As Olivia Rodrigo’s second album, GUTS, hit streaming platforms on September 8, fans eagerly analyzed its lyrics, delving into the emotional depth of tracks like “Vampire” and “Logical.” However, one track, “The Grudge,” has particularly sparked theories that it might reference an alleged feud between Olivia and her musical idol, Taylor Swift. Though there’s no official confirmation of such a conflict, the speculation has taken the internet by storm, with fans dissecting every lyric.

This is not the first time Rodrigo has put her emotions front and center in her music. Her breakout single, “Drivers License,” showcased her ability to channel personal feelings into a global hit, earning her a Grammy and widespread acclaim. However, as her career progressed, her relationship with Swift—once marked by mutual admiration—became more complicated, especially following a reported dispute over songwriting credits.

A Backdrop of Admiration Turned Bitterness

Rodrigo opens “The Grudge” with poignant lyrics:
I have nightmares each week ’bout that Friday in May
One phone call from you and my entire world was changed.

The song reflects on a moment of betrayal, vividly capturing the emotional toll of a life-altering conversation. For some fans, this lyric recalls May 2021, when Rodrigo released her debut album Sour and performed at the BRIT Awards. At the event, she met Taylor Swift in person, solidifying her admiration for the pop star she had long idolized. Early in her career, Rodrigo had been vocal about her love for Swift’s music, often posting covers and even promoting Fearless (Taylor’s Version) alongside Conan Gray.

The admiration seemed mutual—Swift even gifted Rodrigo a ring she wore while writing Red. However, by July 2021, reports emerged that Rodrigo had given songwriting credits on her hit track “Deja Vu” to Swift, Jack Antonoff, and St. Vincent. Rodrigo cited inspiration from Swift’s song “Cruel Summer,” calling it one of her favorite tracks. Despite her enthusiasm, this decision cost her 50% of the royalties, potentially amounting to millions of dollars.

Painful Reflections in “The Grudge”

The song’s chorus captures feelings of vulnerability and frustration:
And I try to be tough, but I wanna scream
How could anybody do the things you did so easily?
And I say I don’t care, I say that I’m fine
But you know I can’t let it go, I’ve tried, I’ve tried, I’ve tried for so long
It takes strength to forgive, but I don’t feel strong.

If “The Grudge” indeed references this episode, it paints a picture of a young artist grappling with feelings of betrayal by someone she deeply admired. Rodrigo expresses her inability to forgive, a sentiment that resonates with many navigating personal and professional relationships.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Rodrigo was asked about speculation that her lead single “Vampire” might be about Swift. Caught off guard, she replied, “How do I answer this? I mean, I never want to say who any of my songs are about… I think it’s better not to pigeonhole a song to being about this one thing.” She also expressed surprise at the speculation, given the mutual support she and Swift had shared early in her career.

The Complexity of Hurt

The second verse of “The Grudge” delves deeper into feelings of regret and imagined confrontations:
The arguments that I’ve won against you in my head
In the shower, in the car and in the mirror before bed
Yeah, I’m so tough when I’m alone and I make you feel so guilty
And I fantasize about a time you’re a little f**in’ sorry.*

Rodrigo’s lyrics highlight a universal human experience—reliving unresolved conflicts and fantasizing about vindication. She acknowledges that both parties contributed to the fallout, singing, “And we both drew blood, but, man, those cuts were never equal.”

This self-awareness adds depth to the song, showing a willingness to confront her own flaws even as she processes her hurt. The emotional complexity of “The Grudge” is a testament to Rodrigo’s growth as an artist and her ability to channel personal pain into universally relatable music.

A Test of Resilience

With GUTS, Rodrigo demonstrates her continued commitment to vulnerability in her music. “The Grudge” serves as a powerful exploration of betrayal and emotional endurance. Whether or not the song is about Swift, it resonates as a deeply personal expression of Rodrigo’s journey.

As fans continue to speculate and share their theories, Rodrigo remains steadfast in her artistic vision, proving that, like the title of her album, it takes guts to turn life’s most challenging moments into art.