Taylor Swift Spills Secret: Lucy Dacus’ “Approval” Request

The Incident That Led to Dacus’s Public Response

Nearly one year after Taylor Swift’s album “The Tortured Poets Department” (TTPD), singer Lucy Dacus has confirmed her name was indeed mentioned in the title track of the album. Swift, a renowned pop star and one of the most influential figures in the music industry, referenced Dacus in the song, leading to a whirlwind of speculation among fans. Dacus, 29, who spoke exclusively to Morningpicker, revealed that Swift had reached out to her personally before the album’s release to get her approval. This gesture, according to Dacus, was a mark of respect and consideration that she appreciated deeply.

The moment Dacus first heard her name mentioned in the song was a surreal experience. According to her, the lyrics, “Sometimes, I wonder if you’re gonna screw this up with me / But you told Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave / And I had said that to Jack about you, so I felt seen,” resonated with her on a personal level. Dacus describes the moment as a blend of shock and admiration, acknowledging the level of vulnerability and openness Swift displayed in her work. “It was a really bizarre experience,” Dacus explained, “to be named in a song by someone who’s been so influential in my life, and to hear my name from a voice I’ve heard my whole life.”

The Impact of Healy’s Action on Dacus

The mention of Dacus’s name in the song was not the only connection to the turbulent relationship Swift had with Matty Healy, the lead singer of The 1975. Swift’s songwriting often reflects her personal life, and TTPD is no exception. The album delves into the complexity of her relationship with Healy, an experience that left Dacus in a peculiar position. Dacus had her own confrontation with Healy, which involved a social media post where Healy used her name alongside a derogatory term, causing significant distress. This incident strained the relationship between Dacus and Healy, leading to a public exchange of comments that Dacus found disheartening and inappropriate.

Swift’s handling of the situation, by naming Dacus in her song, brought these past events back into the limelight. Dacus’s response to Swift’s reference was not just a matter of public acknowledgment; it also underscored the complex dynamics within the tight-knit music community. The confirmation from Dacus signifies a moment of resolution in what had been a complicated narrative, paving the way for further dialogue and understanding within the industry.

Dacus’s Relationship with Boygenius Bandmate Julien Baker

Confirming the Relationship and Its Impact on Her Art

Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, both members of the supergroup Boygenius, have confirmed their romantic relationship in recent interviews, adding another layer of complexity to their artistic collaboration. Dacus and Baker, both known for their introspective and emotionally charged songwriting, have become a couple, a relationship that has influenced their music profoundly. Dacus shared with Morningpicker, “It’s been interesting, because I want to protect what is precious in my life, but also to be honest, and make art that’s true.” This balance between personal and professional life has become a central theme in Dacus’s new album, “Forever Is a Feeling,” which is set to release on March 28.

The relationship with Baker has had a significant impact on Dacus’s artistry. Not only does it influence the themes and tone of her music, but it also informs the emotional depth of her lyrics. Dacus and Baker’s shared experiences and mutual understanding have led to a collaborative atmosphere that enhances their creative process. The couple’s relationship has been a source of strength and inspiration, enabling Dacus to write with greater sincerity and personal insight, reflecting her life in a more direct and candid manner.

How Her Relationship Affects Her Approach to Songwriting

The influence of Dacus’s relationship with Baker is evident in her songwriting. Both artists have been known to delve into their personal experiences, and the relationship has provided Dacus with a new perspective on love, trust, and vulnerability. “I think maybe a part of it is just trusting that it’s not at risk. Maybe a healthier way to think about it is trust,” Dacus expressed. This trust in her relationship allows Dacus to explore deeper emotional territories in her music without fear of exposing herself to potential judgment or backlash.

Dacus’s approach to songwriting has shifted to reflect a more confident and secure emotional landscape. Her music now captures the nuances of a mature relationship, highlighting themes of stability, growth, and mutual respect. This shift has been evident in the lyrical content and the overall tone of her songs, showcasing a more assured and reflective narrative. The collaborative environment within Boygenius has also played a significant role in this evolution, as Dacus and Baker support and inspire each other in their artistic journeys.

Taylor Swift’s Inspiration and Artistic Process

The Tortured Poets Department’s Thematic Focus

Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” has been a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation, particularly due to its explicit references to her relationships and personal life. The album, which dropped on April 19, 2023, has been interpreted as Swift’s open-hearted exploration of her romantic relationships, notably her brief fling with Matty Healy. The thematic focus of TTPD centers on the turbulent and emotional experiences of love and heartbreak, themes that Swift has mastered in her songwriting, making the album a candid portrayal of her feelings and reflections.

Swift’s inspiration for TTPD is deeply rooted in personal experiences, particularly her relationship with Healy, a relationship that was short-lived but highly publicized. The album’s title track, “The Tortured Poets Department,” serves as a narrative of her feelings and the emotions surrounding her break-up with Healy. The lyrics, particularly the reference to “Lucy,” and the mention of “Jack,” likely referring to Swift’s long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff, highlight the interconnectedness of Swift’s personal life and her artistry.

Swift’s Collaborations and Influences

Taylor Swift’s collaborations have long been a cornerstone of her artistic success. Her latest album, TTPD, is no exception. Swift has worked with a range of influential artists, including Jack Antonoff, who has produced most of the tracks on TTPD. The collaboration with Antonoff has been crucial in shaping the sound and direction of the album, with his production style adding a layer of intimacy and vulnerability to Swift’s already emotionally charged lyrics.

The influence of collaborations extends beyond just production. Swift has also drawn inspiration from her friends and peers, including members of the band Boygenius, of which Dacus is a part. The musical interplay and mutual respect among these artists have created a rich tapestry of influence in Swift’s music. Phoebe Bridgers, another member of Boygenius, has collaborated with Swift on multiple projects, including a duet on “Nothing New” from Swift’s re-recorded version of her album Red. This collaborative dynamic has woven a strong network of support and creative exchange, further enriching Swift’s artistic process and the authenticity of her songwriting.

The story of Swift’s collaborations and influences highlights a broader theme in the music industry: the power of community and mutual support among artists. The acknowledgment and respect shown by Swift in reaching out to Dacus before the album’s release underscore a level of care and consideration that is not always seen in the often cutthroat world of music. Swift’s approach to collaboration and her willingness to involve and respect her peers have set a new standard for how artists can work together while maintaining their individual voices and integrity.