Taylor Swift Sparks Controversy with Nostalgic Ode to the 1830s on ‘TTPD’ Album. What’s Her Enigmatic Connection?

Taylor Swift is facing backlash over saying she wanted to live in the 1830s “but without all the racists” on her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.“

On the track “I Hate It Here,” the 14-time Grammy winner sang about how she and her friends were discontent with living in this current era.

“My friends used to play a game where / We would pick a decade / We wished we could live in instead of this / I’d say the 1830s but without all the racists / And getting married off for the highest bid,” she sang.

Fans were quick to point out that slavery was still legalized in America in the 1830s.

Taylor Swift performing in Chicago in 2023.
Taylor Swift is facing backlash over saying she wanted to live in the 1830s “but without all the racists” on her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.”Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift's "Torture Poet's Department" promo.


On the track “I Hate It Here,” the 14-time Grammy winner sang about how she and her friends were discontent with living in this current era.Beth Garrabrant

Taylor Swift's "Torture Poet's Department" promo.
“My friends used to play a game where / We would pick a decade / We wished we could live in instead of this / I’d say the 1830s but without all the racists / And getting married off for the highest bid,” she sang.taylorswift/Instagram

“There is no way Taylor Swift said she’d like to live in an era where Chattel Slavery was the law of the land and say ‘but without the racists.’ Like it was some casual microaggressions or something. Is this what we’re doing??” tweeted one user.

“pretty astonishing to stipulate that she wants to live in the 1830s, ‘except without the racists,’ and not mention slavery, so slavery still exists but everyone’s chill about it,” added another.

“I know I can’t stfu abt Taylor Swift but of all time periods WHY THE 1830s??? The most notable event from the time period is the trail of tears like I cannot wrap my head around it? Is this another one of her dumbass codes?” asked a third fan.

“Taylor Swift wanting to go back to the 1830s surprised no Black person anywhere,” said a fourth user.

Taylor Swift performing in California in 2023.
Fans were quick to point out that slavery was still legalized in America in the 1830s.Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift's "Torture Poet's Department" promo.

“pretty astonishing to stipulate that she wants to live in the 1830s, ‘except without the racists,’ and not mention slavery, so slavery still exists but everyone’s chill about it,” said one fan.taylorswift/Instagram

Page Six has reached out to Swift’s rep for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Elsewhere on the album, which was released on Friday, Swift, 34, seemingly took another jab at Kim Kardashian, whom she’s been feuding with since 2016.

In the song “thanK you aIMee,” the billionaire pop star sang about a “bronze, spray-tanned” bully who her mom “wish[es] were dead.”

Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards.
Elsewhere on the album, the “Cruel Summer” singer seemingly took another jab at Kim Kardashian, whom she’s been feuding with since 2016.WireImage

Taylor Swift performing in Cincinnati in 2023.
In the song “thanK you aIMee,” Swift sang about a “bronze, spray-tanned” bully who her mom “wish[es] were dead.”Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

“All that time you were throwin’ punches, I was buildin’ somethin’ / And I can’t forgive the way you made me feel,” she croons.

“Screamed ‘F–k you, Aimee’ to the night sky, as the blood was gushin’ / But I can’t forget the way you made me heal.”

The Skims founder, 43, did not respond to Page Six’s request for comment, however, she looked unbothered while out dining with friends.

Swift also references her exes Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy on the album as well as current beau Travis Kelce.

Related Posts

‘The Voice’ Winner Stuns Fans With Emotional Tribute to Reba McEntire!

Asher HaVon, who won season 25 of “The Voice,” has opened up about his relationship with country superstar Reba McIntyre to a hometown newspaper. He told The Selma Times…

Shocking Net Worths: The Richest Country Singers of All Time Revealed!

15. Miranda LambertEstimated net worth: $60 million 14. Keith UrbanEstimated net worth: $75 million 13. Reba McEntireEstimated net worth: $95 million 12. Brad PaisleyEstimated net worth: $120 million11. Carrie UnderwoodEstimated net worth:…

Cardi B And Offset Might Have Found A Famous Buyer For Their Georgia Mansion

Sadly, Cardi B and Offset are moving forward with their divorce . During the rap power couple’s time together they’ve made a lot of music, money, and martial purchases together. Recently, Cardi B expressed regret…

Ice Spice Under Fire For Allegedly Stealing Megan Thee Stallion’s Artwork And Using It For Her Deluxe Album

Some are outright labeling her a copycat, while others are doing their best to defend the Bronx femcee. Ice Spice is under a microscope 24/7 these days. Honestly,…

Megan Thee Stallion Reflects On Her Amazing 2024 By Revealing Pete & Thomas Foundation Helped Over 8,600 People

Just like with her music, Megan Thee Stallion went all out in 2024: “Shoutout to the Hotties, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners.” Megan Thee Stallion is just…

Meghan Markle’s uncomfortable request to Kate Middleton led to a ‘small clash of…’

Prince Harry’s memoir Spare reveals tension between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton during their first joint engagement in February 2018. We all suspected there would be a…