If you can get past the Disney-villain vibe of “CANCELLED!”, you'll discover one of the most intriguing tracks on The Life of a Showgirl. This song marks one of three occasions where a more "evil" side of Taylor Swift emerges, alongside tracks like “Father Figure” and “Actually Romantic”. In this unique song, Swift invites a canceled friend into her metaphorical “underworld,” a place reminiscent of Hot Topic lighting, where she revels in friendships that are “cloaked in Gucci and scandal.”
However, the concept of scandal in Swift's world doesn't quite equate to cancellation. For her, being “canceled” seems to relate more to negative reception of her albums rather than the harsh realities of public backlash faced by others. In the broader context, cancellation typically refers to serious issues—like the fallout from someone using a slur during a podcast. When Swift expresses her fondness for canceled friends, it’s difficult to take this sentiment at face value, particularly considering her reputation as one of the most scandal-averse public figures in recent years.
The stark contrast between Swift's lyrics and her real-life relationships becomes evident in her recent fallout with Blake Lively. A brief recap reveals that Swift contributed one of her songs to Justin Baldoni’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends With Us, featuring her friend Lively. As the film circulated in theaters, rumors about Lively's behavior began to surface. The situation escalated in 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of harassment and using crisis PR tactics against her.
Baldoni countersued, claiming that Lively attempted to wrest control of the film from him, and even referenced Swift, calling her one of Lively’s “dragons”—a nod to the popular series Game of Thrones. While being dubbed a dragon might seem flattering, it’s clear that Swift has distanced herself from Lively and the ensuing drama. Despite her affinity for “canceled” friends, Swift appears resolute in avoiding entanglements in their controversies.
In discussing the origins of “CANCELLED!”, Swift shared insights about her own experiences with public judgment and scandal. She emphasizes that having faced intense scrutiny throughout her career influences how she navigates relationships. “When other people go through it, you find yourself thinking about how they’ll probably get smarter because of this,” Swift stated. She maintains that she doesn't simply disregard friends based on public opinion; rather, she bases her judgments on their personal actions and how they treat her.
Lively stands out as a prime example of a close friend who has faced public backlash. The timeline of The Life of a Showgirl recording suggests that this track was created during the early days of the Baldoni-Lively dispute, indicating that Swift may have had limited knowledge of the situation at that time. This raises the question: is “CANCELLED!” a subtle defense of Lively? Perhaps Swift perceives the public outrage as absurd and feels compelled to support her friend amidst the chaos. Alternatively, it’s possible that while she supports Lively, she may also be critical of her actions.
In summary, Taylor Swift's “CANCELLED!” is not just a catchy tune; it is a reflection of the artist's complex relationship with friendship, loyalty, and public perception. As she navigates the turbulent waters of fame, Swift reveals her unique perspective on the intricacies of personal relationships amidst scandal and judgment. Whether it serves as a defense for Lively or a critique of her actions, this track undoubtedly adds another layer to Swift's ever-evolving narrative as a public figure.
