It’s a big day for Swifties, as Taylor Swift has released a deluxe version of her twelfth studio album, The Life of A Showgirl, called Encore, on Sept. 25. Swifties have spent as much time as they can in the hours since the tracks have been released, dissecting the lyrics of the four new additions to the Life of A Showgirl era. From the lead single “Patient Zero,” which is getting a music video starring Dakota Johnson and being premiered at the VMAs on Sept. 27, to the interestingly titled songs “Cleveland!” and “Pink Clouding,” the song that seems to be getting the most attention is the final one, “Babylon.” The lyrics are deep, so what exactly does “Babylon” mean?
For those who are unfamiliar with Babylon as a city in the first place, Babylon is referenced in the Bible as a great civilization of wealth and power, but ultimately tragedy due to it’s inevitable downfall. The people of that particular civilization felt as though they were better than everyone else and that nothing could touch them… until the city inevitably fell.Â
Interestingly enough, Swift also referenced the ancient city in her 2024 duet with Gracie Abrams on the singer’s sophomore album, Us, singing, “And if history’s clear someone always ends up in ruins / Babylon lovers hangin lifetimes on a vine.” At this point, I’m glad she gave the concept a song because it is something that clearly fascinates her.
Some Swifties also seem to be speculating that Swift is making a reference to one of her most lyrically poignant eras to date: Evermore. And how? In the fan-favorite song “Cowboy Like Me,” Swift also mentions Babylon right before the infamous lyric, “Forever is the sweetest con.” Could “Babylon” be a sequel to the hit? Perhaps.Â
“Babylon” seems to set the same tone as one of the songs from earlier in the TLOAS album, in the song “Father Figure,” as Swift seems to draw references about being successful in the music industry and likening it to gambling in a casino. A clever analogy, as usual.Â
The Genius lyric page also points out references to several of Swift’s other songs from previous eras, like “White Horse” (The stallion flees the stable / And that town’s even smaller now in your rearview) and “Daylight” (You ran with all the wild things / A liberated libertine who then longs for home).
“Babylon” is my favorite song from the new album so far, and the production as well as the lyricism remind Swifties why they are fans of Swift in the first place. While TLOAS may not be my favorite Taylor album ever, there are some bangers on it, like “Ruin the Friendship,” “Honey,” and now I am pleased to say I can add “Babylon” to that list.
Hopefully this release isn’t the last we see of Swift for the year, but in the meantime, happy streaming!