Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 14, 2025 · Entertainment

Taylor Swift: The New Bard of Pop Music?

Taylor Swift, 35, has made a number of references to iconic playwright William Shakespeare on her upcoming album, The Life Of A Showgirl; Swift pictured in 2024

Taylor Swift's Shakespearean Saga: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Showgirl Glamour

The Queen of Pop is back with a bang, and this time she's channeling the Bard himself, William Shakespeare! Taylor Swift, 35, has been dropping hints about her upcoming album, The Life Of A Showgirl, and it's clear that this record is going to be a game-changer. With references to iconic playwrights and nods to her own personal life, Swifties are buzzing with excitement.

Swift made a splash on boyfriend Travis Kelce's New Heights podcast, where she revealed the cover art and tracklist for her 12th studio album. And let's just say it's a masterpiece – a collage of close-up shots of her bedazzled body, spelling out "The Life Of A Showgirl" in glittery orange lettering. The image is every bit as stunning as Swift herself, and she confessed to wanting to go all out on the imagery because she's "so proud" of the music.

The English playwright, poet, and actor is widely believed to have been the greatest dramatist of all time

But what really caught our attention was the Shakespearean references scattered throughout the album. Yes, you read that right – Shakespeare! Swift has always been a masterful storyteller, weaving tales of love, heartbreak, and ambition into her songs. And now, it seems, she's drawing inspiration from the greatest writer in history.

The first track on the album? "The Fate Of Ophelia," a nod to Hamlet's tragic heroine, who meets her demise by drowning in a brook. Swift's cover art even features her almost fully submerged in water, à la John Everett Millais' iconic 1851 painting of Ophelia floating in a river.

But what about Travis Kelce? The Kansas City Chiefs tight end might not have read Hamlet in school (gasp!), but he's clearly got some cultural knowledge. When Swift asked if he knew the plot of the play, he quipped, "I don't want to get Jason all riled up!" – a joke that left us chuckling.

The singer released the cover and tracklist for her 12th studio album on Wednesday, while appearing on boyfriend Travis Kelce's, 35, New Heights podcast

And then there was the Lion King reference. Yes, you read that right again! Swift explained to Kelce's brother that Hamlet is actually an inspiration for Disney's animated musical classic. Who knew Shakespeare had such a profound influence on animation?

But here's the juiciest part: Taylor Swift and Blake Lively have been embroiled in a very public feud of late. Lively, 37, has taken some digs at Swift, referring to herself as Khaleesi from Game of Thrones (um, not exactly the most flattering comparison). And it seems like Swift might be getting her revenge on her new album.

One of the tracks is even titled "Ruin The Friendship" – a clear nod to their drama-filled past. We can't help but wonder if this album will be a tell-all, with Swift dishing out the tea on her high-profile feud.

The Grammy winner alluded to Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet, with the opening song on her record, titled 'The Fate Of Ophelia', as well as her album cover

Of course, Shakespeare scholar Jonathan Bate has long praised Swift's writing prowess, calling her "a real poet" in an article from The Times back in 2023. And it's clear why – her songs have always explored themes of love, betrayal, and ambition, just like the Bard himself.

But don't just take our word for it! Shakespeare's plays are studied by millions around the world, and his works continue to be performed thousands of times a year. It's no wonder Swift is drawing inspiration from this literary legend.

So, when does The Life Of A Showgirl drop? October 3, to be exact – over a year and a half after her last album, The Tortured Poets Department. We can hardly wait to get our ears on it!

Ophelia, a character from Hamlet, dies by drowning in a brook. The imagery from Swift's cover brings to mind the 1851 painting by John Everett Millais, which depicts Ophelia in a river

Swift has also confirmed that she co-produced the album with Max Martin and Shellback, marking a major departure from her usual collaboration with Jack Antonoff. Will this new sound be a hit? Only time will tell.

In any case, one thing's for sure: Taylor Swift is back, and she's bringing the drama – and some serious Shakespearean flair – to the table. Get ready to feast your ears on The Life Of A Showgirl, because it's going to be a wild ride!

Fans noted the similarities between the cover and Millais' painting

Swift also revealed that she had to give Kelce a crash course on the plot of Hamlet, as he never read it, to which he replied, 'It's alright, I watched the Lion King'

Notably, Swift's former best friend, Blake Lively, 37 ¿ with whom she had a falling out ¿ also once starred as a character named Ophelia in the film Savages; The two are seen in 2024

And it's possible Swift will address the friendship breakup on her new album, as another of the 12 tracks is titled 'Ruin The Friendship'

In 2023, Shakespeare scholar Jonathan Bate praised Swift's writing prowess, calling her 'a real poet' in an article from The Times; Swift pictured in 2024

The Life Of A Showgirl will be released on October 3, just over a year and a half after the release of her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department