. They even claim she puts narcotics into her songs, but despite that, you're still singing along.

'I Can Fix Him (Yes, I Can)'

In track 11, Swift suggests that she is the only one who can change her rebellious partner, which has sparked speculation that the song was inspired by Healy.

"He blows out smoke like a train passing through a small town," she sings at the start of the song. "His jokes at the bar were gross and too loud."

Every Drug and Alcohol Reference on Taylor Swift TTPD

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

‘The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived’

In this track, Swift seems to be expressing her disappointment about certain aspects of her relationship with Healy. She mentions in the first verse, "You tried to buy some pills from a friend of friends of mine. They just ghosted you. Now you know what it feels like."

Exploring 'The Alchemy'

In the song 'The Alchemy,' Swift draws on chemistry references to create a unique atmosphere. She starts off by singing, "This happens once every few lifetimes / These chemicals hit me like white wine."

Song Analysis: "Clara Bow"

In the chorus of the song, the singer mentions a line where someone jokes about it being "heroin, but this time with an E." This is followed by a mention of a sign on the heart still being reserved for the singer. Additionally, in the bridge of the tune, there is a reference made to beer sticking to the floor.

‘The Black Dog’

Taylor Swift sings in the chorus of the closing track of TTPD that "This town is fake, but you're the real thing / Breath of fresh air through smoke rings." The song is inspired by the life of silent film star Clara Bow.

Starting off with the bonus tracks of TTPD: The Anthology, the pop star talks about a bar named The Black Dog and reflects on the challenges faced after a breakup.

In the bridge, the lyrics mention, "Six weeks of breathin’ clean air / I still miss the smoke." The song also questions, "Were you makin’ fun of me? / With some esoteric joke?"

Every Drug and Alcohol Reference on Taylor Swift TTPD

John Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images

‘The Albatross’

“Cross your thoughtless heart / Only liquor anoints you,” Swift sings on the revenge-themed track. “She’s the albatross / She is here to destroy you.”

Songs about Heartbreak

In one of her songs, Swift talks about the pain of finding out that her partner had been unfaithful. She sings about feeling hurt by the things that were said and how she was made to feel like just an afterthought. The lyrics also touch on the struggle of being in a relationship with someone who prioritizes drugs over their partner.

What Is the Best Song on Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department?’

‘So High School’

‘I Look in People’s Windows’

In a lively track from the album, Swift appears to draw parallels between her relationship with Travis Kelce and the dynamic of a popular high school couple. The chorus features lyrics like “From smokin’ your jokes all damn night / The bring of a wrinkle in time / Bittersweet 6 suddenly,” showcasing her playful and nostalgic take on love.

Reminiscing about a past relationship, Swift sings in the song’s chorus, “I look in people’s windows / Transfixed by rose golden glows / They have their friends over to drink nice wine.”

Editor's P/S:

Taylor Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department," showcases her lyrical maturity and explores themes of love, heartbreak, and addiction. Throughout the album's 31 tracks, Swift references drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, weaving these substances into the tapestry of her emotions.

In "Florida!!!," a collaboration with Florence and the Machine, Swift sings about a breakup, describing Florida as "one hell of a drug." The song's lyrics express the intense emotions of love and resistance, capturing the highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship. Other songs on the album, such as "Fortnight" and "The Tortured Poets Department," delve into Swift's struggles with alcohol and smoking, highlighting the ways in which these substances can both numb and exacerbate pain. Through her raw and honest lyrics, Swift explores the complexities of love, addiction, and the human condition.