Background

Elizabeth Taylor’s son, Christopher Wilding, called Taylor Swift a “rare, positive role model”. And with her work on “Elizabeth Taylor”, I can’t help but agree.

“Elizabeth Taylor” is the second track from Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl (2025). It was written and produced by Taylor Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback.

I’d Cry My Eyes Violet, Elizabeth Taylor

Taylor Swift is a master storyteller. A big part of her skillset is her ability to focus on a subject matter and explore all its facets. The details are laid down clearly, with myself transported to the scene, and her description leaves little to the imagination.

I know little about Elizabeth Taylor. And I still do. But I am 1% more aware about some facets of her life because of Taylor Swift’s songwriting.

Elizabeth Taylor had deep blue eyes that appeared violet on screen. Portofino, Italy is where Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor. Plaza Athenee in Paris is the hotel where the two lived together for six months in 1971. White diamonds are a nod to her signature fragrance brand and her collection of jewelry. The movie The Girl Who had Everything featured the actress in 1953. And Musso & Frank’s is a Hollywood landmark where she was a regular.

Nothing escapes her attention. And it speaks to her mindfulness. And I wish to emulate that.

Elizabeth Taylor, Do You Think It’s Forever?

Taylor Swift explores a topic she knows all too well – money and loneliness. Despite having all the success, loneliness is the equaliser. And this insecurity is a common theme in her discography, but also in my life.

She and Elizabeth Taylor have many things in common – wealth, public scandals, and the search for love. Swift summons Elizabeth, and engages in a private conversation between two women who understand the heavy weight of being famous.

All the conversations are just in her head. And while her fame and fortune are abnormal, her musings and questions are. And that’s what makes “Elizabeth Taylor” relatable.

All My White Diamonds and Lovers are Forever (Elizabeth Taylor)

Harps and cellos – instruments I don’t often hear in pop music. But the production trio of Swift, Martin, and Shellback know how to make a splash. With these creative choices, they make an elite and exclusive atmosphere, making the sound fancy and timeless, almost like Old Hollywood like Elizabeth Taylor.

The song is also not short of dramatic production. There are moments where the music almost stops and then explodes back in. The track feels like a high-stakes movie scene rather than just a radio track.

Conclusion

I don’t know if her relationship is forever. I sure hope it is.

But she can take comfort in the fact that she’s number one and that her music is forever.