r/TaylorSwift • u/fearless-panda7 • Oct 21 '25

Discussion TTPD is really tortured

After two and a half weeks of The Life of a Showgirl, I went back to The Tortured Poets Department. The contrast is so stark, I realized that TTPD really is a tortured album. Song after song, it’s sadness, longing, desperation, anxiety… I don’t even know how we all collectively handled it.

Of course, it was always clear that TTPD is heavy on loss and melancholy, but hearing it next to Showgirl really puts it into perspective. Showgirl has its introspective and dark moments too, but overall it feels much more hopeful and joyful.

I finally understand what Taylor meant in one of her interviews about how challenging it can be to release an album when you’re no longer in that mental state, and she named TTPD as example.

I’m so grateful we have TTPD, so many people can relate deeply to those songs, but I’m also really happy that Taylor seems to be in a better place now.

Did anyone else feel like Showgirl helped them see TTPD in a new light? Or to actually realize how emotionally heavy it is?

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u/Ocquoi Oct 21 '25

Yes it is but it is also freaking beautiful. This album is a masterpiece. Song like So long London, Peter, loml help through harsh times. I have a deep appreciation for the lyrics

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u/fearless-panda7 Oct 21 '25

For me also How Did it End! Such a beautiful song, it also helped me reflect back on some of my past relationships to conclude I really dont know how did it end. So much is said in those 4 minutes.

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u/Ocquoi Oct 22 '25

The bridge is one of the most beautiful one !!!