Taylor Swift Confronts Short-Lived Romance, Lasting Pain & 'Functioning Alcoholism' in 'Fortnight'

In the aftermath of a tumultuous romantic split, Taylor Swift openly sings about grappling with the notion of becoming a "functioning alcoholic." Tod

April 19 marks the highly anticipated release of the album, The Tortured Poets Department, as it gears up to make waves globally with its record-breaking potential.

Leading up to the album's debut, rumors swirled that it would revolve around themes of heartbreak stemming from the end of her romance with former boyfriend Joe Alwyn, which caused their split in April 2023.

But the 14-time Grammy winner has intricately portrayed experiences with multiple past partners in her latest album.

Notably, one of these individuals profoundly impacted her emotional well-being post-breakup, as depicted by Swift's poignant lyrics.

In a particular track, she directs her lyrics toward someone who broke her heart in a brief two-week fling.

Swift reflects on how this short-lived romance transformed her into a "functioning alcoholic" after they parted ways.

In the song "Fortnight," a collaboration with Post Malone, Swift shares her heartache, "I love you, it's ruining my life / I touched you for only a fortnight."

The fleeting romance of a mere two weeks is held responsible for her descent into the throes of alcoholism, making it challenging to function, she sang.

Is 'Fortnight' About Matty Healy?

Some believe that the lyrics in this song allude to Swift's relationship with British musician Matty Healy. The romance between Taylor and The 1975's lead singer was initially rumored in 2014, and they briefly reignited their romance last year for a short period.

Their relationship resumed in May 2024 but ended abruptly in early June.

Following their brief but intense love affair, the relationship left a profound impression on her, inspiring her to compose multiple songs reflecting their romance.

The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology

Swift delighted her fans by unveiling an extension to The Tortured Poets Department called the The Anthologyon a Friday morning. Within just two hours of the initial album's release, fans were treated to an additional 15 tracks under The Anthology.

She said in an Instagram post, "It's a 2 am surprise: The Tortured Poets Department is a secret DOUBLE album," the "Clara Bow" singer said.

"I'd written so much tortured poetry in the past 2 years and wanted to share it all with you, so here's the second installment of TTPD: The Anthology. 15 extra songs. And now the story isn't mine anymore... it's all yours."

It was on Friday midnight when the singer introduced her debut 16-track album to the world.

Among the collection are two captivating collaborations with Post Malone and Florence + The Machine.

Additionally, listeners can enjoy four unique bonus tracks named "The Manuscript," "The Bolter," "The Albatross," and "The Black Dog," exclusively available on select vinyl editions.

These bonus tracks, alongside 11 other original compositions, can all be found in The Anthology.

Swift described The Anthology as "new works that reflect events, opinions and sentiments from a fleeting and fatalistic moment in time - one that was both sensational and sorrowful in equal measure."

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Taylor Swift