Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, has sparked renewed attention—not just for its catchy songs but for the way it dives deep into old conflicts, especially with music manager Scooter Braun and her former label boss Scott Borchetta. This long-running feud started back in 2019 when Braun bought the rights to Taylor’s first six albums for a whopping $300 million. Taylor revealed she wasn’t given a fair chance to buy her own music, which left her feeling betrayed. To take back control, she started re-recording all those albums, releasing them with the label “Taylor’s Version” to show her ownership.
In the new album, the song Father Figure stands out as a bold statement where Taylor directly addresses the fallout from that deal. The lyrics paint a sharp picture of betrayal and greed, with lines like “I can make a deal with the devil because my d’s bigger” and “They don’t make loyalty like they used to.” Many fans see these words as clear references to Braun and Borchetta, especially since there were reports of the two celebrating the sale with drinks—hinted at in Taylor’s mention of “brown liquor.”
The song also incorporates parts of George Michael’s 1987 hit Father Figure, a collaboration fully approved by his estate. They praised the track as a respectful and fitting tribute that connects two iconic artists across generations. But the album doesn’t stop there.
In another song called Always Romantic, Taylor appears to aim at an unnamed critic who mocked her behind the scenes and seemed to side with her ex. Lyrics like “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave” and “High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me” have led many to speculate that this is about singer Charli XCX, who is linked to Taylor’s former partner Matty Healy. Charli has faced criticism herself for her portrayal of drug use, which adds fuel to the rumors.
Despite the personal drama, Taylor’s comeback is strong. Earlier this year, she successfully bought back her masters, symbolizing a major victory in reclaiming her music legacy. Now engaged to NFL star Travis Kelce, Taylor continues to impress fans with her raw and honest storytelling, both in her lyrics and her highly praised Life of a Showgirl album. This release not only showcases her growth as an artist but also marks a powerful moment of reclaiming her story and standing tall against those who once tried to hold her back.