Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, which was released last Friday, October 3, has officially signaled the start of a new daring era for the pop sensation. Released through Republic Records, the 12-song album has already seen an early buzz from fans, who are looking to dissect the emotional complexity and multi-level meanings embedded in the lyrics. One song in specific — “Elizabeth Taylor” — has already emerged as a winner.
Swift appears to create an intense emotional connection with the legendary Hollywood actress in the song, almost addressing her as a kindred spirit who suffered broken heart and the perpetual glare of the spotlight of fame. Beliebers believe that the song is an echo of Swift’s own life enduring celebrity, sympathizing with the public spotlight, personal tragedy, and obligation to perform perpetually as an integral part of being an international celebrity.
For those who don’t know, Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress famous for her beauty, commanding performances, and tabloid-generating personal life. Born in 1932, she started as a child actress and became one of the most legendary actresses of the 20th century. With such films as Father of the Bride, A Place in the Sun, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, she received two Academy Awards for Best Actress.
Taylor’s offstage life was equally sensational. Her highly publicized romance and two marriages to actor Richard Burton and six other marriages often made the headlines. The “Liz and Dick” pair became symbols of old Hollywood excess — from diamonds to designer closets and upscale lifestyles.
Also Read: Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” Album: A Sneak Peek at the Tracklist and Collaborations
In later life, Elizabeth Taylor was an AIDS activist trailblazer, founding the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. She passed away in 2011.
With “Elizabeth Taylor,” Swift appears to identify with the late actress’s strength, fame, and isolation — adding a heartbreaking similarity between two starlets dwelling under the harsh limelight.
