Deciphering Taylor Swift’s Farewell to Joe Alwyn in “So Long, London”
“Loml”: In this emotional track, Taylor reflects on being called the love of someone’s life numerous times. However, the situation quickly changes.
“If you know it in one glimpse, it’s legendary,” she observes. “What we thought was forever turned out to be brief.”
She concludes the song by conveying to the individual, “You’re the loss of my life.”
While it may reference her long relationship with Joe, hints of “rekindled flames” and reminiscing about their youth suggest it could be about her connection with Matty after all these years: “I’ve never felt a fire like this before or since.”
“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”: In this track, Taylor talks about powering through her Eras Tour despite heartbreak, emphasizing how she nails her performances in front of an enthusiastic crowd. She masks her feelings by putting on a brave front: “Lights, camera, smile.”
Though the song has an upbeat vibe, it delves into themes of unrequited love.
“I’m so fixated on him, yet he avoids me like the plague / I shed tears often, but I channel my emotions productively,” she sings. “You know you’re resilient when you can carry on with a broken heart.”
“The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”: Taylor poses questions to “the smallest man who ever lived,” who seemingly exited their relationship abruptly.
“You extinguished the lights on stage, yet you’re still performing,” she croons. “And in plain sight you concealed / But your actions define you.”