Taylor Swift Acknowledges Patti Smith in 'The Tortured Poets Department' Song

Patti Smith Thanks Taylor Swift for Mentioning Her Name in The Tortured Poets Department Song

Patti Smith and Taylor Swift Getty Images (2)

Patti Smith was pleasantly surprised to be mentioned by Taylor Swift in The Tortured Poets Department.

In a post on Instagram on Friday, April 19, the 77-year-old Smith expressed her gratitude for being recognized alongside the renowned Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. She shared a photo of herself reading Thomas' Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog and thanked Taylor for the mention.

Swift, 34, dropped her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology, last Friday. In the title track, she pays homage to Smith and Thomas, who passed away in 1953.

In the chorus, Swift croons, “And who’s gonna hold you like me? And who’s gonna know you, if not me? I laughed in your face and said, ‘You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith. This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’re modern idiots.’”

Swift’s song “The Tortured Poets Department” is believed to be inspired by her brief relationship with Matty Healy in spring 2023. They were first rumored to be linked ten years ago. In the song, there is a mention of a partner leaving his typewriter at Swift’s apartment. Healy, who is 35 years old, has openly talked about his love for vintage typewriters.

In a 2018 interview with GQ, Healy mentioned his fondness for typewriters. He explained that while he appreciates notebooks, he also has a special attachment to typewriters. Despite his affinity for them, he admitted that it is not practical to carry one around with him all the time.

In another part of “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift remembered a time when she and her love interest agreed that “Charlie Puth should be more successful.” Healy also showed his admiration for Puth, who was 32 at the time, in a tweet in 2018.

Their renewed romance came to an end in June 2023, with a source telling Us that they were never in a serious relationship. Despite this, their connection seemed to inspire several songs on Swift’s TTPD album, such as “But Daddy I Love Him,” “Down Bad,” “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can),” “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” “Fresh Out the Slammer,” “Guilty as Sin?” and “Fortnight.”

Healy was aware of Swift recounting their relationship on TTPD ahead of its release date, a source exclusively told We.

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

Matty still holds Taylor in high regard, but there were concerns about what she may have revealed on the album, according to an insider. The 1975 frontman is thrilled with the result of the LP. Matty's family was aware of their relationship and feared Taylor would criticize him. Being in the public eye has been challenging for Matty, and the last thing he needs is for Swift fans to see him in a negative light.

Swift also contributed songs to TTPD that address her breakup with Joe Alwyn after a six-year relationship that ended in 2023. The album also touches on her feud with Kim Kardashian and her current relationship with Travis Kelce.

The Tortured Poets Department is out now.

Editor's P/S:

Patti Smith's gracious response to Taylor Swift's acknowledgment in "The Tortured Poets Department" highlights the enduring influence of iconic artists across generations. Swift's homage to Smith, alongside Dylan Thomas, showcases the power of music to bridge time and inspire new creations. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of those who have paved the way for contemporary artists.

The article delves into the personal connections behind Swift's album, revealing the inspiration drawn from her relationship with Matty Healy. Swift's lyrics and Healy's own artistic inclinations suggest a shared appreciation for vintage typewriters and a mutual admiration for Charlie Puth. Despite the end of their romantic connection, Healy's positive response to the album indicates a level of respect and understanding between the two artists.