Taylor Swift just dropped a song that’s either a love letter to obsession or the most poetic roast of the year. “Actually Romantic,” from her new album The Life of a Showgirl, has fans spiraling—because it might be about Charli XCX. And if the lyrics are any indication, being “romantic” isn’t always about roses and candlelight.
Let’s unpack who is actually romantic about romance—and why this feud-turned-fascination is so revealing.
The Drama Behind “Actually Romantic”
Before the song even dropped, Swifties and Charli stans were already connecting dots. The title “Actually Romantic” seemed like a cheeky nod to Charli’s 2018 track “Everything Is Romantic.” But the real buzz started when Charli released “Sympathy Is a Knife” on her Brat album—a song many believe is about Taylor.
Here’s the tangled web:
Charli and Taylor toured together in 2018, with Charli opening for Swift’s Reputation stadium tour.
In a 2019 Pitchfork interview, Charli said performing felt like “waving to 5-year-olds,” which didn’t sit well with Swifties.
Fast forward to 2023: Taylor briefly dated Matty Healy of The 1975. Charli is married to George Daniel, also of The 1975. Their social circles collided.
Charli’s friend Gabriette Bechtel—now engaged to Matty Healy—posted cryptic content that fans interpreted as shade toward Taylor.
Then came “Sympathy Is a Knife,” where Charli sings about feeling insecure around another woman, prompting speculation that it’s about Swift.
So when Taylor sings, “Wrote me a song saying it makes you sick to see my face,” fans immediately thought: Charli.
Who Is Actually Romantic About Romance?
Let’s talk about the phrase itself. In the song, Taylor flips the script. She calls out someone who’s allegedly obsessed with her, but instead of being offended, she finds it flattering. “It’s actually romantic,” she repeats, turning shade into admiration.
This isn’t just lyrical cleverness—it’s a commentary on how obsession, rivalry, and attention can feel like twisted forms of affection.
People who are romantic about romance often:
See emotional intensity as a form of connection—even if it’s negative.
Interpret fixation (even hate) as proof of importance.
Find beauty in drama, longing, and unresolved tension.
Taylor’s lyrics drip with this perspective. She compares the unnamed person to “a toy Chihuahua barking at me from a tiny purse”—a metaphor that’s both mocking and oddly affectionate.
The Lyrics That Sparked the Fire
Here are some of the most talked-about lines from “Actually Romantic”:
“I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave.” — A jab that fans believe references Charli’s party-girl persona and rumored drug references in her music.
“You said you’re glad he ghosted me.” — Likely about Matty Healy, who Charli is close to via her husband George Daniel.
“Wrote me a song saying it makes you sick to see my face.” — A direct callback to “Sympathy Is a Knife,” where Charli sings about feeling insecure around another woman.
“How many times has your boyfriend said / ‘Why are we always talking ‘bout her?’” — A line that mirrors Charli’s lyric: “George says, ‘I’m just paranoid’”.
“It’s kind of making me wet.” — A provocative twist that blurs the line between insult and flirtation.
Taylor’s delivery is tongue-in-cheek, but the emotional undertones are real. She’s not just clapping back—she’s reframing the narrative.
Romanticism as Emotional Theater
This feud (or faux-feud) is a masterclass in romantic projection. Both artists are known for turning personal experiences into art, and this exchange—if it is one—is layered with vulnerability, ego, and performance.
Romanticism here isn’t about love. It’s about:
Being the main character in someone else’s story.
Finding meaning in conflict.
Recasting rivalry as intimacy.
Taylor’s interpretation of obsession as “actually romantic” is both savage and self-aware. It’s a wink to the idea that being hated passionately is still being loved, in a way.
Personal Insight
I’ve always been fascinated by how pop stars use their lyrics like emotional chess moves. This one feels like Taylor saying, “You tried to diss me, but I’m turning it into a compliment.” It’s petty, poetic, and kind of brilliant.
Also, the line about the Chihuahua? That’s going to live rent-free in my head for a while.
Conclusion
So, who is actually romantic about romance? In this case, maybe both Taylor and Charli. Whether it’s admiration, envy, or insecurity, their lyrical back-and-forth reveals how emotional intensity—positive or negative—can be reframed as romantic.
Do you think “Actually Romantic” is a diss, a love letter, or both? Let’s hear your take.