Taylor Swift’s fans are speculating that her new song “Fresh Out the Slammer” is connected to her past relationship with Joe Alwyn, particularly as a response or sequel to her previous love songs about him. The lyrics of “Ready for It?” from her 2017 album Reputation are being compared to the new song, suggesting a connection between the two tracks. Swift’s relationship with Alwyn, which lasted from 2016 to early 2023, was kept private and inspired much of her music during that time, including Reputation, Lover, Folklore, and Evermore.
In an interview with TIME, Swift discussed how she has learned to have adventures and not lock herself away after several years of seclusion. With the announcement of The Tortured Poets Department, fans are theorizing that many of the songs, including “Fresh Out the Slammer,” are about the pop star’s past heartbreaks. Some fans speculate that the song could be about Swift’s breakup with Alwyn in April 2023 and the subsequent release of her new boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Others have interpreted the song as potentially referring to Alwyn feeling like a prisoner to Swift’s fame and being relieved after the breakup.
Fans have noted that “Fresh Out the Slammer” is not the only song in Swift’s repertoire that features themes of jail or imprisonment. In songs like “Getaway Car” and “Afterglow,” she references prison and escaping, while in her music video for “I Can See You,” she is shown trying to get out of a prison cell in a locked vault. The video, however, is about reclaiming her music and not specifically about a breakup. It remains to be seen what the true meaning of “Fresh Out the Slammer” is until the release of The Tortured Poet Department on April 19th.
Swift and Alwyn’s breakup was confirmed in April 2023, with a source revealing that the actor struggled with the attention that came with dating someone as famous as Swift. This issue of fame was also explored in Swift’s song “Peace” from her album released in 2020. Fans have connected the dots between Swift’s personal life and her music, speculating that her experiences with love, loss, and fame are reflected in her lyrics and song themes. The release of “Fresh Out the Slammer” has added to the intrigue surrounding Swift’s music and personal life.
