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Written by Kimaya Gupte, 10/08/2025
The Life of a Showgirl has been out for a few days now, which, if you didn’t know, what are you doing. So, I’m not a swiftie. I’m not a Taylor-hater either, though, because not so long ago I did have a phase where the only music I’d listen to was Evermore on shuffle. Cowboy like me and no body, no crime will forever have a special place in my heart. Also, apparently this is an unpopular opinion, but I really liked TTPD. I liked a lot of songs on it compared to some of her other albums, but everyone I’ve ever talked to about it seems to think the whole thing is straight garbage. I have heard a colossal range of mixed reviews about this next one. I’ve heard a lot of people criticizing her song-writing skills this time around, with some review I saw somewhere even venturing so far as to say that “they tortured the poet right out of her.” Okay, now get ready for a whole lotta yap.
The Fate of Ophelia:
Ooh I love the introduction on this one. I’m writing as I listen by the way, because in truth, I cannot be bothered to do a whole essay for each of the 14 songs. I love this chorus. This sounds like the kind of song that’s gonna be stuck in my head for at least a week or so. It’s much better than I expected.
Elizabeth Taylor:
My best friend was really praising this one. So Elizabeth Taylor was an American English actress apparently. Love the chorus once again. So, I don’t really understand the lyrics of this one either, and I feel like I’d have to do extensive research to understand the references, which I don’t plan on doing. Yeahhh so if you haven’t guessed by now it looks like this review is gonna be me talking a lot but actually saying absolutely nothing of substance. Overall, it’s a pretty good song and it’s giving car-ride playlist.
Opalite:
I like the rhythm. Honestly I feel like all three of these songs have really similar vibes and vocals, but I guess that’s the point of an album. I can see myself playing it while I’m straightening my hair or doing my makeup or something. It’s fun and it’s singing and dancing with your best friends on a Friday night sleepover. It would probably be on the same playlist as Lush Life or Call Me Maybe. I think.
Father Figure:
Ohhh this is a different vibe. Slightly. Not that much. It’s slower. I think I know the deeper meaning behind the lyrics? It’s darker than the other ones, more sinister, which contrasts the upbeat instrumentals. I guess I don’t have much else to say. Unremarkable.
Eldest Daughter:
Yeah so this one is definitely different. Much sadder. I’m guessing this is the song people have been trashing her song-writing skills over. So, I do get what she’s trying to say, but I do think it could have been written a little more eloquently, because the lyrics are kinda cringy. “We all dressed up as wolves and we looked fire.” …I think that line speaks for itself, as does the one that follows it which I can’t quote because it’s gonna get censored. It’s the kind of thing that’s meant to be serious but just makes me feel bad for laughing at it.
Ruin the Friendship:
At this rate, if I write this much for every song this thing is turning into an actual essay. I already procrastinated it for the whole weekend and I will not be losing sleep for this, thanks. Oooh really aesthetic imagery used here. “But your girlfriend was away / Should’ve kissed you anyway”???? I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that. Okay so she’s cosplaying a highschooler in this one. Or is this about a highschool boyfriend? I don’t think her fiance would appreciate her brooding over that.
Actually Romantic:
The lyrics of this one have me giggling. It reminds me a lot of You need to calm down. It’s a lighthearted, fun, unserious way of addressing someone who’s expressed hate towards her by accusing them of being in love with her. Classic case of “sweetie, she’s mean to you because she likes you”.
Wi$h Li$t:
This is a cute love song… in a slightly aggressive way? It’s actually really sweet because it suggests a stable, certain future, something she hasn’t had the chance to experience yet with her dating history. If this couple gets divorce it’s gonna spark a generation-wide depression. The song is kind of boring to listen to though.
Wood:
Oooh I like the rhythm on this but I didn’t pay enough attention in music class to be able to actually describe it well. It kind of reminds me of her old music. The whole album gives a mix of 1989 and Midnights. This is another upbeat, fun track.
CANCELLED!
This song feels like it could’ve been a Reputation vault track. I had a Reputation phase too. It was king of my heart for a while (wink wink). That’s really all I have to say about this one. I like it.
Honey:
I like the snare on this one. I think that’s what it’s called. Oooh this makes me sad. It’s a sweet song but in a melancholic way. She’s recognizing her struggles but in a way that shows how it contrasts the way her life is now. It kind of reminds me of thanK you aIMee.
The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter):
And now we get to the grand finale, the album’s namesake. I don’t really listen to Sabrina at all, but she’s still iconic. I didn’t like Espresso, but by god was I obsessed with Nonsense when it came out. So this song, as well as the rest of the album I guess, is meant to reveal a little about life in showbusiness. The music’s super catchy and I like the beat. This song offers a really interesting glimpse into life behind the stage curtain, and talks about how people who aspire to be famous popstars would probably be happier if they didn’t fulfill their dreams. But the main character of this track ignores the showgirl’s advice for some reason and goes on to be one anyway. I feel like this is the one song I should be analyzing deeply but I can’t think of anything else to comment on. The music itself feels pretty upbeat and light-hearted for such a dark meaning, but I guess in a way that’s the point. I love the outro, it’s so Sabrina. This and Opalite are tied for my favourite.
Overall, I think that while this album was definitely not Taylor’s best poetry, it’s kind of incomparable to TTPD because of how different the style is. It was created for a different reason with different emotions inspiring it. While I won’t be listening to this album regularly like I did Evermore or TTPD, I still think it’s fun and silly and great for singing along to with your best friends. Thanks for making it this far, and give this album a listen if you haven’t already!
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