Is Taylor Swift’s new album too dark for kids?

As young fans rush to purchase the latest Taylor Swift album, some parents question whether the dark material on “The Tortured Poets Department” is suitable for kids.

The album contains seven explicit songs that all come with warning labels, which means the lyrics can include such things as strong language, violence, sex or substance abuse, notifying parents it “may be inappropriate for kids.” The seven songs which have caused a stir for moms of “Taylor Tots” — a term describing younger Swift fans – are “The Tortured Poets Department,” “Down Bad,” “But, Daddy, I Love Him,” “Florida!!!,” “loml,” “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” and “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.”

Members of Facebook group Taylor Swift’s Vault have been busy discussing the issue, with moms of young fans saying they are shielding their little ones from the themes of sex and violence. “I feel bad for all the Taylor Tots. because most parents are not going to deem this album appropriate,” member Crystal Barkley posted, according to “The Daily Wire.”

Some parents said they were less worried about the curse words than about the harm and violence. Casey McDonald Smith wrote that it was the “self-harm, violence and death talk” she’s “not feeling comfy with at this second.”

“I’m going to sleep on it and give it a few more listens before I decide how I’m going to approach it with my 9 year old,” another mom added. Kilee Herlin admitted she’s not sure it’s right for kids. “I have been debating this myself,” Herlin wrote. “Not because of swears, but just because of the deep, mature feelings. It’s definitely got some darkness.”

The double album also hints at her relationship with Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in September 2023 when Swift attended her first Chiefs game. Fans have speculated that the songs “The Alchemy” and “So High School” are both about Kelce.

But it’s not just the dark lyrics some are objecting to. Thousands have posted to Facebook excerpts of questionable lyrics that also include what they perceive as bashing  Christianity, demeaning parents and Swift comparing herself to Jesus on the cross.

Read the lyrics below and decide for yourself:

Guilty as Sin

What if I roll the stone away?

They’re gonna crucify me anyway

What if the way you hold me is actually what’s holy?

If long-suffering propriety is what they want from me

They don’t know how you’ve haunted me so stunningly

I choose you and me religiously

Another song:

The smallest man who ever lived

I would’ve died for your sins, instead, I just died inside

Another song:

But daddy I love him

I just learned these people only raise you

To cage you

Another song:

God save the most judgmental creeps

Who say they want what’s best for me

Sanctimoniously performing soliloquies I’ll never see

Thinkin’ it can change the beat

Of my heart when he touches me

And counteract the chemistry

And undo the destiny

You ain’t gotta pray for me

Me and my wild boy and all of this wild joy

If all you want is gray for me

Then it’s just white noise, and it’s just my choice

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice

Image:

Nicole Alexander

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