The Life of a Showgirl has just dropped, and honestly, it feels like it’s taken over my whole vibe! I mean, I’m over here memorizing every line, diving deep into meanings, and trying to figure out who all these tracks are about—it’s practically a full-time gig. This brings me to the track “Eldest Daughter.”
The song has a few layers, but it really comes across as Taylor expressing love and loyalty to someone special, especially with lines like “I’m never gonna let you down / I’m never gonna leave you out.”
Now, naturally, people are gonna connect the dots and assume it’s about Travis—and I kinda think that’s spot-on! It also dives into Taylor’s journey as an oldest sibling, feeling a bit disillusioned while trying to be “cool,” yet finding her true self with “you” (yes, that would be Travis).
Curious about the lyrics? Check them out below, courtesy of Genius!
Everyone’s so punk online
People act cool until they’re not
Every joke’s just trolling and memes,
It’s kinda sad, but apathy is the trend
Everybody’s cutthroat in the comments
All those hot takes feel so cold
When you ran into me, I claimed I was busy, that was a fib
I’ve been struggling with this terminal uniqueness
Just trying to fit in and seem cool
But I’m not a bad girl, this ain’t savage
But I’m not gonna let you down
I’m not leaving you behind
So many fakes, smooth operators
But I’m standing firm on my promise
I’m never going away
Yeah, yeah
You know, the last time I laughed this hard was
Jumping on a trampoline in some backyard
I must’ve been around eight or nine
That night ended when I broke my arm
I quickly learned to play it safe
After my first crush brought me down
When I told you I didn’t believe in marriage, that was a lie
Every eldest daughter
Was the first sat in the slaughter
So we all dressed as wolves and looked amazing
But I’m not a bad girl, this ain’t savage
But I’m not gonna let you down
I’m not leaving you behind
So many fakes, smooth operators
But I’m standing by my vow
I’m never really going away
Yeah, yeah
We relax
A gorgeous time lapse
Ferris wheels, kisses, and lilacs
And things I said that were silly
I thought I’d missed out on that beautiful, beautiful life that
Reflects that innocent light back
Like when we were kids
Every youngest child felt
Like they grew up wild
But now you’re home
[Chorus]
’Cause I’m not a bad girl
And this isn’t savage
And I’m never gonna let you down
And I’m never gonna leave you out
So many fakes, smooth operators (Ah, ah)
But I’m never breaking that vow (Never breaking that vow)
I’m never leaving you now
Yeah, yeah
Never gonna break that vow (Ooh)
Never gonna walk away, now
I’m never letting you go
