Taylor Swift's Nod to Lucy Dacus in 'The Tortured Poets Department': Unraveling the Connection

Taylor Swift talked about a lot of people on The Tortured Poets Department, and fans are particularly interested in her connection to Lucy Dacus on the new album.

Swift's newest album, released on April 19, delves into her short-lived relationship with Matty Healy. In the title track, Swift, 34, mentions various friends who were there for her time with Healy and their eventual breakup.

Swift sang about her concerns about messing things up in her song. She mentioned telling someone named Lucy that she would feel devastated if they ever left, similar to what Jack had said about her. This made her feel understood, as she referenced her close friend Jack Antonoff.

Fans noticed the connection between Swift and Dacus, who is part of the band Boygenius with Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker. They reunited at the 2024 Grammys and took photos together in the trophy room. Bridgers, who was also an opening act for Swift's Eras Tour, was part of the group as well.

One fan expressed concern about Lucy Dacus being involved in the situation after the album release. Another person brought up Dacus's past connection with Healy, 35, mentioning, "Lucy Dacus was mentioned in a Taylor Swift song about Matty Healy... This holds a special meaning for me."

How Taylor Swift Seems to Reference Boygenius Lucy Dacus on The Tortured Poets Department

Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, and Phoebe Bridgers of boygenius, along with Taylor Swift, were pictured together at The Recording Academy event, as shown in the photo by John Shearer/Getty Images.

Healy and Boygenius were on good terms until Healy made a social media post in September 2023. In the post, Healy joked about starting a group with a name combining the word "girl" and an offensive slur, which offended Dacus.

Dacus replied to Healy via X, saying, "You don't hear from me at all." Healy responded, "Yeah, this never goes well, does it." (Note: Healy has deactivated his account since then.)

Swift and Healy made headlines in May 2023 when rumors of romance sparked after her breakup with Joe Alwyn. The pair, who had been linked in 2014, kept quiet about their relationship status. However, Healy was spotted at several of Swift's Eras Tour shows.

Taylor Swift expressed her happiness to her fans during a concert in April 2023, mentioning that she had never felt so happy in all areas of her life before. She thanked her fans for being a part of this joyous time in her life, stating that everything finally seemed to make sense.

One month later, it was confirmed that Swift and Healy had ended their relationship. A source mentioned that Swift's friends were not surprised by the breakup, as they felt she was not ready for another serious relationship at that time.

What is the standout song on Taylor Swift’s album ‘The Tortured Poets Department?’

Swift is now in a happy relationship with Travis Kelce, while Healy has been romantically connected to Gabbriette Bechtel. Shortly after his public dispute with Dacus, Healy tried to clarify his questionable actions.

Healy apologized to those he may have hurt and promised to improve in the future during a concert for his band, The 1975. He also made it clear that he harbors no ill will towards anyone. As an artist, he wants to create a performance environment where not everything he does is taken literally.

Healy explained that his persona on stage is not a reflection of his everyday life; it is simply a character he portrays.

He mentioned that he has portrayed exaggerated versions of himself in print, podcasts, and other stages, trying to embody the role of a 21st-century rock star. He admitted that it can get complicated at times.

Healy shared his perspective by stating that pretending to be someone else can actually help you discover your true self. He also added that some men may choose to make offensive jokes for attention instead of seeking therapy.

Editor's P/S:

Taylor Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department," offers a glimpse into her brief romance with Matty Healy. Fans speculate about Swift's connection to Lucy Dacus, a member of the band Boygenius. Swift's lyrics suggest she confides in Lucy about her fears of losing someone, a sentiment echoed by her close friend Jack Antonoff. This connection has sparked intrigue among fans, particularly given Healy's past controversial comments about Boygenius.

Swift's album also highlights her personal growth and happiness. Despite the breakup with Healy, she expresses gratitude for her fans and a sense of contentment in her life. Her current relationship with Travis Kelce and Healy's apology for his past actions point to a new chapter for both artists. Swift's album serves as a testament to the complexities of relationships and the enduring power of friendship and self-discovery.