Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, titled The Tortured Poets Department, was released on April 19th. In the title track of the album, Swift references two of her inspirations, songwriter Patti Smith and poet Dylan Thomas. The lyrics of the song mention, “You’re not Dylan Thomas/ I’m not Patti Smith/ This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel/ We’re modern idiots,” showcasing Swift’s admiration for these iconic figures.
Following the release of the album, Patti Smith took to her Instagram to acknowledge the mention of her name in Taylor Swift’s song. She posted two photos of herself reading Dylan Thomas’ work, accompanied by a caption in the form of a poem. Smith expressed her gratitude for being recognized alongside the great Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, by Swift.
In a previous interview with The New York Times in 2019, Patti Smith shared her thoughts on Taylor Swift. She empathized with the pop star’s constant scrutiny and the pressures she faces as a public figure. Smith acknowledged Swift’s efforts to use her platform for good and encouraged fans to open their minds through her music.
With 31 songs on the album, Taylor Swift’s fans have been busy deciphering the inspiration behind each track. Following Swift’s breakup with actor Joe Alwyn and a short fling with The 1975’s Matty Healy, listeners have speculated about the song “The Tortured Poets Department” being a reflection of her whirlwind romance with Healy.
Taylor Swift’s latest album not only showcases her musical talent but also pays homage to her influences such as Patti Smith and Dylan Thomas. The interaction between artists, like Swift and Smith, highlights the impact of art and music in creating connections and inspiring creativity.
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