Another day, another reason why Swifites are absolutely losing it. And this time? It’s for good reason. ICYMI, Taylor Swift is dropping her new album, The Life Of A Showgirl, on Oct. 3 — and even though the album isn’t out yet, fans have been looking for clues about each track. Their most recent discovery? Well, it points to a very special songwriting credit for her song “Father Figure”: None other than legendary artist George Michael.
Eagle-eyed fans took to social media beginning on Sept. 29 to share their discovery that Michael is under the songwriting credits for Swift’s fourth TLOAS track, “Father Figure.” But no, this doesn’t mean that Michael was in the room with them: The pop culture icon and one-half of Wham! passed away in 2016. So, what does this songwriting credit mean?
If you were a fan of the 2024 film Babygirl, or if you spend too much time watching thirst edits on TikTok, you might have come across Michael’s hit song “Father Figure” at some point. You’ll probably recognize the lyrics from the song’s chorus: “Baby (I will be your father figure) / Oh, baby (put your tiny hand in mine) / I’d love to (I will be your preacher, teacher) / Be your daddy (anything you have in mind) / (It would make me) / Very happy (I have had enough of crime) / Please, let me (I will be the one who loves you) / ‘Til the end of time.”
I can see the Pedro Pascal edit just by reading the lyrics. And now, fans think they’re going to make an appearance in Swift’s new song. To say Swifites are excited is an understatement.
Is Taylor Swift’s “Father Figure” A Cover?
Well, until the album drops on Oct. 3, we won’t know. While it’s definitely possible that “Father Figure” is a cover of the original 1987 hit, fans also believe that the Taylor Swift track could sample the original song. Additionally, the song could interpolate elements (like the notes, lyrics, or melody) from Michael’s OG song, which would then require Swift and her collaborators, Max Martin and Shellback, to credit him on the song.
I know I speak for most music lovers when I say I am pumped to hear the track on Oct. 3.