Here are “The Albatross Lyrics” in English from “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology” (2024). Features Taylor Swift’s literary storytelling. Taylor Swift is the Singer, Penned by Taylor Swift, and The Music Director for the Song is Taylor Swift & Aaron Dessner.
Enjoy the Lyrics and Feel Free to Sing Along!
The Albatross Lyrics Meaning
Wise men once said
‘Wild winds are death to the candle’
A rose by any other name is a scandal
Cautions issued, he stood
Shooting the messengers
They tried to warn him about her.
Cross your thoughtless heart
Only liquor anoints you
She’s the albatross
She is here to destroy you.
Wise men once said
‘One bad seed kills the garden’
‘One less temptress
One less dagger to sharpen’
Locked me up in towers
But I’d visit in your dreams
And they tried to warn you about me.
Cross your thoughtless heart
Only liquor anoints you
She’s the albatross
She is here to destroy you
Devils that you know
Raise worse hell than a stranger
She’s the death you chose
You’re in terrible danger.
And when that sky rains fire on you
And you’re persona non grata
I’ll tell you how I’ve been there too
And that none of it matters.
Wise men once read fake news
And they believed it
Jackals raised their hackles
You couldn’t conceive it
You were sleeping soundly when they dragged you from your bed
And I tried to warn you about them.
So I crossed my thoughtless heart
Spread my wings like a parachute
I’m the albatross
I swept in at the rescue
The devil that you know
Looks now more like an angel
I’m the life you chose
And all this terrible danger.
So cross your thoughtless heart
She’s the albatross
She is here to destroy you.
Song Credits
Album | The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology (2024) |
Song Name | The Albatross |
Track Position | #19 on The Anthology edition |
Release Date | April 19, 2024 |
Writer/Lyricist | Taylor Swift |
Producer | Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff |
Record Label | Republic Records |
Genre | Alternative Pop, Indie Folk |
The Albatross Lyrics Background and Literary Analysis
“The Albatross” stands as one of Taylor Swift’s most literary compositions, drawing direct inspiration from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s famous poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” The song explores themes of burden, guilt, and the weight of past actions through the metaphor of the albatross – traditionally a symbol of good luck that becomes a curse when harmed.
The track opens with stark acoustic guitar, establishing a melancholy tone reminiscent of Swift’s country roots, with airy vocals and minimal instrumentation allowing the lyrics and raw emotion to take center stage. The song builds in a ballad style, creating a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements its literary themes.
Swift’s use of the albatross metaphor demonstrates her evolution as a songwriter, moving beyond personal narratives to explore universal themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of our actions. The song has been interpreted by fans as both a reflection on personal relationships and a broader commentary on public perception and burden.
Cultural Impact and Fan Theories
The song has gone viral on TikTok, with fans connecting the narrative to Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce, though the literary nature of the track suggests deeper, more universal themes. Swift first announced “The Albatross” edition of the album during her Eras Tour show in Sydney, Australia, on February 23, 2024, building anticipation for this special track.
The song has inspired numerous literary analyses and fan theories, with many praising Swift’s sophisticated use of classical poetry references. Critics have noted the track’s ability to blend personal storytelling with broader literary themes, showcasing Swift’s growth as a songwriter and poet.
Technical and Musical Details
The song features a stark acoustic opening that maintains a sense of coldness throughout, with the minimal instrumentation creating a sonic landscape that allows Swift’s lyrics to take center stage. The production style aligns with other introspective tracks on The Tortured Poets Department, featuring layered vocals and acoustic arrangements that support the narrative depth.
The 3:03 runtime allows for a complete emotional journey, building from the sparse opening to more complex arrangements as the song progresses.
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Know More About The Albatross Lyrics
Q: Who wrote “The Albatross” lyrics?
A: Taylor Swift is the primary songwriter of “The Albatross,” with potential collaboration from her frequent co-writers.
Q: What album is “The Albatross Lyrics ” from?
A: The song appears exclusively on The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology, released in 2024.
Q: When was “The Albatross Lyrics ” released?
A: April 19, 2024, as part of the surprise double album release.
Q: What is “The Albatross Lyrics ” about?
A: The song explores themes of burden, guilt, and redemption using the albatross metaphor from classical literature, specifically referencing “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Q: Who sings “The Albatross Lyrics “?
A: Taylor Swift performs the song as part of her eleventh studio album.
Q: What genre is “The Albatross Lyrics “?
A: The song is classified as alternative folk with pop ballad influences.
Q: How long is “The Albatross Lyrics “?
A: The song runs 3 minutes and 3 seconds.
Q: Did “The Albatross” win any awards?
A: As part of The Tortured Poets Department, the song contributes to the album’s Grammy nominations for 2025.