Taylor Swift’s musical evolution has entered a new phase, commonly known as her showgirl era. This transformation can be traced back to her earlier work, particularly the track “You’re on Your Own Kid” from her tenth studio album, Midnights. In this song, Swift reflects on her personal growth while managing the complexities of fame, illustrating her journey from a small-town upbringing to the vibrant and often demanding realm of stardom.
Through poignant lyrics, Taylor Swift reflects on her feelings of being out of place among seemingly more accomplished peers. She recognizes that her aspirations, though unique, are not as uncommon as she once thought. The phrase “pages turned with the bridges burned” captures her resilience during challenging times, particularly during her cancellation saga. This song introduces the concept of friendship bracelets, which later became a symbol of community during her Eras Tour and played a significant role in her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce.
Behind the scenes
After two years, Taylor Swift has achieved a remarkable $2 billion in ticket sales. She is now preparing to release her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. This album aims to provide a deeper understanding of her experiences offstage. Swift shared her thoughts on the project during an appearance on Travis Kelce’s podcast, New Heights. She revealed that the intense demands of her performances often leave her feeling energized yet reflective, making it difficult to sleep until the early hours following a show.
Inspired by cinematic showgirls
Swift’s artistic vision draws significant inspiration from legendary showgirl portrayals in film. Iconic performances can be seen in characters portrayed by Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls, Marilyn Monroe in The Prince and the Showgirl, and Pamela Anderson in The Last Showgirl. These characters encapsulate the themes presented in “You’re on Your Own Kid,” highlighting the challenges and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of fame.
The narrative of the small-town girl in Taylor Swift’s song echoes the journey of Nomi Malone from Showgirls, as she seeks success in Las Vegas. Both characters face a world filled with deception and betrayal, challenging their innocence in the pursuit of their dreams. Nomi’s poignant line, “There’s always someone younger and hungrier coming down the stairs after you,” resonates with Swift’s contemplation in her collaboration with Phoebe Bridgers on “Nothing New.” In this track, they reflect on the passage of time and the constant emergence of new talent.
The evolution of the showgirl archetype
A look at the evolution of the showgirl
The term showgirl has a rich history, first emerging in the early 19th century to describe entertainers in Parisian cabarets and burlesque shows. It gained significant recognition in the United States through Broadway productions, notably Ziegfeld’s Follies. However, it was during the 20th century that Hollywood fully embraced this concept, with Marilyn Monroe epitomizing the showgirl through her iconic roles in films such as Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Monroe’s portrayal and its relevance today
In The Prince and the Showgirl, Monroe portrays Elsie, a charming American showgirl who wins the affection of a British royal. Their relationship, reminiscent of contemporary celebrity romances like that of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, faces scrutiny due to their contrasting backgrounds. This parallel to Swift’s life is accentuated by the personal challenges Monroe encountered offscreen, including turbulent relationships and the intense pressures associated with fame.
Exploring fame and its impact on identity
Gia Coppola’s forthcoming film, The Last Showgirl, features a character named Shelly, who confronts her identity following a lengthy career in the limelight. Shelly’s experiences resonate with those of many artists, including Taylor Swift, as they grapple with questions of relevance and the sacrifices inherent in their craft. In a moving scene, she articulates her profound connection to the stage, saying, “The costumes. The being bathed in that light night after night, feeling seen, feeling beautiful.” This reflection mirrors Swift’s own challenges and successes throughout her career.
Swift’s upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, is set to capture both the joy and challenges of her recent experiences. In a discussion with Kelce, she characterized the music as more upbeat and vibrant, indicating a departure from the introspective tones of her previous album, The Tortured Poets Department. This evolution points to a new phase in her artistic journey, where the celebration of performance emerges after navigating past hardships.
This narrative underscores Swift’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The insights gained from her challenges have profoundly influenced her music, as well as her perspective on fame and personal fulfillment.
