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Taylor Swift's New Album Honors Friendship and Loss
3 Oct
Summary
- 50 Cent featured on "Ruin the Friendship" track
- Album references late friend Jeff Lang and his overdose
- Includes allusions to celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Charli XCX
On October 3, 2025, Taylor Swift surprised fans with the release of her new album, which delves into the personal experiences and relationships that have shaped her life off-stage. The album, titled "The Life of a Showgirl," includes several notable references and tributes.
One of the most prominent is a shoutout to rapper 50 Cent on the track "Ruin the Friendship." Swift sings about the "50 Cent song" that played as she contemplated kissing a close friend. The album also includes a track called "Elizabeth Taylor," further highlighting Swift's penchant for celebrity references.
Beyond the star-studded allusions, the album takes on a more somber tone as Swift pays tribute to her late friend, Jeff Lang. Lang, who passed away from an overdose in 2010 at the age of 21, was one of Swift's closest confidants, and she performed at his funeral. The poignant lyrics of "Ruin the Friendship" explore Swift's regret over not expressing her true feelings for Lang before his untimely death.
The album also seems to include references to other public figures, such as Olivia Rodrigo, Scooter Braun, and Charli XCX, though Swift does not directly name them. Instead, she weaves these connections into the fabric of her storytelling, offering fans a glimpse into the complex relationships and experiences that have shaped her life.
