Here are “The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics in English. From Taylor Swift’s album, the song features Taylor Swift’s heartfelt vocals. Penned by Taylor Swift, “The Tortured Poets Department” is sung by Taylor Swift. The album is produced by the talented Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, and the music directors for the album are Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner.
Enjoy the Lyrics and Feel Free to Sing Along!
The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics Meaning
You left your typewriter at my apartment
He’s stuck in an old-school, “tortured artist” persona — even literally.
Straight from the tortured poets department
A biting but affectionate nod to his overly dramatic, self-destructive tendencies.
I think some things I never say
Like, ‘who uses typewriters anyway?’ but
She withholds criticism — mocking him playfully in her head while loving him deeply.
You’re in self-sabotage mode, throwing spikes down on the road
But I’ve seen this episode and still loved the show
He’s emotionally destructive, but she’s already been through this — and still chooses him.
Who else decodes you?
Only she truly understands him — she’s his emotional interpreter.
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
And who’s gonna know you, if not me?
She challenges him — no one else will love or understand him like she does.
I laughed in your face and said
‘You’re not Dylan Thomas
I’m not Patti Smith
This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel
We’re modern idiots’
She mocks their pretensions — referencing famous artistic couples — and grounds them in reality.
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
Nobody
No-fucking-body
Nobody.
Raw declaration: she’s irreplaceable. No one else could be what she is to him.
You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate
We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist
They share quirky, intimate moments — mundane yet meaningful.
I scratch your head, you fall asleep
Like a tattooed golden retriever
He’s tough on the outside, but to her he’s soft, loyal, lovable — a pet-like affection.
But you awaken with dread, pounding nails in your head
But I’ve read this one where you come undone
I chose this cyclone with you.
He battles mental anguish — but she knowingly signed up for the chaos of loving him.
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
And who’s gonna know you like me?
Again she repeats — no one else truly gets him.
I laughed in your face and said
‘You’re not Dylan Thomas
I’m not Patti Smith
This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel
We’re modern idiots’
She repeats the joke — but it’s layered with sadness, frustration, and love.
And who’s gonna hold you like me?
No-fucking-body
Nobody.
She doubles down — in raw, biting clarity.
Sometimes I wonder if you’re gonna screw this up with me
But you told Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave
There’s emotional intensity and codependency — his pain is deeply tied to her presence.
And I had said that to Jack about you, so I felt seen
She’s also expressed suicidal anguish over him — mirrored torment, mutual devastation.
Everyone we know understands why it’s meant to be
‘Cause we’re crazy
So tell me
Who else is gonna know me?
Their circle gets it — their love is wild, emotional, unconventional, and volatile.
At dinner, you take my ring off my middle finger and put it on the one
People put wedding rings on, and that’s the closest I’ve come
To my heart exploding.
That small symbolic gesture — a mock proposal — is more intense and emotional than anything else.
Who’s gonna hold you?
Me
Who’s gonna know you?
Me
She owns it — she’s his only true emotional home.
‘And you’re not Dylan Thomas
I’m not Patti Smith
This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel
We’re two idiots’
No more romance in the delusion — they’re messy, chaotic, but real.
Who’s gonna hold you?
She’s not asking anymore — she’s affirming: she’s the one.
Who’s gonna hold you? (who’s gonna hold you?)
Who’s gonna hold you? (who’s gonna hold you?)
Who’s gonna hold you?
Who’s gonna hold you?
Who’s gonna hold you? gonna know you? gonna troll you?
The outro repeats the question rhetorically — no one else can match what she brings.
You left your typewriter at my apartment
Straight from the tortured poets department
Who else decodes you?
Full circle — he left behind a symbol of himself. And she is the only one who truly “reads” and loves him.
Song Credits
Album | The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology (2024) |
Song Name | The Tortured Poets Department |
Track Position | (The Anthology edition) |
Release Date | April 19, 2024 |
Writer/Lyricist | Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner |
Producer | Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner |
Record Label | Republic Records |
Genre | Alternative Pop, Indie Folk |
The Tortured Poets Department Taylor Swift lyrics
“The Tortured Poets Department” represents Taylor Swift’s most ambitious and introspective work to date, serving as her eleventh studio album. Swift developed the album throughout 2023 while on her record-breaking Eras Tour, with the heightened media scrutiny on her personal life inspiring much of the record’s content. The album was written and produced primarily with longtime collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, creating a cohesive sound that blends alternative pop with indie folk elements.
What makes this release particularly unique is its surprise double album format. Two hours after the initial 16-track release, Swift expanded it into “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” adding 15 additional songs for a total of 31 tracks. This strategic release approach generated unprecedented buzz and demonstrated Swift’s mastery of modern album rollout strategies.
Swift has described the album as her “lifeline,” indicating its deeply personal nature. The introspective songs depict emotional tumult, relationship dynamics, and personal growth, with many tracks featuring conversational, rap-like delivery that showcases Swift’s evolving vocal style. The album’s production varies from stripped-down piano ballads to lush, orchestral arrangements, providing a diverse listening experience that maintains thematic coherence.
Chart Performance & Stats
The album achieved historic commercial success, spending 17 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart as of December 2024. It tied Carole King’s “Tapestry” for the third-most weeks at number one by a female artist. The album broke numerous streaming records upon release, becoming one of the biggest debuts in music history and cementing Swift’s position as a dominant force in contemporary music.
Cultural Impact
Music critics have praised “The Tortured Poets Department” for its emotional depth and artistic maturity. The album has sparked countless discussions about Swift’s personal life, songwriting evolution, and the broader implications of celebrity culture. Several tracks have become viral sensations on social media platforms, with fans creating extensive theories about the album’s subjects and meanings.
Technical Details
The album features collaborations with Post Malone on “Fortnight” and Florence + The Machine on “Florida!!!” The production work showcases Swift’s growth as a producer, with co-production credits throughout the album. The sound palette ranges from intimate acoustic arrangements to bold electronic elements, demonstrating the versatility of Swift’s artistic vision.
Related Albums Section
Fans of “The Tortured Poets Department” might also enjoy Swift’s other introspective works, including “folklore,” “evermore,” and “Midnights.” The album’s emotional depth and production style also draw comparisons to artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Lana Del Rey, and Bon Iver, reflecting Swift’s position within the broader alternative pop landscape.
Explore More Songs From This Album
The Prophecy Lyrics – Taylor Swift 2024
Fortnight Song Lyrics English & Meaning – Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone
I Can Do It With A Broken Heart Lyrics by Taylor Swift 2024
Know More About The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics
1. Who wrote “The Tortured Poets Department” songs?
Taylor Swift wrote all songs on “The Tortured Poets Department,” collaborating primarily with Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner as co-writers and producers.
2. What is “The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics ” about?
The album is Swift’s most introspective work, exploring themes of emotional tumult, relationship dynamics, personal growth, and the scrutiny of fame, described by Swift as her “lifeline” album.
3. When was “The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics ” released?
The album was released on April 19, 2024, with the surprise double album “The Anthology” version released two hours later the same day.
4. How many songs are on “The Tortured Poets Department”?
The complete album contains 31 songs across two volumes, with 16 tracks on the main album and 15 additional tracks on “The Anthology.”
5. What genre is “The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics “?
The album blends alternative pop, indie folk, and synth-pop elements, showcasing Swift’s evolution beyond traditional pop boundaries.
6. Who are the featured artists on “The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics “?
The album features collaborations with Post Malone on “Fortnight” and Florence + The Machine on “Florida!!!”
7. How long is “The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics “?
The complete double album runs approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, making it Swift’s longest release to date.
8. Did “The Tortured Poets Department Lyrics” break any records?
Yes, the album broke numerous streaming records and spent 17 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, tying historic chart achievements.