Background

With “The Fate of Ophelia”, Taylor Swift has created a sleepless night we’ve all been dreaming of.

“The Fate of Ophelia” is the lead single and opening track of Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, released on October 2025. It was written and produced by Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback.

I’m a Swiftie. And I remember jogging the morning of the album release. It was going to be my playlist for the run. I was worried because my expectations were sky high. And when “The Fate of Ophelia”, the sound was not what I was expecting. But from a lead single, it was what I needed.

‘Tis Locked Inside My Memory

Taylor Swift is my gateway to classic literature. While I’m familiar with the story of Romeo and Juliet (not just because of “Love Story”), I’ve never read Hamlet nor seen an adaptation of it. And I don’t think that’s anything to apologise for.

Shakespeare is hard to understand because of its use of Old English (or Early Modern English if we’re being technical). And quite frankly, my interest in reading is barely there. So for Taylor to help me understand the core themes of a 400 year old script is more than welcome.

In the past, Taylor has been helpful in enhancing my vocabulary. And in “The Fate of Ophelia”, she has given me the back story of an “iconic” literary character. She’s also sprinkled in a text from the original, the line “‘Tis locked inside my memory”. From what I understood, these are almost the exact words used in the first act of Hamlet.

I’m still illiterate on all things Shakespeare. But I’m one step closer than where I was yesterday.

Keep It One Hundred on the Land, thе Sea, the Sky

I think the genius in “The Fate of Ophelia” is how the trio of Swift, Martin and Shellback bridged the past and the present. It’s easy to be bored with the retelling of old stories. But they managed to modernise the narrative with everyday slangs that today’s generation can relate to.

Keep it 100, or being completely honest, feels like it’s lifted from the texts of teenagers or viral Tiktok videos. Pledging allegiance feels like it’s taken from the kingdoms of centuries past. But when I have to swear loyalty to my team and to my vibes, the references could not be any more current, even if they tried to. And the fact that the lines are trendy and iconic don’t hurt.

Yes, she’s introducing classical art to ordinary folks like me. In the process, she’s also ensuring that her words are accessible. She democratises literature one day at a time, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

It’s ’bout to Be the Sleepless Night You’ve Been Dreaming of

I think Taylor Swift makes the melody adjust to her words, instead of the other way around. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if she’s known for her songwriting and lyrics. But a part of me finds the chorus a bit mouthful. But that’s a creative choice I respect.

In the chorus, she narrates her story. But the production choice to have a post-chorus, where the rhythm and the hook shine, is commendable. Before any boredom sinks in, the vibe changes from loud and dramatic, to stripped back and a catchy chant.

Conclusion

“The Fate of Ophelia” is an invitation to a literary world I never thought I wanted to enter. As a Swiftie who feels nervous about any new material she releases, I was quickly won over by the track blending 400 year old Shakespearean themes with the modern language and production of today. She has a reputation for “incorrectly” selecting first singles. I’m happy she didn’t make that same mistake with her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.