Every Pop Culture Reference In Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department," Explained.

Chloe Williams​
Apr 19, 2024
tortured poets department pop culture references

Taylor Swift loves to reference the past in her songs. Every new album adds another layer to a whole web of lore (as the kids say), and The Tortured Poets Department is no different! There are enough pop culture references to to keep you glued to Google for the whole weekend, which is why I read every single lyric to decode each movie and literary reference so you don't have to! Keep reading for the full scoop from our fearless leader: The Chairman of the Department ;).

Literary References In The Tortured Poets Department

Image via engin akyurt/Unsplash

Down Bad — "Did You Take All My Old Clothes, Just To Leave Me Here, Naked And Alone"

While "Down Bad" feels like a reference to aliens, it's also reminding us of the story of Adam and Eve, who were left naked in the Garden of Eden after eating the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The "experiments" Taylor Swift references in the first verse (plus the "Fortnight" music video) are also giving Mary Shelley/Frankenstein!

Image via Amazon

So Long, London — "You Left Me At The House By The Heath"

Hampstead Heath is a beautiful area of London that reportedly inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia in the late 30s and early 40s. As Narnia's self-proclaimed biggest fan, I'm totally claiming this indirect literary reference, especially since the Pevensies have to stay at the Professor's house when they're evacuated from London.

Image via Amazon

I Hate It Here — "I Hate It Here So I Will Go To Secret Gardens In My Mind People Need A Key To Get To"

This Taylor Swift song is all about wishing she was somewhere else during an early period of her life, and referencing The Secret Garden makes total sense. In the book, lead character Mary has to access the Secret Garden to discover the hope, joy, and healing she's lost.

Image via İlknur ERDURAN/Pexels

thanK you aIMee — "I Pushed Each Boulder Up The Hill"

This seems to be another Greek mythology reference, this time to Sisyphus. He was forced by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill — and then do it again when it rolled back down. Considering this song seems to reference Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and the drama that led to Reputation, it feels like a reference to the feud that rears its head over and over again.

Image via Robin Erino/Pexels

Cassandra — "So They Killed Cassandra First Cause She Feared The Worst And Tried To Tell The Town"

In Greek mythology, Cassandra (whose name means "she who entangles men," FYI) was a beautiful woman, and princess of Troy. The god Apollo falls in love with her, and gives her the power of prophecy — that is, until she rejects him and he turns the gift into a curse where no one believes her anymore.

Image via Amazon

The Bolter — "She Fell Through The Ice, Then Came Out Alive"

This is another indirect literary reference I'm claiming that totally reminds me of Amy March from Little Women. Amy falls through the ice when the March sisters are all children living in Massachusetts. Fans have historically hated her character, which is tied to the "A curious child, ever reviled // By everyone except her own father" lyric.

Movie References In Taylor Swift's New Album

Image courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys — "I Felt More When We Played Pretend Than With All The Kens"

The internet has claimed Taylor Swift as the real-world version of Barbie, and after last year's blockbuster hit (and Taylor referencing Ken in "Hits Different") we get another nod to our favorite doll. Plus, this song reminds me of Syd from Toy Story destroying his toys, and "he was my best friend down at the sandlot" got me thinking about The Sandlot. So many movie references, so little time!

Image via Michele K Short/Sony

Guilty As Sin? — "How Can I Be Guilty As Sin?"

Taylor Swift wrote "Carolina" for the book-to-movie adaptation of Where The Crawdads Sing. In "Carolina," she sings that Kya's community has "said that I was guilty as sin and sleep in a liar’s bed.”

More Pop Culture References

Image via Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

  • The Tortured Poets Department — Taylor Swift mentions poet & writer Dylan Thomas, singer-songwriter & poet Patti Smith, and American singer Charlie Puth, boygenius singer Lucy Dacus, producer Jack Antonoff.
  • But Daddy I Love Him — This is a line in both The Little Mermaid and The Notebook.
  • Florida!!! — Florence Welch is featured on this song, which mentions a hurricane. Florence + The Machine has a song titled "Hurricane Love."
  • Guilty As Sin? — Taylor also references "The Downtown Lights" by The Blue Nile, as well as the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus in The Bible.
  • Who's Afraid Of Little Old Me — Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf revolves around a bitter and aging couple who weaponize the youth of their guests against one another.
  • loml — "The coward claimed he was a lion" is a reference to The Wizard of Oz, while "Mr. Steal Your Girl" is a Trey Songz track.
  • I Can Do It With A Broken Heart — This whole song is about Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
  • The Alchemy + The Prophecy — In Taylor Swift's TIME interview, she references Harry Potter, which has huge themes around alchemy and prophecies.
  • Clara Bow — This song references Clara Bow, Stevie Nicks, and Taylor herself!
  • So High School — Taylor Swift Mentions video game Grand Theft Auto, Artistotle, and American Pie. She also mentions games like Kiss Marry Kill, Truth or Dare, and Spin the Bottle

Which of these pop culture references in The Tortured Poets Department is your favorite? Check out the latest news on the album here!

Lead image via Amazon

Sorry Jiara Fans, This One Moment In 'Outer Banks' Proved [Redacted] Was Always Going To Die

Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead.

If you're like me, you've been crying about the Outer Banks season 4 ending since part 2 dropped on November 7 — and there's a good chance you can't stop watching those edits to "White Ferrari" by Frank Ocean. ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 killed off beloved Pogue JJ at the hands of his high-key sociopathic father Chandler Groff. Some fans are so heartbroken they don't plan on watching season 5, but if you ask me, this one JJ and Kiara moment at the beginning of season 4 actually teased we were always going to say goodbye to him.

There was one Outer Banks season 4 moment that told me JJ was going to die.

  • Outer Banks fans are heartbroken the show killed off fan favorite JJ Maybank (Rudy Pankow).
  • Some fans are too heartbroken to watch the show again knowing how JJ's fate plays out.
  • But there's one moment in the first episode that teased something bad was coming.

    The JJ x Kiara moment you might have missed...

    Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

    In the Outer Banks season 4 premiere, JJ and the rest of the Pogues create a whole new life for themselves after finding the gold. They start a business, build a home together, and in a scene that delighted OBX fans everywhere, JJ starts doing a crazy dance on the dock when he realizes they finally achieved their dream. When Sarah asks if he's okay, Kiara points out how he's never had a home, and that he's happy. Growing up with an abusive father figure like Luke could have erased all of JJ's joy, but knowing he has a soft place to land makes him more joyful than ever.

    Jiara shares a super sweet moment as they relish in the fact they somehow managed to make their dreams come true. With their arms around each other, Kiara tells JJ she loves him before they share a kiss — but he doesn't say it back.

    I immediately clocked this as a potential tragedy waiting to happen. After all, is there anything more upsetting than the "I never said it back" trope?! You know, where one person confesses their love but the other is too shy or afraid to say it back, then something horrible happens and they regret it for the rest of their life. Well, thankfully, JJ got to tell Kiara he loved her one last time before he DIED — Chandler Groff when I find you it's on sight!!

    And the one that brought their characters full circle

    Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

    While JJ and Kiara talk about what they'd wish from the Blue Crown (an artifact that, according to legend, grants wishes), JJ seems to look at Kiara's left hand before refusing to answer on the grounds that, if she knows the wish, it won't come true. Paired with the fact he stole a ring from the jewelry store during his episode 6 crash out, fans are convinced he was planning to propose.

    But when Chandler stabs JJ and leaves him for dead, JJ tells Kiara he loves her, and that he doesn't need to wish on the crown because he already got everything he ever wanted. I CRIED. It's such a beautiful and heartbreaking moment that brings the character's arc full circle after he told John B. in season 1 he was convinced he'd never get another chance with Kie. Madelyn Cline was right — JJ was absolutely the heart of the show, and although he's the most rough-around-the-edges, seeing him wear his heart on his sleeve in his final moments was the perfect way to say goodbye. Even if his 7-minute memories made me cry even harder.

    What did you think about JJ's death in Outer Banks? Well, This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

    pop cultureouter banksentertainment

    Make These Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes As A Thanksgiving Appetizer (Or Side!)

    Have you figured out your Thanksgiving menu yet? Whether you're serving up a turkey, vegan options, or all of the above, you probably want some super delicious sides and appetizers to complement your other Thanksgiving recipes! These bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes are so versatile, you can serve them before your meal, on the side, or even for breakfast on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. Delicious and Paleo-approved, they really have no downsides. Plus, bacon!

    Get the recipe for bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes below!

    Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

    Sarah Anderson

    • 3 medium sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
    • 20 slices of bacon
    • 1/4 teaspoon pink salt
    • Freshly ground pepper

    Directions for Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

    Sarah Anderson

    1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
    2. Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper.
    3. Cut your sweet potatoes into thick-cut wedges or fry shapes.
    4. Wrap each sweet potato piece with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping the bacon on itself as it goes around the sweet potato.
    5. Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer onto the baking sheet, leaving an inch or two in between each one. Do this in two batches, if needed. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top before baking.
    6. Bake the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes for 35 minutes. The potatoes should be tender and the bacon should be crispy.
    7. Serve the wedges with your choice of ketchup, ranch, or aioli – or all of the above! Enjoy!

    Want more Thanksgiving recipes and other meal ideas delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter!

    Recipe by Sarah Anderson.

    This post has been updated.

    thanksgiving recipesthanksgivingmeal planningfoodfall recipesrecipes

    See A Moody Chad Michael Murray & Plenty Of Drama In Our Exclusive 'Sullivan's Crossing' Clip

    Sullivan's Crossing fans, how we feeling? After season 2 opened with Sully in a coma and Maggie and Cal's relationship on the rocks, I didn't think it could get more dramatic. Of course, I was wrong. The Crossing is still in danger of closing, and Lola, Cal, Sully, and Maggie are all working their hardest to save it. But considering Lola is still bent on getting in between Cal and Maggie (and every time they finally get close, they wind up farther away than ever), it's anything but smooth sailing.

    This week, episode 6, "Revelations," brings some familiar faces and new challenges — and we've got an exclusive clip from the episode.

    Check out our exclusive clip from Sullivan's Crossing season 2, episode 6, "Revelations."

    This browser does not support the video element.

    Now y'all know relationship drama in TV is my favorite thing ever, so I'm sat for whatever is going down between Maggie, Cal, Lola, and Andrew. I am team Maggie & Cal forever, and I'm very happy that Sully seems to be on Cal's team too. I mean, pushing him to fight for Maggie, and to encourage, support, and empower her when she doubts everything? That sounds like true love to me.

    Chris Reardon/Fremantle

    Season 2 has definitely upped the stakes from last year, and the cast is excited to see the fan reactions. "It just feels like you get a real good insight into so many more of the characters that we already love and kind of get to know a lot more about them," Morgan Kohan told Brit + Co in an exclusive interview. "Things really move this season too. It's definitely got a good pace to it."

    But don't worry, Sullivan's Crossing fans — there's way less drama behind the scenes. "As you kind of just get to rib each other a little bit more, you know, you just become good friends," she continues. "So it's just making fun and getting a little silly, which is great."

    Check out new episodes of Sullivan's Crossing on The CW every Wednesday at 8 PM EST/7 PM CST.

    pop cultureentertainmentsullivan's crossingtv

    OMG 'The Bear' Season 4 First Look Is An Absolute Spoiler

    Foodies and TV show fans alike are in for a treat because not only is The Bear season 3 streaming now after its June 26 premiere, but The Bear season 4 will begin production soon! While Deadline reported Jeremy Allen White's hit show was secretly renewed for a fourth season, and would film back-to-back with season 3, the actor recently revealed when the actors will start filming. Given the popularity of The Bear cast and all their new projects (Inside Out 2! Fantastic Four!), I'm hoping it's sooner rather than later! Here's everything you need to know about The Bear season 4.

    Here's everything you need to know about The Bear season 4!

    Watch The First Look For 'The Bear' Season 4

    www.youtube.com

    - YouTube
    In the Disney+ first look for 2025, we got to see plenty of exciting shows coming back to our screens next year — including The Bear season 4. The clips are quick, but there's a good bit of info we can gleam from them. Let's get into it!
    As always, we see Carmy looking forlorn...I'm hoping he fixes things with Claire Bear, and finally gets the restaurant of his dreams! And tbh, Carm could be well on his way to that dream scenario because it seems like Cousin and Fak are getting along, which is something we weren't sure we'd ever see.
    Throughout the first look, we see a handful of our faves, including Sweeps, Tina, and Marcus — and even Jamie Lee Curtis returning as the Berzatto matriarch. But the biggest surprise is when (and where) we see Sydney. After last season, it wasn't clear if Syd would take a new job or stay at The Bear, a decision causing a lot of friction for our fave sous. Well, we definitely see her working at The Bear in this teaser, so Disney may have spoiled that cliffhanger!
    At least we'll officially know which way Sydney, Carmy, and the entire crew land in 2025! Can't wait!

    When is The Bear season 4 filming?

    Frank Ockenfels/FX

    When asked about The Bear season 4 filming, Jeremy Allen White revealed he's "not sure exactly" when he'll reunite with his cast mates. “I know it’s not going to be until next year," he says in an interview with Esquire UK. "I imagine sometime early next year, a similar start date to the last couple of years: February/March time."

    Will there be season 4 of The Bear?

    Chuck Hodes/FX

    Yes, The Bear season 4 is on its way! FX renewed the series ahead of the season 3 release. While some fans are wondering if season 4 of The Bear will be the final season (which is what happened with Donald Glover's Atlanta), I think The Bear is one show that could run for at least six seasons, if not more!

    During the press conference for season 3, the cast talked started teasing season 4. "We did something like [filming back-to-back]," Jeremy Allen White says (via Decider), while Ayo Edebiri adds, "Yeah, a little version of it, sort of. But not exactly...Is that helpful for journalism?"

    "You’ll have to find out!" Abby Elliot says.

    When will The Bear season 4 come out?

    Chuck Hodes/FX

    We'll probably see The Bear season 4 in the summer of 2025. Every season of The Bear so far has released in June (season 1 released in 2022, season 2 in 2023, and season 3 in 2024), so we're hoping the senior installment will come to Hulu in June 2025.

    Who will be in The Bear season 4 cast?

    FX

    The Bear cast includes Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson. Fingers crossed we get to see guest stars like Will Poulter, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Sarah Paulson again!

    What is the plot line of The Bear?

    Chuck Hodes/FX

    Seasons 1 of The Bear follows Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), who returns to Chicago to take over his late brother's restaurant The Beef. There's ton of friction when he doesn't fit in with the rest of the kitchen, but with newcomer Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and his sister Natalie (Abby Elliott), they set out to turn The Beef into a brand new restaurant that will change the Chicago food scene forever.

    Season 2 is all about the team renovating the restaurant into something upscale and chic, while season 3 follows their first few months open. Season 3 ended with The Bear receiving a make-or-break review...before immediately cutting to black. So it looks like season 4 will be all about the review — and its fallout.

    When is season 3 of The Bear streaming?

    Matt Dinerstein/FX

    You can watch all 10 episodes of The Bear season 3 on Hulu now!

    Are you excited for The Bear season 4? Check out our Facebook for more pop culture news!

    Lead image via Matt Dinerstein/FX

    This post has been updated.

    pop cultureentertainmentthe beartv show

    22 Flavorful Soups From Around The World To Try Right Now

    During bouts of cold weather, nothing warms you down to your toes quite like a good soup. From spicy soup recipes to more mild creations, soup is nourishing, warming and often packed with nutritious ingredients. Tomato soup recipes are a classic choice here in the U.S., but maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more… exotic. Lucky for you, soup is a staple in all corners of the globe. Try these 22 soup recipes from around the world next time you feel like jetting off to new (and perhaps warmer) climates.

    Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

    This one-pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is so simple and the perfect bowl to spice things up with salsa verde, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and shredded chicken. Taco seasoning and ground cumin top it off with amazing flavor. Add salty tortilla chips and even lime zest for a magical soup to cozy up to mid-winter. (via Half Baked Harvest)

    Easy Homemade Wonton Soup

    Though the concept of making homemade wontons may seem intimidating, this delicious soup is actually pretty easy to pull together. Ready in just 40 minutes, it boasts the flavors of authentic pork dumplings, shrimp and fresh veggies. (via Jessica Gavin)

    New England Clam Chowder

    For something a little closer to home, whip up a bowl of New England clam chowder. You’ll need bacon, pork, potatoes, an array of spices and, of course, clams. The fresher the fish, the better — but if you live somewhere without access to fresh clams, you can sub in canned clams instead. (via A Family Feast)

    Manhattan Clam Chowder

    Alternatively, you could try Manhattan’s version of clam chowder if you’re craving a yummy seafood stew. The difference between New England and Manhattan clam chowders lies in the soup itself — New England chowder features a white, cream-based soup, while Manhattan style is broth-based. (via Baker by Nature)

    Chicken Dumpling Soup

    Curb your cravings for a cozy comfort soup with this well-rounded meal that nourishes with tender chicken, fluffy cooked dumplings, and a flavorful creamy broth. (via Real Food Dietitians)

    Turkish Tarhana Soup

    Mix things up with this popular Turkish soup made with fermented dough and a tomato base, mint, and garlic. (via Give Recipe)

    15-Minute Curry Noodle Soup

    Curries are popular throughout Asia, particularly in countries like India and Thailand. This quick and easy curry soup is ready in just 15 minutes, and features rice vermicelli noodles. (via The Woks of Life)

    Italian Wedding Soup

    This Italian-American soup is often served at all manner of Italian restaurants here in the states, but its name is misleading. It’s not traditionally served at weddings in particular… instead, the name refers to the “marriage” of greens and broth. (via Jo Cooks)

    Hearty Mulligatawny Soup

    This simpler version of the famous mulligatawny soup is made with leftover roast chicken or turkey. Part Indian, part British, this soup is aromatic, mildly spicy, and so comforting. (via Vikalinka)

    Vegan Tortellini Soup

    This hearty, delicious soup won't take more than 45 minutes and is packed with vegetables, cheesy tortellini, spicy plant-based sausage and lots of flavor! (via Crowded Kitchen)

    Spanish Bean Soup

    This traditional Spanish soup is made with chickpeas, andouille sausage, onion, olive oil and red potatoes. If you’re more in the mood for spicy chorizo, substitute that instead. Either way, this soup will be nourishing, mildly spicy and *packed* with flavor. (via The Noshery)

    French Onion Soup

    Is there anything more delicious than a rich French onion soup topped with crunchy croutons and tons of cheese? We think not! This recipe showcases the flavors of French onion soup to delicious effect. We recommend using gruyere, asiago, Swiss or mozzarella cheese (or any combo of those four). (via Gimme Some Oven)

    Easy Mexican Pozole

    Pozole is a Mexican soup boasting the flavors of hominy and pork. There are red versions and green versions. This particular version is made with red sauce and is super easy to whip up in a jiff. (via The Spice Kit Recipes)

    Turkey Avgolemono Soup

    This traditional Greek recipe is made with turkey, rice and a little bit of lemon, making for a delicious comfort food that’s both warming and totally invigorating. In fact, you only need five ingredients to make this delicious, authentic soup. That’s right, FIVE. (via The Kitchn)

    Cuban Black Bean Soup

    Healthy and hearty, this black bean soup is graced with the flavors of black pepper, olive oil and garlic, and comprised of ham and black beans. It’s as nourishing as it is tasty, and can easily be garnished with Greek yogurt in lieu of sour cream in order to make it even healthier. (Of course, that will take away the authenticity of the dish, but we’ll let you decide.) (via The Kitchn)

    Creamy Coconut Soup With Cauliflower

    This soothing soup is a great way to get veggies into your day in a healthy and hearty way. (via Clean Cuisine)

    Ribollita

    Now, if you’re looking for a quick and easy dish, this Tuscan soup recipe isn’t for you — it takes roughly three days to make if you want to go the traditional route. Ribollita literally means “reboiled,” so this is a great recipe to make ahead of time and then reboil right before you’re ready to serve it. (via 31 Daily)

    Hot and Sour Soup

    This traditional Chinese recipe is warming, tasty and packed with nutritious ingredients. We particularly recommend adding kimchi on top, as it’s fermented and therefore contains natural probiotics. Pro tip: To make this vegan, just use veggie broth. (via The Kitchn)

    Locro de Papa

    Locro de Papa is an Ecuadorian cheesy potato soup that will warm you to your toes and fill you right up. It features annatto, a regional spice that you’ll have to find in an ethnic or Mexican grocery store. But trust us — it will be worth the extra effort. (via Curious Cuisiniere)

    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Pho

    Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is often steeped for *days* in order to get the best broth flavor. However, you can make it much more quickly by taking a few shortcuts. In terms of beef, the best cuts for this noodle soup are sirloin steak, round eye or London broil. (via The Kitchn)

    One-Pot Lasagna Soup

    Got 30 minutes? This soup version of the Italian classic is the perfect, hearty, comfort food with ground beef, noodles, a tomato-based broth, and a delicious three-cheese topping. (via Averie Cooks)

    Easy Homemade Ramen

    Last but not least is perhaps America’s most beloved ethnic soup: ramen. Once you’ve made a homemade savory ramen with fresh veggies, noodles and boiled eggs, you’ll never go back to the instant store-bought version. EVER. (via Damn Delicious)

    Subscribe to our newsletter for more recipe ideas!

    healthy recipesrecipe roundupsoup recipeshearty soup recipevegan soupmeat soupchicken soup recipecomfort food recipes