Decoding “Lucy” in Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department: Unraveling the Connections

Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, has ignited a fervor of speculation among fans, particularly regarding the enigmatic reference to “Lucy” in one of its tracks. As Swift delves into the complexities of her past relationships with Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy, the mention of “Lucy” has sparked curiosity and debate among her devoted audience.

The song in question, “The Tortured Poets Department,” contains a bridge where Swift cryptically recounts a lover’s promise to “Lucy” that he would take his own life if Swift were to leave him. Fans have been quick to dissect this reference, leading to various theories about the identity of “Lucy” and her significance in Taylor Swift’s narrative.

Lucy as an the queen? #TSTTPD #TaylorSwift pic.twitter.com/3iZjZvckXj

— Carolina ????️ (@SHEISMINEMIMI) April 19, 2024

Is “Lucy” Lucy Dacus?

One prevailing theory posits that “Lucy” refers to Lucy Dacus, the talented queer singer-songwriter known for her work as part of the Grammy-winning supergroup boygenius alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker. The connection between Dacus and Swift is underscored by their shared history, particularly during the time when Swift was crafting The Tortured Poets Department.

During Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour last year, Dacus and Bridgers opened for Swift in Nashville, coinciding with the early stages of Swift’s rumored relationship with Healy. This proximity and shared professional sphere lend credence to the speculation that “Lucy” could indeed be Lucy Dacus.

lucy dacus after taylor swift told her she’ll kill herself if matty healy dumps her pic.twitter.com/pJO7HqqerX

— ???? (@thequeerjoy) April 17, 2024

The Dynamics of Friendship: Taylor Swift and Lucy Dacus

Despite the lack of explicit confirmation from Swift herself, evidence suggests that Swift and Dacus maintain a friendly rapport. Their appearance together at the Grammy Awards in February 2024, where Swift celebrated her Album of the Year win and reportedly congratulated boygenius on their success, indicates a continued camaraderie between the two artists.

LUCY DACUS MENTIONED IN A TAYLOR SWIFT SONG. MY TAYLUCY HEART CANT HANDLE THIS STOP https://t.co/ofyqANjqGE

— chia ☽ (@swiftxbishop) April 19, 2024

Fractured Relationships: Lucy Dacus and Matty Healy

In contrast to the amicable bond between Swift and Dacus, the relationship between Dacus and Healy appears strained. Last September, Healy faced backlash and subsequently deactivated his Twitter account after making an ableist joke about Dacus’ band, boygenius. Dacus responded sharply, underscoring a rift between them.

As fans continue to dissect Taylor Swift’s lyrical intricacies and unravel the web of connections within The Tortured Poets Department, the mention of “Lucy” remains a tantalizing puzzle piece. While speculation abounds, the true significance of “Lucy” in Swift’s narrative may only be fully understood by the artist herself. Until then, fans will eagerly await further clues and revelations from the songstress as she continues to captivate audiences with her music and storytelling prowess.