The Life Of A Showgirl is a much sleeker album than Taylor Swift‘s previous record, with only twelve tracks for fans to fall in love with. However, the star made sure to include a variety, from upbeat tracks like “Opalite” to more laid-back songs like “Ruin The Friendship.”
Still, The Life Of A Showgirl has received some mixed opinions. However, it’s not unusual for Swifties to need to digest an album longer than a few days before it truly resonates. Allow us to assist with the digestion. Here are all 12 tracks on Swift’s twelfth album, ranked.
Eldest Daughter
One of the most highly anticipated tracks on all of Swift’s albums has become the LP’s fifth track. Since her debut era, the pop star has made an effort to make track five the most vulnerable song on the album. Unfortunately, The Life Of A Showgirl‘s track five falls short of those that came before it.
Lyrics like “I’m not a bad b*tch, this isn’t savage,” has some Swifties cringing. However, Swift saves the song with the bridgewhich showcases the vulnerable songwriting skills that fans fell in love with.
Honey
In “Honey,” Swift reminisces on all the times she was called “honey” condescendingly. And now, when every partner does it, it finally feels sincere.
Swift’s past experiences clearly impacted her, but there’s something healing about hearing her partner redefine the word. Sweet as that may be, “Honey” is rather repetitive and not as strong as some of the others The Life Of A Showgirl tracks.
Elizabeth Taylor
For “Elizabeth Taylor,” Swift revisits some of her reputation– era production elements. She also admits she still worries about the rug being pulled out from under her. “If you ever leave me high and dry, I’d cry my eyes violet Elizabeth Taylor,” Swift sings.
Despite its upbeat production, it’s still a very vulnerable track. Swift has spoken highly of her soon-to-be-betrothed, Travis Kelce, mostly about how loved he makes her feel. “Elizabeth Taylor” is a peek behind the curtain at Swift’s insecurities that remain regardless of how much her partner showers her with affection.
Actually Romantic
A lot has already been said about the alleged Charli XCX diss track, but putting the feud aside, it’s actually quite clever. Swift has written a handful of diss tracks in her career, but has she never looked at her feuds from the perspective of “Actually Romantic.”
The song borrows pop-rock production from songs like Weezer’s “Beverly Hills” and Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag.” Those teenage angst songs are a near-perfect inspiration, as Swift has spoken in the past about her feuds always feeling so immature. This was hands down the best way the pop star could have addressed the situation, by the way finding it quite flattering.
Wood
Most Swifties had predicted exactly what Swift would be singing about on “Wood.” However, the double entendre–she was also talking about superstitions–came as a surprise. The Jackson 5-esque production was also pleasantly surprising and serves as the song’s strongest point.
It’s the catchy beat that makes it one of the most interesting The Life Of A Showgirl tracks. Swift has revisited pop over and over again, but nothing she’s done before sounds like “Wood.” Despite the mixed reactions to the lyrics–”his love was the key that opened my thighs“– the track is more unique than anything else on the album.
Wi$h Li$t
Upon hearing “Wi$h Li$t”, it’s instantly comparable to Swift’s Midnights track “Glitch.” However, this time, Swift is getting clear on what she wants in life. She’s spent her career making her achievements her main priority, but according to the track, all she really wants is a life with Travis Kelce.
Including a bunch of kids who look exactly like him and a basketball hoop in the driveway. While some might find it out of character for someone so dedicated to their career, it’s actually quintessential Taylor Swift. The star has been writing love songs since she picked up a guitar, and “Wi$h Li$t” is just another in her catalog.
Does she actually want to throw her career away to be Travis Kelce’s wife? Of course not, and since her partner is so supportive of her, she never feels pressured to. Swift is simply channeling how much she loves her partner and how it brings out a nurturing side of her none of her previous partners have.
canceled
Swift knows the first thing about being canceledespecially after the events that led to it reputation. With a slew of up-and-coming stars relying on her to guide the way, “Cancelled” is the perfect way for Swift to teach them the tricks of the trade.
Of course, there are whispers that the song may be about Blake Livelybut regardless of the inspiration, “Cancelled” is the kind of vengeful track Swifties have loved hearing from Swift since the reputation the wind It’s one of the few songs that isn’t about Kelce, balancing out The Life Of A Showgirl.
Unlike past songs about being canceled, Swift seems to be wearing cancellation as a badge of honor and encouraging her friends to do the same. It’s a much more seasoned perspective than what she had on reputation when she was in the heat of the moment. “Cancelled” also shows off Swift’s wicked sense of humorwhich is often undermined.
The Life Of A Showgirl
The Life Of A Showgirl‘s title track is the only song on the album to actually reference what it’s like to be a showgirl. None other than Sabrina Carpenter is featured on the songthe perfect ingénue for Swift’s glitzy track. If anyone has embodied a showgirl, it’s Carpenter, but she’s also been incredibly inspired by Swift.
Since the song follows an older showgirl giving advice to a younger one, Swift and Carpenter are the ideal duo. The song is also more stripped down than others, making it the perfect ending track.
The coming down after the highs of the overtly pop tracks resembles the coming down after an energetic show. It’s a genius conclusion, and it’s unlikely a coincidence, given the thought Swift puts into her every decision.
Ruin The Friendship
Swift takes listeners back to high school again with “Ruin The Friendship.” It’s one of the most Swift-sounding songs on The Life Of A Showgirland is reminiscent of some of her older work. Swift ruminates about a high school crush and admits her regrets about never confessing her feelings.
By the post-bridge verse, Swift reveals that the subject of the song passed away years later, adding another layer to its message. While she may revisit her past a tear in her songs, this time she isn’t so much harping on it, but rather using it as advice.
Swift gets vulnerable about how her fears led to regrets, and advises listeners not to do the same. “Ruin The Friendship” is incredibly bittersweetbut it shows a side of the songbird that only comes out occasionally these days, one she should definitely delve into more often.
Father Figure
Swifties have had a field day making edits to “Father Figure” for their favorite TV shows and movies, showcasing how much the track has resonated. The pop star’s clever storytelling and role-playing come out again as she writes from the perspective of a mentor speaking to their protégé.
The song seems to be inspired by her former label president, Scott Borchetta. However, there also seems to be a part of Swift that sees herself in the father figure roles. The pop star is on top of the world, with so many young singers beneath her, emulating her career.
Not all of them have had positive things to say about her, but as the biggest star in the industry, the the empire truly belongs to her. She’s not afraid to let everyone know this either.