Taylor Swift Acknowledges Fan Theory Linking 'Fortnight' Video and 'Dear Reader' Song

Taylor Swift fans are learning from the best and becoming masterminds themselves when it comes to uncovering her clues.

Swift, who is 34 years old, released her album The Tortured Poets Department on Friday, April 19. On the same night, she also dropped the music video for the lead single, “Fortnight.” As fans closely examined each frame of the video, they noticed a connection to one of her Midnight songs. The video featured Post Malone, as well as actors from Dead Poets Society, Ethan Hawke, and Josh Charles.

In one scene of the video, Taylor Swift is seen wearing a gothic black dress while papers float around her. She opens file cabinet drawers dramatically.

One excited fan exclaimed, "TAYLOR ALISON SWIFT YOU DID NOT. HOLY S—T I AM NOT PREPARED AND I AM SO PSYCHED #TSTTPD," along with a screenshot from the video.

The social media user also included a screenshot of lyrics from “Dear Reader,” in which Swift sings, “Burn all the files / Desert all your past lives.”

It seems like Swift agreed with the theory, as she liked a post by X on social media. After releasing her 11th album, Swift was seen engaging with fans online, liking posts that praised her music video and even memes about replacing therapy with TTPD.

Swift celebrated her successful weekend by reposting a handful of critics' reviews, engaging with fans and showing her gratitude. She retweeted favorable articles from Rolling Stone, The Independent, and more outlets, adding lyrics from her new songs.

Swift surprised fans at the 2024 Grammy Awards in February by announcing TTPD. Then, on Friday, she further shocked fans by revealing a double album. The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology includes a total of 31 songs, with 15 additional tracks added to the original 16.

On Friday, she shared on social media about "The Tortured Poets Department." It is a collection of new works that capture the emotions and thoughts of a fleeting and fatalistic moment. This period, filled with both sensational and sorrowful events, has now come to an end. The chapter is closed, and there is no need for revenge or settling scores once wounds have healed.

Reflecting on this time in her life, she realizes that many of the wounds were self-inflicted. She believes that tears become sacred when transformed into words on a page. By sharing our saddest stories, we can release ourselves from them. What remains is the tortured poetry, a testament to the pain and healing process.

TTPD has broken impressive records with some of Taylor Swift's most vulnerable songs to date. Spotify announced that the album received 300 million streams in just 24 hours, surpassing Swift's previous record of 185 million for Midnights. The first track on the album, "Fortnight," also achieved the title of the most-streamed song in a single day.

Editor's P/S:

Taylor Swift's fans have once again proven their dedication and ingenuity by deciphering clues from her latest music video. The connection between "Fortnight" and "Dear Reader" highlights Swift's meticulous storytelling and her ability to engage her audience on multiple levels. The enthusiastic reactions from fans on social media demonstrate the strong bond they share with the artist and their eagerness to delve into her creative world.

The release of "The Tortured Poets Department" has been met with critical acclaim and impressive streaming numbers, underscoring Swift's enduring popularity and her ability to connect with listeners through her deeply personal lyrics. The album's exploration of themes such as self-reflection, healing, and vulnerability has resonated with many, solidifying Swift's status as one of the most influential artists of our time.