Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn's Split: Unveiling the Clues Behind Their Breakup
Surprising fans, Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s breakup hints had been lingering for a while, from Alwyn's absence during the 'Eras Tour' to their secretive engagement and deleted declaration of love The setlist and You're Losing Me further raised eyebrows Don't miss the deal of the day
Did Swifties overlook the signs of Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s breakup, which appeared unexpectedly? Despite their six-year relationship starting in 2016, Swift and Alwyn maintained a low-key presence.
The next year, an exclusive source informed We that the couple was "taking things slow" but remained "deeply in love." Swift briefly mentioned the relationship for the first time in her 2020 Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, while discussing her Reputation era. She expressed feeling "alone" and "bitter" during that time, but Alwyn changed that.
"We jointly decided to keep our relationship private," the singer revealed. "Even though it was a really difficult period, I was content. However, it wasn't the type of happiness I had been taught to seek. It was a happiness that didn't depend on anyone else. We were just ... happy."
Later in the year, another source revealed that Swift considered Alwyn to be "one of the few stable constants in her life" and the couple were making plans for their future. "They have discussed their future and marriage," the source disclosed in March 2020. "They haven't set a specific deadline for this."
The public believed that the two were secretly engaged, but Swift and Alwyn never confirmed the rumors. Sources also reported that there was no ring involved. Despite Swift's public acknowledgment of Alwyn in 2020 and 2021, the actor continued to keep their relationship private.
In an interview with Elle in April 2022, Alwyn expressed the challenges of maintaining privacy in a culture that is becoming more intrusive. He emphasized the need to be cautious in sharing personal information, as even when nothing is offered, something will inevitably be taken. In April 2023, it was reported that Swift and Alwyn had parted ways, though the exact timing of their breakup remains unknown.
Keep scrolling for every hint leading up to Swift and Alwyn’s breakup:
Alwyn’s ‘Eras Tour’ Absence
At the start of her Eras Tour in March 2023, Swift's boyfriend Alwyn was noticeably missing from the VIP tent. Throughout their six-year relationship, he has only been seen at one of her shows, which was documented for Miss Americana. In the documentary, Alwyn was spotted backstage wearing a black hat pulled over his face, seemingly trying to avoid the cameras.
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Swift’s connection with Travis Kelce, which began in late 2023, stands in contrast to her previous relationships. Shortly after their romance became public, the NFL star made an appearance at his second Eras Tour show and openly displayed affection for the singer after she modified a lyric in his honor.
The Engagement Secrecy
When fans were convinced that Swift and Alwyn were engaged in 2020, he played coy about the rumors years later.
In April 2022, he mentioned to WSJ. Magazine, "If I had a pound for every time I think I’ve been told I’ve been engaged, then I’d have a lot of pound coins. I mean, the truth is, if the answer was yes, I wouldn’t say, and if the answer was no, I wouldn’t say."
Alwyn's reputation for privacy about their relationship reportedly contributed to the breakup, according to a source who spoke to Us in April 2023.
“Joe is very shy and never liked all of the attention that came with dating one of the most popular singers in the world,” the insider said.
Deleting a Declaration of Love
After their split, Swift appeared to suggest some tension between herself and Alwyn by removing the "Lavender Haze" song explainer from her Instagram.
Prior to the release of her upcoming album "Midnights" in October 2022, Swift elaborated on how the song served as a testament to love.
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The phrase ‘lavender haze’ caught my attention while watching Mad Men. Intrigued by its cool sound, I decided to look it up. Surprisingly, it was a common expression used in the ’50s to describe being in love,” Swift shared in the since-deleted clip. “If you’re in the ‘lavender haze,’ then that meant you were in that all-encompassing love glow. And I thought that was really beautiful.”
The ‘Eras Tour’ Setlist
Following the announcement of the separation, Swift made a switch, replacing the initial song in her Folklore era from “Invisible String” to “The 1.” This sparked speculation among fans about whether she was subtly referencing the breakup with Alwyn.
‘You’re Losing Me’
The Midnights From the Vault track was “written and recorded” in December 2021, per Swift’s frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff.
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The song was originally released in May 2023 on an exclusive CD for fans at the Eras Tour, before becoming available for streaming in November of the same year. Fans speculated that the song alluded to the end of her relationship with Alwyn, but details shared by Antonoff now raise the question - did the downfall of Swift and Alwyn begin years ago?
On the song's bridge, Swift sings, "I wouldn't marry me either / A pathological people pleaser / Who only wanted you to see her. And I'm fading, thinking, Do something, babe, say something, Lose something, babe, risk something, Choose something, babe, I got nothing to believe, unless you're choosing me."
