Taylor Swift's new song 'Actually Romantic' appears to respond to Charli XCX's 'Sympathy Is a Knife', released 16 months ago on the album Brat. In the song, Charli expressed anxiety about being around Swift when she was dating Matty Healy, but Swift's response has been criticised as a 'graceless' and 'vengeful' move.
Charli's original track detailed her insecurities and awe of Swift, with lyrics like 'I couldn't even be her if I tried'. Swift's retort, however, accuses Charli of obsession, singing 'all the time you've spent on me' and likening her to 'a toy chihuahua barking at me from a tiny purse'. Critics argue this misses the point of Charli's vulnerable confession.
The feud underscores Swift's 'tedious obsession with conflict', according to music journalist Laura Snapes. Swift's history of perceived beefs, including with Katy Perry, is noted, as is her 2019 single 'You Need to Calm Down' which advocated against such rivalries. The new track has been described as 'punching down' given Swift's immense fame.
Swift's response also comes after allegations that she blocked Charli's Brat from reaching number one in the UK by releasing deluxe editions of her own album. This pattern of behaviour, including a similar move against Billie Eilish, has drawn criticism for prioritising chart battles over artistic growth.
