Taylor Swift’s surprise album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, has sent fans into a frenzy, not just for its raw emotional depth but also for its lyrical breadcrumbs hinting at her blossoming romance with NFL star Travis Kelce. While many anticipated the album to dissect past relationships, Swift cleverly weaves in her current love story, leaving Swifties worldwide to decode which songs are dedicated to her Kansas City Chiefs beau. So, which Taylor Swift tracks are about Travis Kelce? Let’s delve into the evidence and lyrical analysis to uncover the songs rumored to be odes to her football-playing muse.
‘The Alchemy’: A Football Field of Love Metaphors
One of the standout tracks sparking Travis Kelce song speculation is ‘The Alchemy’. The title itself, referencing the transformative process of turning base metals into gold, suggests a relationship that feels almost magical and transformative for Swift. The lyrics are rich with American football metaphors, making a strong case for Kelce being the inspiration.
The chorus immediately hits with football imagery:
- “So when I touch down / Call the amateurs and cut ’em from the team / Ditch the clowns, get the crown / Baby, I’m the one to be / ‘Cause the sign on your heart / Said it’s still reserved for me / Honestly, who are we to fight thе alchemy?”
The “touch down” is an obvious football reference, symbolizing a successful arrival or achievement in love. Phrases like “cut ’em from the team” and “get the crown” further solidify the football context, suggesting a competitive environment where Travis Kelce excels.
The second verse continues with vivid imagery of celebration and victory, painting a picture of post-game euphoria:
- “Shirts off, and your friends lift you up, over their heads / Beer stickin’ to the floor, cheers chanted ’cause they said / There was no chance trying to be the greatest in the league / Where’s the trophy? He just comes, running over to me”
This verse evokes the celebratory atmosphere of a football victory, where players are hoisted up by teammates and fans cheer. The lines directly referencing being “the greatest in the league” and seeking the “trophy” – which in this case is Taylor herself – strongly suggest Travis Kelce’s profession and their intertwined worlds. The imagery of him “running over to me” after a win is particularly telling, hinting at personal moments amidst public triumphs.
‘So High School’: Teenage Dream Romance with a Touchdown Star
If ‘The Alchemy’ uses metaphor, ‘So High School’ is refreshingly direct in its portrayal of a giddy, teenage-like romance, widely believed to be inspired by Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce. The song’s pop-rock vibe and nostalgic lyrics transport listeners back to the butterflies and excitement of young love, but with specific references that point squarely at Kelce.
The song playfully references a viral clip of a young Travis Kelce playing ‘Kill, Marry, Kiss’ and mentioning Taylor Swift:
- “Are you gonna marry, kiss, or kill me (Kill me) / It’s just a game, but really (Really) / I’m bettin’ on all three for us two (All three)”
This direct quote from the resurfaced clip leaves little room for interpretation. It’s a clear nod to a specific moment in Travis Kelce’s past that has now become intertwined with their present relationship narrative.
Further cementing the Travis connection, the lyrics mention paparazzi photos of him opening car doors for her, showcasing his gentlemanly gestures:
- “Get my car door, isn’t that sweet?”
This line references widely circulated paparazzi photos of Travis Kelce displaying chivalry, a detail that adds a layer of real-world context to the song’s narrative.
The lyrics also allude to Travis Kelce’s now-famous attempt to give Taylor Swift a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it after an Eras Tour show:
- “You knew what you wanted, and, boy, you got her.”
This lyric directly references the charming anecdote Travis Kelce shared about his initial attempt to connect with Taylor Swift, further solidifying the song’s inspiration. The line “You knew what you wanted, and, boy, you got her” is a playful acknowledgment of his persistence and success in winning her over.
Looking Ahead: Will More Travis Kelce Songs Emerge?
‘The Tortured Poets Department’ marks the first Taylor Swift album released since her relationship with Travis Kelce began, and these two tracks offer a glimpse into the early stages of their romance through her songwriting lens. While we shouldn’t expect Travis-centric songs in the upcoming re-recordings of ‘Reputation’ or ‘Taylor Swift’ (as those albums predate their relationship), the future holds exciting possibilities.
As Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate whether “TS12” – a hypothetical future album – might bring even more love songs dedicated to her NFL star boyfriend. For now, ‘The Alchemy’ and ‘So High School’ provide a fascinating and romantic soundtrack to their very public and very captivating love story.
