Unveiling the Mysterious Figure in Taylor Swift's 'TTPD' Song: Exploring the Identity of 'The Bolter'
Delve into the intriguing connections between Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' track and the enigmatic socialite Idina Sackville, speculated to be the inspiration behind 'The Bolter' character. Unravel the secrets and parallels in this captivating musical narrative.
Who Is the Real Bolter in Taylor Swift s TTPD Track
Taylor Swift. Amy Sussman/Getty Images
When Taylor Swift released "The Bolter" version of her 11th album, The Tortured Poets Department, some fans speculated that the song was inspired by a particular photo of her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn.
The photo in question captures Alwyn and Swift hurriedly leaving an afterparty for the MTV Video Music Awards in August 2022. As the couple rarely made public appearances together during their six-year relationship, fans connected the dots and believed that "The Bolter" in the TTPD track referred to Alwyn, who preferred to keep his relationship with Swift under wraps.
"The Bolter" in Swift's song may seem like a reference to Alwyn, but the true inspiration is likely Idina Sackville, an Edwardian socialite known for defying norms and having multiple husbands. While not directly mentioned in the song, Swift drops hints that she is aware of Sackville and her nickname, The Bolter.
For a detailed look at the real-life inspiration behind Swift's song, continue reading below:
Who Is Idina Sackville?
Lady Myra Idina Sackville, known by her middle name, was born in England in 1893. Her father, Gilbert Sackville, held the title of the 8th Earl De La Warr. Idina gained notoriety for defying social conventions in the period surrounding World War I, marked by her multiple divorces and bold behavior such as allowing guests to watch her dress. Her cousin, the renowned writer and garden designer Vita Sackville-West, was also well-known for her relationship with Virginia Woolf.
Idina tied the knot with her first husband, David Euan Wallace, in 1913. Their love faced challenges during WWI and they eventually divorced in 1919. Shortly after, she found love again with Charles Gordon and they moved to Kenya. Meanwhile, Wallace took care of their two sons.
Who Is the Real Bolter in Taylor Swift s TTPD Track
After her breakup with Gordon, Idina went on to marry and later divorce three more husbands: Josslyn Hay, Donald Carmichael Haldeman, and William Vincent Soltau. Her personal life continued to be a popular topic of society gossip during the 1920s and ’30s, despite some relaxation in social norms.
In 2008, Frances Osborne, the great-granddaughter of Idina, wrote a book called The Bolter, which is about Idina's life. The title of the book comes from Idina's nickname, "The Bolter," given to her because she often left her husbands. Osborne explains in the book that Idina's husbands were not always faithful to her, with both Wallace and Hay having affairs during their marriages to her.
Idina passed away in 1955 at the age of 62.
Meaning of 'The Bolter'
Idina was given the nickname "The Bolter" by novelist Nancy Mitford, who created a character inspired by her. In Mitford's books The Pursuit of Love, Love in a Cold Climate, and Don't Tell Alfred, there is a character known as The Bolter who escapes to Kenya and becomes involved in exciting adventures. This character, like Idina, also marries a younger man (like Hay) and is known for her impeccable fashion sense (similar to Idina).
Osborne only found out that Idina was her great-grandmother when she was a teenager. In her book, she shares how her mother and grandmother kept this fact hidden because Idina's reputation from Mitford's novels had made her infamous. "You don't want to be known as 'the Bolter's granddaughter,'" Osborne remembers her mother warning her.
Who Is the Real Bolter in Taylor Swift s TTPD Track
English writer Nancy Mitford. Thurston Hopkins/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Where Else Can You Find ‘The Bolter’?
Michael Arlen also found inspiration in Idina's life when he wrote The Green Hat in 1924. The novel tells the story of a woman named Iris Storm, who, like Idina, enjoys a series of affairs following World War I. Iris, just like Idina, drives a Hispano-Suiza car and cherishes a ring from one of her ex-husbands. However, in the novel, Iris is a widow instead of being divorced.
The Green Hat was made into a movie in 1928 called A Woman of Affairs featuring Greta Garbo. However, the book was seen as too daring in the United States, so certain parts were taken out to comply with censorship rules. In the film, Garbo's character is known as Diana Merrick.
Who Is the Real Bolter in Taylor Swift s TTPD Track
Greta Garbo in ‘A Woman of Affairs,’ 1928. Cover Images
How Does Taylor Swift’s Song Relate?
Swift's song "The Bolter" appears to be inspired by both the real Idina and the character from Mitford's novels. In the first verse, Swift sings about a woman who is described as "splendidly selfish, charmingly helpless," and is seen as fun until you truly get to know her. Behind her back, her friends laugh and give her the nickname "The Bolter."
In the chorus, Swift paints a picture of a woman in a tumultuous relationship with a lover who may not be the best match for her. The lyrics describe a scenario that starts with a kiss, leading to arguments and ultimately ending with the woman leaving in a town car one evening. Despite the heated arguments and hurtful words, as she walks away, it feels like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
Swift also mentions activities that were popular among socialites in the early 20th century, such as trophy hunting and horse racing. In order to emphasize that the person in the song is well-traveled and has had many relationships, Swift includes the lyrics, "She’s been many places with / Men of many faces."
Editor's P/S:
The article sheds light on the intriguing inspiration behind Taylor Swift's song "The Bolter," revealing that it draws upon the captivating life of Idina Sackville, an Edwardian socialite who defied societal norms with her multiple marriages and bold behavior. This discovery adds a layer of depth and historical context to Swift's lyrics, as she weaves together themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships.
Furthermore, the article explores the various literary and cultural works that have been influenced by Idina Sackville's story. From Nancy Mitford's novels to Michael Arlen's "The Green Hat," her life has served as a source of inspiration for artists and writers alike. This demonstrates the enduring fascination with Idina Sackville's unconventional life and her status as a cultural icon.
