Fans are analyzing Taylor Swift’s new playlists and noticing a pattern that may be connected to her breakup with Joe Alwyn. In anticipation of her upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department, Swift released five playlists representing the stages of grief. The fourth playlist, titled “Old Habits Die Screaming,” focuses on depression and features existing songs from her discography that reflect intense emotions related to loss and hopelessness.
Listeners discovered that many songs in the playlist make references to an elusive hallway. Songs such as “Coney Island,” “Maroon,” and “You’re Losing Me” all mention incidents in a hallway and contemplate whether to stay or leave a relationship right before a heartbreak occurs. Fans have speculated that the hallway symbolizes a space between staying and leaving, representing turmoil and instability in relationships. The use of hallways as a metaphor may be inspired by classic poets like TS Eliot.
Rumors suggest that the songs referencing the hallway and the color blue could be about Alwyn. Swift, known for using shades of blue in songs about Alwyn, may have woven elements of their relationship into her music. Producer Jack Antonoff revealed that “You’re Losing Me” was written in 2021, before Swift and Alwyn’s official breakup. Sources have indicated that Alwyn struggled with Swift’s fame, leading to tensions in their relationship.
Swift has since moved on with Travis Kelce, a NFL tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. The couple made their relationship public in September 2023 and have supported each other at public events. Kelce praised Swift’s upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department, calling it “unbelievable.” He expressed excitement for the album’s release on April 19. Despite her past relationship with Alwyn, Swift seems to have found happiness with Kelce and looks forward to the next chapter in her music career.
