Taylor Swift has released a new song, 'Actually Romantic', widely interpreted as a response to Charli XCX's track 'Sympathy Is a Knife' from her 2024 album 'Brat'. The song appears to address Charli's earlier lyrics about feeling anxious around Swift, but critics argue it misses the point and reveals a vengeful side.
In 'Sympathy Is a Knife', Charli sang about her insecurities when Swift briefly dated Matty Healy in early 2023, while Charli was in a relationship with The 1975's drummer George Daniel. The lyrics expressed self-doubt rather than hostility, with lines like 'I couldn't even be her if I tried'. Swift's response, however, accuses Charli of obsession and includes digs such as 'boring Barbie' and comparing her to a 'toy chihuahua'.
The timing of Swift's track has also drawn scrutiny. In June 2024, Swift released UK-exclusive deluxe reissues of her album 'The Tortured Poets Department' the same week 'Brat' was released, widely seen as an attempt to prevent Charli's album from debuting at number one. This move echoed a similar tactic used against Billie Eilish in the US.
Critics have described Swift's response as 'punching down', given her status as one of the biggest pop stars in the world. The song has been compared unfavourably to the emotional maturity shown in the Lorde remix of 'Girl, So Confusing', where both artists addressed their rivalry with self-awareness and compassion.
Swift's history of feuds with other female artists, including Katy Perry, was highlighted in her 2019 single 'You Need to Calm Down', which criticised such conflicts. Observers note that 'Actually Romantic' seems to contradict that message, suggesting a regression in Swift's approach to interpersonal disputes.
