Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Swift Strikes Back: Taylor's New Track Targets Scooter Braun

Taylor Swift appears to take aim at Scooter Braun's purchase of her masters from Scott Borchetta six years ago, on a track from her new album The Life of a Showgirl titled Father Figure

TAYLOR SWIFT UNLEASHES NEW ALBUM, "THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL" - A DELICIOUSLY CRAFTED BLEND OF POP AND POETRY

In a move that has left fans and industry insiders buzzing with excitement, global superstar Taylor Swift has dropped her highly anticipated new album, "The Life of a Showgirl". The record is a masterful blend of pop and poetry, featuring 12 expertly crafted tracks that showcase the singer-songwriter's continued evolution as an artist.

But what's really got everyone talking? Well, let's just say it involves some juicy diss tracks aimed directly at Scooter Braun, the mogul behind her infamous master recording controversy. That's right, folks - Swift has seemingly taken aim at Braun's purchase of her masters from Scott Borchetta six years ago in a track called "Father Figure". And, as you might expect, fans are devouring every lyric like they're at a Taylor Swift-themed all-you-can-eat buffet.

Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta posed for a photo June 28, 2019 in Montecito, California after making the deal, which set off the feud with the Shake It Off singer

"Father Figure", which appears fourth on the record and bears the name of the 1987 George Michael classic, is actually an original composition. The song's sharp lyrics include lines that seem to reference Braun directly: "You made a deal with this devil / Turns out my d*'s bigger... You pulled the wrong trigger / This empire belongs to me / Leave it with me." Ouch! While some fans might see these jabs as a form of revenge, others are simply appreciating Swift's clever wordplay.

Of course, not everyone is convinced that "Father Figure" is about Braun. Some fans have suggested that the lyrics could be interpreted in other ways - maybe even referencing Swift's fiancé, NFL star Travis Kelce? (More on him later.) But for those who've been following the singer-songwriter's saga with Scooter and Scott, this track is a triumphant "I told you so".

As it happens, fans had already been speculating about the album's lyrical themes even before its official release. Hours before "The Life of a Showgirl" dropped, all 12 tracks leaked online in low-quality audio - but that didn't stop Swifties from dissecting every verse and sparking feverish speculation.

Hours before The Life of a Showgirl officially dropped, all 12 tracks leaked online in low-quality audio across Discord and other platforms

Will she be singing about her fiancé? Rumored industry rivals like Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo? Or perhaps even ex-beau Joe Alwyn (RIP)? Whatever the case, one thing's for sure: "The Life of a Showgirl" is a sassy, sultry, and supremely satisfying listen.

Speaking of which, Swift has revealed that her new album was inspired by her days juggling her record-breaking Eras Tour (which spanned 21 months) and late-night studio sessions in Sweden. She recalled on her husband-to-be's New Heights Podcast over the summer: "I would do like three shows in a row, have three days off, fly to Sweden, go back to tour — I was physically exhausted but so mentally stimulated... I was just so excited to be creating."

And what about that album title? Well, according to Swift, it's all about embracing her inner showgirl. "The Life of a Showgirl" marks a major milestone for the 14-time Grammy winner: her first album as an engaged woman (following Kelce's romantic garden proposal in August 2025). But don't worry - this isn't just another fluffy love song or cheesy wedding album.

The record marks a major milestone for Swift: her first as an engaged woman, following Kelce's proposal in August 2025

In fact, Swift has ditched her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff for the first time in over a decade and instead co-produced "The Life of a Showgirl" with pop powerhouses Max Martin and Shellback. The result is a bold new era for Swift, one that pairs her sharpest storytelling with high-gloss, hit-making production.

And if you thought that was all - wait until you hear about the album's sultry new visual aesthetic! Inspired by her days juggling tour dates and late-night studio sessions in Sweden, Swift has unveiled a daring new look that embodies a Vegas showgirl for the ages. "I know she mentioned that it's gonna be a lot more pop beats," Kelce teased to his listeners earlier this month, "but it's just still so poetic in her melodies and her references and stuff... It's just so much fun to listen to."

With its release comes yet another exciting development: the theatrical premiere of Swift's music video for "Fate of Ophelia". The special event will take place across 540 AMC theaters this weekend, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, lyric videos, and personal insights from Swift herself. And at a price point of $12 per ticket (decided upon by the award-winning performer herself), it's sure to rake in millions.

Within minutes, Swifties were dissecting every verse, from the scathing to the swoon-worthy, to decode if she was singing about her fiancé or rumored industry rivals like Charli XCX (seen in 2014)

So what are you waiting for? Dive into "The Life of a Showgirl" and experience the magic for yourself!

Taylor Swift: The Life Of A Showgirl tracklist

  1. The Fate Of Ophelia (3:46)
  2. Elizabeth Taylor (3:28)
  3. Opalite (3:55)
  4. Father Figure (3:32) - Is this about Scooter Braun?
  5. Eldest Daughter (4:06)
  6. Ruin The Friendship (3:40)
  7. Actually Romantic (2:43)
  8. Wi$h Li$t (3:27)
  9. Wood (2:30)
  10. CANCELLED! (3:31) - Talk about a bold move!
  11. Honey (3:01)
  12. The Life Of A Showgirl (4:01)

The Life of a Showgirl follows Swift's 2024 record, The Tortured Poets Department, which shattered records before it was even released

Bonus: Get your tickets for the theatrical premiere of Swift's "Fate of Ophelia" music video now, and experience the magic of her new album in a whole new way!

In August, Kelce teased he couldn't stop 'listening to this album' and had 'been dancing throughout the house' to it