Taylor Swift has recently unveiled that she reached out to Elizabeth Taylor’s estate before releasing a new song that pays homage to the late Hollywood icon. In an interview on Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Scott Mills on Monday, October 6, the 14-time Grammy winner discussed her practice of informing individuals referenced in her songs, including notable figures like Elizabeth Taylor. She disclosed that she contacted Taylor’s family and estate to give them a heads-up about the song and received a positive response. The track titled “Elizabeth Taylor” is the second song on Taylor Swift’s latest album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.
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Through her lyrics, Taylor Swift reflects on the iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 79. The song delves into the complexities of fame and attention, with Swift singing, “Oftentimes it doesn’t feel so glamorous to be me / All the right guys promised they’d stay / Under bright lights, they withered away, but you bloom.” The song also references Taylor’s well-documented love life, as she was married eight times to seven different men, with notable spouses including Richard Burton and Eddie Fisher.
In a nod to Elizabeth Taylor’s signature look, Taylor Swift alludes to the actress’s famous violet eyes in the lyrics, “I’d cry my eyes violet,” attributing the distinctive feature to Taylor’s lower levels of melanin in her irises. Additionally, Swift pays homage to Taylor’s White Diamonds fragrance line with the line, “All my white diamonds and lovers are forever.” This isn’t the first time Taylor Swift has referenced Elizabeth Taylor in her music, as she previously mentioned her in the song “…Ready For It?” from her 2017 album ‘Reputation’.
The estate of Elizabeth Taylor appeared to embrace the recognition in Taylor Swift’s album, even releasing merchandise such as an orange crewneck reminiscent of the album’s aesthetic. Fans have also speculated that the album art may contain subtle references to Taylor in her role as Cleopatra. The release of ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ marks a significant moment for Taylor Swift, who expressed gratitude to her collaborators for helping create the album in a way that felt authentic and true to her artistic vision.
As Taylor Swift continues to captivate audiences with her storytelling through music, her deliberate and respectful approach to referencing iconic figures like Elizabeth Taylor showcases her attention to detail and reverence for Hollywood’s legends. By seeking approval from Taylor’s estate and infusing her lyrics with references to the actress’s life and legacy, Taylor Swift demonstrates a level of sophistication and depth in her songwriting that resonates with fans and critics alike. With ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ now available to audiences, Swift’s exploration of themes related to fame, love, and human connection invites listeners to delve into a world where music and storytelling intersect with history and culture.