What is the meaning behind Taylor Swift's song "Father Figure"?

The song "Father Figure" by Taylor Swift appears to explore her relationship with a mentor, possibly referencing her fallout with former label CEO Scott Borchetta. The lyrics hint at a power struggle and Swift's eventual takeover of her masters.

What is the significance of Taylor Swift's new album The Life of Showgirl?

Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, The Life of Showgirl, includes the track "Father Figure," which has sparked speculation about her past relationship with a mentor figure, potentially her former label CEO Scott Borchetta. The album seems to reflect on Swift's journey to reclaim control of her music.

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Swift's "Father Figure" Hints at Mentor Fallout and Masters Takeover

Q: How did Taylor Swift regain control of her music masters?

After a long battle, Taylor Swift announced earlier this year that she had finally purchased her masters from Shamrock Capital, giving her full ownership of her entire catalog. The lyrics of "Father Figure" suggest this was a hard-fought victory for the singer.

3 Oct

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Summary

"Father Figure" discusses Swift's relationship with a mentor
Swift may be referencing her fallout with former label CEO Borchetta
Swift now owns all her masters after a long battle

Swift's "Father Figure" Hints at Mentor Fallout and Masters Takeover

In October 2025, Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album, which included the track "Father Figure." The song discusses Swift's relationship with a mentor as they navigated the music industry together.

Some fans speculate the track may be about Swift's former working relationship with Scott Borchetta, the CEO of her previous label, Big Machine Records. Swift had a public falling out with Borchetta after he sold her masters to Scooter Braun in 2019, leading her to re-record her first six albums.

The lyrics of "Father Figure" hint at Swift's struggle to regain control of her music. "I pay the check before it kisses the mahogany grain / Said they want to see you rise / They don't want you to reign," she sings, suggesting a power struggle. By the end of the song, Swift appears to have taken on "mob-like qualities," threatening her former mentor.

Earlier this year, Swift announced she had finally purchased her masters from Shamrock Capital, giving her full ownership of her entire catalog. "All the times I was this close, reaching out for it, only for it to fall through. I almost stopped thinking it could ever happen after 20 years of having the carrot dangled and then yanked away," she wrote at the time.

With the release of "Father Figure," Swift seems to be reflecting on her long journey to reclaim her music and the personal toll it took.

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