The Tortured Poets Department” is a new album by the popular American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.
It was released on April 19, 2024, by her record label Republic Records. Originally, it was released as a single album, but just two hours later, Taylor Swift expanded it into a double album by adding a second collection of songs. This second part of the album is called “The Anthology.”
[Verse 1]
You left your typewriter at my apartment
Straight from the tortured poets department
I think some things I never say
Like, “Who uses typewriters anyway?”
But you’re in self-sabotage mode
Throwing spikes down on the road
But I’ve seen this episode and still loved the show
Who else decodes you?
Verse 1 Summary
The singer describes their partner leaving a typewriter at their apartment, playfully questioning who uses typewriters these days. Despite the partner’s self-sabotaging behavior, the singer remains supportive and understanding, acknowledging their unique bond.
[Chorus 1]
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
And who’s gonna know you, if not me?
I laughed in your face and said
“You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith
This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’rе modern idiots”
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
Chorus 1 Summary
The chorus emphasizes the strong connection between the singer and their partner. The singer questions who else could understand and support their partner like they do. They humorously compare themselves to famous artistic couples, but ultimately acknowledge their own quirks and modern relationship.
[Post-Chorus]
Nobody
No-fucking-body
Nobody
[Verse 2]
You smokеd, then ate seven bars of chocolate
We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist
I scratch your head, you fall asleep
Like a tattooed golden retriever
But you awaken with dread
Pounding nails in your head
But I’ve read this one where you come undone
I chose this cyclone with you
Verse 2 Summary
The verse depicts intimate moments shared by the couple, such as the partner falling asleep while the singer scratches their head. Despite the partner’s struggles and “dread,” the singer chooses to weather the “cyclone” together.
[Chorus 2]
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
(Who’s gonna hold you? Who’s gonna hold you?)
And who’s gonna know you like me?
(Who’s gonna know you?)
I laughed in your face and said
“You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith
This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’re modern idiots”
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
(Who’s gonna hold you? Who’s gonna hold you?)
Chorus 2 Summary
The singer emphasizes their unique bond with their partner, questioning who else could understand and support them like they do. They humorously compare themselves to famous artistic couples but acknowledge their own quirks and modern love.
Post-Chorus
The post-chorus reinforces that nobody else can provide the same level of understanding, support, and connection for the singer’s partner.
[Bridge]
Sometimes, I wonder if you’re gonna screw this up with me
But you told Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave
And I had said that to Jack about you, so I felt seen
Everyone we know understands why it’s meant to be
‘Cause we’re crazy
So tell me, who else is gonna know me?
At dinner, you take my ring off my middle finger
And put it on the one people put wedding rings on
And that’s the closest I’ve come to my heart exploding
Bridge Summary
The bridge reveals the depth of the couple’s commitment, with both expressing they couldn’t live without the other. The singer ponders if their partner will “screw this up,” but finds reassurance in their mutual understanding and “crazy” love. A symbolic gesture of the partner putting the singer’s ring on their wedding finger underscores the intensity of their bond.
[Chorus]
Who’s gonna hold you? (Who?)
Me
Who’s gonna know you? (Who?)
Me
And you’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith
This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’re two idiots
Who’s gonna hold you?
Chorus Summary
In this final chorus, the singer definitively answers the rhetorical questions posed throughout the song. They affirm that they will be the one to “hold” and “know” their partner.
The singer once again playfully acknowledges that they are not a legendary artistic couple like Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith, nor is their relationship set in a romanticized location like the Chelsea Hotel. Instead, they are just “two idiots” deeply committed to one another.
[Post-Chorus]
Who’s gonna hold you?
Who’s gonna hold you?
Who’s gonna hold you?
Who’s gonna hold you?
Who’s gonna hold you?
Who’s gonna hold you?
Who’s gonna hold you?
Gonna know you? Gonna troll you?
Post-Chorus Summary:
The post-chorus serves as an emphatic repetition of the central question, “Who’s gonna hold you?” The repeated lines underscore the intensity and unwavering nature of the singer’s dedication to their partner. The final line, “Gonna know you? Gonna troll you?” adds a touch of playfulness, suggesting that the singer’s commitment includes both understanding and good-natured teasing.
[Outro]
You left your typewriter at my apartment
Straight from the tortured poets department
Who else decodes you?
Outro Summary
The outro echoes the opening line about the typewriter, reinforcing the couple’s unique connection and the singer’s ability to understand and “decode” their partner like no one else can.
The song explores a passionate, if sometimes tumultuous, modern love story. The singer and their partner share an intense bond, supporting each other through ups and downs. Despite questioning if they’re “modern idiots,” their love and understanding of one another remains strong.
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The Tortured Poets Department
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