The Tortured Poets Department
Taylor Swift Lyrics
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Straight from the Tortured Poets Department
I think some things I never say
Like "Who uses typewriters anyway?"
But you′re in self-sabotage mode
Throwing spikes down on the road
But I've seen this episode
And still loved the showWho else decodes you?
And who′s gonna hold you like me?
And who's gonna know you, if not me?
I laughed in your face and said,
"You're not Dylan Thomas.
I′m not Patti Smith.
This ain′t the Chelsea Hotel.
We're modern idiots."
And who′s gonna hold you like me?
Nobody.
Nobody.
Nobody.
You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate
We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist
I scratch your head, you fall asleep
Like a tattooed Golden Retriever
But you awaken with dread
Pounding nails in your head
But I've read this one
Where you come undone
I chose this cyclone with you.
And who′s gonna hold you like me?
And who's gonna know you, if not me?I laughed in your face and said,
"You′re not Dylan Thomas.
I'm not Patti Smith.
This ain't the Chelsea Hotel.
We′re modern idiots."
And who′s gonna hold you like me?
Nobody.
Nobody.
Nobody.
Sometimes I wonder if you're gonna screw this up with me
But you told Lucy you′d kill yourself if I ever leave
And I had said that to Jack about you so I felt seen
Everyone we know understands
Why it's meant to be
Cause we′re ... Crazy.
So tell me
Who else is gonna know me?
At dinner you take my ring off my middle finger and put it on the one
People put wedding rings on
And that's the closest I′ve come to my heart exploding
Who's gonna hold you?
Me.
Who's gonna know you?
Me.
"And you′re not Dylan Thomas
I′m not Patti Smith
This ain't the Chelsea Hotel.
We′re two idiots."
Who's gonna hold you?
Who′s gonna hold you,
Gonna know you
Gonna troll you?
You left your typewriter at my apartment
Straight from the Tortured Poets Department
Who else decodes you?
The lyrics of "The Tortured Poets Department" by Taylor Swift delve into a complex and layered relationship dynamic between two individuals. The song opens with the image of a typewriter left at the singer's apartment, symbolizing a connection to the world of tortured poets and artistic expression. The singer reflects on the unspoken thoughts and emotions that linger between them, questioning the use of typewriters in a modern context but ultimately embracing the enigmatic nature of their connection.
The theme of self-sabotage and inner turmoil is introduced as the singer observes the other person navigating their own demons, symbolized by "throwing spikes down on the road." Despite the challenges and complexities, the singer acknowledges their unwavering love and understanding for this individual, having witnessed similar struggles before. The question of who else can truly decipher this person's thoughts and emotions is posed, highlighting the unique bond between them.
The chorus explores the intimacy and familiarity shared between the singer and the other person, emphasizing the irreplaceable connection they have. The references to poet Dylan Thomas and musician Patti Smith allude to artistic influences and a shared understanding of complexity and depth. The rejection of traditional romantic ideals, as symbolized by the Chelsea Hotel reference, solidifies their unconventional yet profound bond.
The final verse delves deeper into the intensity of their relationship, touching on themes of insecurity, dependence, and a mutual sense of being understood and accepted. The singer contemplates the possibility of things going awry but finds solace in the knowledge that they are seen and acknowledged by the other person. The repeated questioning of who else can hold and know them, underscored by the poignant gesture of exchanging rings, underscores the depth of their connection and the profound impact they have on each other's lives. Overall, the song captures the essence of a complex, intertwined relationship that transcends convention and embraces the beauty and chaos of love.
Line by Line Meaning
You left your typewriter at my apartment
You unintentionally left behind a piece of yourself, a symbol of your creativity and personal struggles, in my living space.
Straight from the Tortured Poets Department
It's clear that your artistic endeavors are born from deep emotional turmoil, as if you're a representative of those who express pain through poetry.
I think some things I never say
There are unspoken thoughts and feelings within me that remain hidden, even though they weigh heavily on my mind.
Like 'Who uses typewriters anyway?'
I question the relevance of your outdated methods of expression, reflecting my skepticism about your choices.
But you're in self-sabotage mode
You seem to be actively undermining your own happiness and success, caught in a cycle of destructive behavior.
Throwing spikes down on the road
You are creating obstacles and difficulties for yourself and others, making the journey harder for those who care.
But I've seen this episode
I have experienced this pattern of behavior before, knowing how this story typically unfolds.
And still loved the show
Despite its ups and downs, I continue to appreciate you and our shared experiences.
Who else decodes you?
Who else is able to understand your complexities and nuances as deeply as I do?
And who's gonna hold you like me?
No one else will be there to offer you the same emotional support and comfort that I do.
And who's gonna know you, if not me?
I possess a unique understanding of you; without me, your true self may remain hidden from others.
I laughed in your face and said,
I confronted you directly, using humor as a way to address the seriousness of our situation.
'You're not Dylan Thomas.
I reminded you that you aren't a legendary poet, hinting at the unrealistic expectations we both face.
I'm not Patti Smith.
I, too, do not embody the persona of an iconic artist, acknowledging the limits of our creative identities.
This ain't the Chelsea Hotel.
Our lives and struggles are not as glamorous or romantic as those of artists living in legendary locations.
We're modern idiots.
We are representatives of our generation, flawed and confused, trying to navigate life in a contemporary context.
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
Once again, I assert that no one else can provide you the same kind of emotional reassurance and understanding I do.
Nobody.
The stark truth is that there is no one else like me in your life.
Nobody.
Reinforcing the sentiment of solitude in your emotional journey.
Nobody.
Emphasizing the uniqueness of our bond yet again.
You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate
You engage in self-soothing behaviors, perhaps as a coping mechanism for your emotional distress.
We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist
We bonded over shared opinions and aspirations in the music industry, reflecting our desire for recognition.
I scratch your head, you fall asleep
In our moments of intimacy, I provide comfort to you that allows you to find solace.
Like a tattooed Golden Retriever
You vibrate with a carefree spirit, yet wear your emotional scars openly, similar to a loyal pet.
But you awaken with dread
You often confront your anxieties and fears as soon as you return to reality.
Pounding nails in your head
Your mind is overwhelmed with troubling thoughts that weigh heavily on your psyche.
But I've read this one
I am familiar with this narrative; I recognize the signs and understand your struggles.
Where you come undone
I've witnessed moments when you lose control or break down under pressure.
I chose this cyclone with you.
I willingly entered into this tumultuous relationship, aware of the challenges it brings.
And who's gonna hold you like me?
Again emphasizing my unique role in your life as your emotional anchor.
And who's gonna know you, if not me?
Restating the idea that my understanding of you is unparalleled.
I laughed in your face and said,
Reiterating my confrontation with you through humor to mitigate the tension.
'You're not Dylan Thomas.
Instilling a reality check regarding your aspirations and what you truly are.
I'm not Patti Smith.
Highlighting our identity and limitations as artists in our own right.
This ain't the Chelsea Hotel.
Reminding us that our reality is less glamorous and romantic when compared to artistic lore.
We're modern idiots.
Accepting our generational identity, filled with confusion and missteps.
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
Echoing my irreplaceable role in your emotional life once more.
Nobody.
The harsh truth of solitude and uniqueness in our connection.
Nobody.
Reiterating the point that no one shares this bond with you as I do.
Nobody.
Final confirmation of the lone emotional support and understanding I provide.
Sometimes I wonder if you're gonna screw this up with me
I occasionally fear that your self-destructive tendencies might ruin our relationship.
But you told Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave
You've expressed your dependency on me to others in a profoundly alarming way that indicates the depth of your feelings.
And I had said that to Jack about you so I felt seen
I have also confided similar fears to a friend, creating a bond of understanding about our situation.
Everyone we know understands
Our mutual friends are aware of our complicated dynamic, grasping the nuances of our connection.
Why it's meant to be
There is a collective recognition that our turbulent relationship has a deeper purpose.
Cause we’re ... Crazy.
Acknowledging our unconventional behavior and the chaotic nature of our love.
So tell me
I invite you to share your thoughts or feelings, seeking a deeper connection.
Who else is gonna know me?
No one else has the insight into my life as you do, reflecting on our shared understanding.
At dinner you take my ring off my middle finger and put it on the one
In a symbolic gesture, you mindfully changed the placement of my ring, signaling something significant about our relationship.
People put wedding rings on
The action carries connotations of love and commitment, hinting at a deepening bond.
And that's the closest I’ve come to my heart exploding
That moment brought intense emotions to the surface, highlighting the passion and significance of our connection.
Who's gonna hold you?
Once more declaring my role as your emotional support.
Me.
Affirming that I am the one you can rely on.
Who's gonna know you?
Reinforcing the idea that I am the one who truly understands you.
Me.
Grounding the certainty in my understanding and care for you.
'And you’re not Dylan Thomas
Reiterating the reminder of our individual identities, devoid of unrealistic comparisons.
I’m not Patti Smith.
Understanding that we create our paths, separate from legendary figures.
This ain't the Chelsea Hotel.
Clarifying that our lives are not defined by the exaggerated narratives of artists' lifestyles.
We’re two idiots.
Embracing our flawed nature in this modern existence.
Who's gonna hold you?
Focusing back on the central theme of my emotional support.
Who’s gonna hold you,
Continuing to assert my unique role in your life.
Gonna know you
Once again emphasizing my understanding of your complexities.
Gonna troll you?
Playfully questioning whether I engage with you in light-hearted teasing, highlighting our dynamic.
You left your typewriter at my apartment
You’ve left behind a part of your essence that represents your emotional struggles and creative processes.
Straight from the Tortured Poets Department
Symbolizing the pain and artistic struggle that defines your creative pursuits.
Who else decodes you?
Reaffirming that only I can fully understand the intricacies of who you are.
Writer(s): Taylor Swift, Jack Michael Antonoff
Contributed by Muhammad N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Minggy3611
"I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairytale
This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town"
"Try and catch me now, oh
It's too late"
-- white horse
"You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith
This ain't the Chelsea Hotel, we'rе modern idiots"
"And who's gonna hold you? Me
And who's gonna know you? Me"
-- TTPD
@theingabo212
All of a sudden, we all have this indescribably deep connection with typewriters…
@YouTubetail
😮
@taytays.swiftie13
Ikr
@vanillahoneytea
Im so happy I have a typewriter :)
@Tinaa_139
Fr
@cmd2583
I have a typewriter keyboard lol
@s-ge5gx
I'm just waiting for the smart swifties to decode , analyse and dissect everything so I can sit back and obsess over it all
@courtney3974
I love the smart swifties. The star students on the group project. ❤
@kurtamielaco2628
there's black dog and word reputation (not sure or just my eyes clowning) on fortnight mv...
@alanissophia9728
What I don’t get is, if this is about Matty, then he also made wedding promises?? Both him and Joe?