The Swifties have been “patient for the encore” (IYKYK)—and it’s paid off big time! 

On Sept. 25, Taylor added four new tracks—aka The Encore—to the The Life of a Showgirl universe. Follow along for our track-by-track analysis…

“Patient Zero”

If you’ve ever spiraled about your ex using all their evil tricks on their next partner, this is the song for you. 

“Patient Zero” is basically Taylor’s reassurance to the girlfriend that comes *after* her. With lyrics like “I know it seems like he shines so bright/But he’s bathing in your reflected light,” the song’s lyrics are just as much a wake-up call as they are a hype-up sesh.

Bc when those rose-colored glasses aren’t working in your favor, sometimes you just want someone to tell you, “Hey girl, you’re not crazy. I’ve been there too.” And in that case, “Patient Zero” is your go-to. 

Taylor took to Insta to share a 13-second sneak-peek for the Sept. 27 release of the “Patient Zero” music video during the VMAs. With Dakota Johnson featured, Swifties are thinking this is the Taylor track to accompany the Verity movie. We’re staying tuned for Sunday’s answers!

“Cleveland!” 

Hear us out: “Cleveland!” is pretty much the lover-girl version of “Shake It Off.” 

Taylor trades 1989’s iconic “I stay up too late/Got nothing in my brain” for a third-person intro of the hate she receives in the spotlight, with insults ranging from “trash” fashion, clumsy dance moves and “annoying” smiles. 

But then enters Travis (eee!). Taylor swoons over their romantic tours of his hometown, white wedding dress and the overall message that outshines the hate: People can try to pick you apart, but there’s someone who will love *all* of your perfectly imperfect parts. 

Forget Paris–Cleveland is the new city of love. 

“Pink Clouding”

“Pink Clouding” proves that a late apology (and we’re talking 10 years here) is better than none at all! 

Many Swifties are speculating that The Encore’s third track is a message to Tom Hiddleston, Taylor’s whirlwind romance from 2016. After the Swiftie super sleuths found a video of Tom dancing on a pink cloud in “Much Ado About Nothing,” fans were quick to connect the video as potential inspo. 

Even though the two only dated for a couple of months in 2016, Taylor sings throughout the bridge feelings of guilt and regret: “And I swear to God, to this day/I wake up scared that I left scars on a good person.” Accountability has never sounded so beautiful! 

“Babylon”

“Babylon” feels like a chapter-by-chapter life story of a man who’s never satisfied—somehow condensed into 3 minutes and 39 seconds (how *does* she do it?). 

The song’s star is someone who believes that love will slow him down (exhibit a: “Love is ice upon the ladder that you need to climb”). So he neglects the woman who “loves him so” and looks at him like he’s “made of solid gold” (and cue the tears). 

The Encore final track on the lesson that you shouldn’t wait until what you have is gone to appreciate it. 

Swiftie szn is in full swing! Read along for all of Taylor’s latest moves…
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🧡 QUIZ! Which Taylor Swift Fall Era Are You? 

Images: @taylorswift, @maxmartinmusic