The Meaning of "The Black Dog" From Taylor Swift's Next Album

Swifties Have Plenty of Theories About "The Black Dog" From "Tortured Poets Department"

The black dog metaphor has roots in folklore that can have an effect on the meaning at the back of Taylor Swift's upcoming track.

Mar. 4 2024, Published 6:49 p.m. ET

Global icon Taylor Swift announced that her eleventh studio album "Tortured Poets Department" when accepting her 13th Grammy award, derailing all of the theories that any other re-record was coming. Consistent together with her previous releases, "Tortured Poets Department" will have a couple of editions for purchase, each and every with a special bonus track (that likely may not be to be had to stream when the album releases).

The closing particular version album options the bonus observe "The Black Dog," teasing the lyrics "Old habits die screaming…” on the album's tracklist. But what's the meaning behind this upcoming song? Swifties have plenty of theories — and yes, many of them trace back to her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

"The Black Dog" is likely a metaphor for depression.

With all of the teasers we've received for the upcoming album, it's clear that in between the dark academia-laden metaphors and old Hollywood references, this is going to be a breakup album about Joe. Taylor has explored mental health in some of her previous works, like "Clean" and "The Archer," and Swifties think this will be a similar track.

“The ‘black dog’ metaphor can represent the gradual overtaking of enjoyable activities you once loved, the person you once recognized in the mirror, or the life you once lived," one Swiftie fan account theorized.

Others level to the marvel songs she sung in Singapore, where she introduced the ultimate special version of "Tortured Poets Department."

"She announced the black dog which represents depression and then she sung 'Clean' and 'evermore,' two songs about finally getting over your pain and reaching acceptance. She is insanely genius," one Twitter consumer wrote.

"This metaphor describes a state of depression characterized by sadness or lack of will, including the loss of desire to partake in activities you once loved," BetterHelp defines the "black dog" metaphor. "This metaphor can be helpful for adults and children living with depression and those with loved ones experiencing symptoms. The image of a large, intrusive black dog may more clearly identify the often difficult-to-see aspects of depression."

The black dog is also continuously utilized in English folklore as a loss of life omen (think The Grim from the Harry Potter franchise). Because of this, many are theorizing that this may mean the song is set the dying of a courting, mourning the loss of what was and studying to transport forward in spite of the looming depression.

Unfortunately, until the album releases on April 19, we may not know what the song is in reality referencing. At this second, all we've got is a wide range of theories to invest on the upcoming album.

Not everyone will be able to listen to "The Black Dog" on free up day, both. Since it is a bonus observe on one of the editions of "Tortured Poets Department," simplest those that preordered that version of the album will be capable of pay attention it for themselves on unencumber day, whilst the relaxation of us should wait until the theories are confirmed.

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