The Life of a Showgirl: Why it is Important to Hold our Favs Accountable
By: Gabrielle Bernabe
DISCLAIMER: This article discusses sexual themes found in Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl album.
In the final installment of this album analysis, “Wood,” the ninth song on the album, serves as a metonymy for male genitalia, specifically Kelce’s. While the comparison to a specific tree is creative, some details feel unnecessarily revealing. Between the lackluster bars, however, lies a more pressing question: Was Kelce the first man to give Swift an orgasm?
The statistics around female orgasms remain disproportionately low. While every woman is different, purity culture and the taboo surrounding masturbation make understanding one’s own body more difficult. These pressures often result in women knowing less about their bodies than men, who are not subject to the same scrutiny. The lyric “The curse on me was broken by your magic wand” reflects an experience that resonates with many women, but self-discovery should come first. Sex should be enjoyable for both parties, and even if orgasms are not the goal, it should feel freeing and positive. Women are not “broken,” nor do they carry a “curse”; rather, understanding one’s body and having a supportive partner can make all the difference.
In the tenth song, “CANCELLED!” Swift presents a perspective that is difficult to agree with. This reinforced the importance of not idolizing public figures—they are still people and bound to disappoint. The lyric “Good thing I like my friends cancelled” raises an immediate question: Why would anyone want that for themselves or their friends?
She suggests that shared controversy strengthens bonds, writing, “At least you know exactly who your friends are / they’re the ones with matching scars.” This implies that she shares the same flaws as those she surrounds herself with. Additionally, the line “Soon you’ll learn the art of never getting caught” suggests not only an acceptance of these behaviors, but also an ability to conceal them. This framing makes the message of the song particularly unsettling.
The second-to-last song in the album, “Honey,” carries a more positive message. The title appears to reference a nickname Kelce used for Swift, transforming a term that once held negative associations for her into something that now represents love. It is incredible the potency and power of the people and the inspiration one can bring into their life.
A contrasting experience occurs when relationships end, and certain music becomes ties to those memories. Songs can embody specific people and emotions, making them difficult to revisit. Rather than avoiding those associations entirely, revisiting them can offer an opportunity to reflect on both the positive and negative aspects of past relationships.
The final song of this album, “Life of a Showgirl,” is also the only track featuring another artist. Sabrina Carpenter, who began her career on Disney, has recently gained significant popularity among younger audiences. The song explores the challenges of living in the public eye, an experience both Carpenter and Swift have faced for much of their lives. While fame can be overwhelming and has negatively impacted many artists, for those who are passionate about performing, the rewards can make the challenges worthwhile.
Criticism of the album also extends to its merchandise. Some members of the public have noted similarities between certain designs and symbols associated with Nazi Germany. This raises questions about intentionality, particularly given Swift’s reputation for carefully crafted symbolism. The contradiction between viewing her as highly intentional while dismissing potential meanings in this project is difficult to reconcile.
Public figures should be held accountable for their work. While it is not necessary to stop supporting artists entirely, it is important to remain aware of who is being supported and how that support may be perceived.