Devoted followers of Taylor Swift have been left utterly astonished after uncovering a long-held secret: the global superstar has written songs for other artists under a carefully hidden pseudonym.
The Secret Behind the Songwriting Credit
It has emerged that Swift used the alias Nils Sjöberg when co-writing the 2016 chart-topping hit 'This Is What You Came For' for Rihanna. The track was officially credited to her then-boyfriend, Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, but the pair collaborated on the song during their relationship from 2015 to 2016.
While the use of a pen name is not unusual in the creative industries—authors like Stephen King and his son Joe Hill have done so—the discovery has sent Swift's fanbase into a frenzy. The revelation came to light when an eagle-eyed fan shared their findings on Reddit, prompting widespread discussion and surprise, even nine years after the song's release.
A Deeper Literary Connection?
The intrigue deepened when fans researched the name Nils Sjöberg. It was discovered that a real Swedish poet and officer born in 1754 bore the same name. The poet's most famous works have titles translating to 'The Bard', 'The Atheist', 'The Farmer', and 'Immortality'.
This discovery led to a compelling theory among fans. They noted a striking similarity between these translated titles and the song names on Swift's 2024 album, 'The Tortured Poets Department', which includes tracks like 'The Alchemy', 'The Bolter', and 'The Albatross'.
"I just thought this was an interesting look into what possibly could've been part of her inspiration for this album," the original Reddit user commented, suggesting Swift's choice of pseudonym might have been a subtle, intellectual nod.
Fan Reaction and Swift's Own Explanation
The online reaction was swift and full of admiration. "God she’s a genius," wrote one fan, while another referenced her song by commenting, "Truly a mastermind."
However, some pointed out that Swift has previously offered a simpler explanation for the alias. She indicated it was constructed from two common Swedish male names, akin to 'John Smith'. A commenter countered this, noting, "Neither name is in the top 25 names in Sweden," and observed that Taylor often gives a reason for her actions, but not necessarily the only reason.
This episode highlights the intense scrutiny and appreciation for Taylor Swift's meticulously crafted artistry, where even a decade-old songwriting credit can reveal new layers of meaning and connection to her current work.
