If you haven’t already caught on from the Super Bowl embraces, romantic getaways in the Bahamas, or hand-holding at Coachella, Taylor Swift isn’t exactly keeping her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce under wraps. This transparency extends to her songwriting, notably evident in the Tortured Poets Department track “The Alchemy,” where Swift cheekily references Kelce’s football career.
Swift’s nods to “touching down,” “the team,” “warming the benches,” “winning streaks,” “the trophy,” and “the league” are so overt that some fans speculate whether the song is a bait-and-switch, ostensibly about Kelce but perhaps reflecting Swift’s relationship with her public image.
Regardless of the song’s intended subject, Swift is keenly aware that her sports references will inevitably draw attention to Kelce and the burgeoning “Tayvis” era. “The Alchemy” serves as an anthem, embracing Swift’s latest chapter with unabashed candor. Even the subtler lyrics hint at a playful attitude:
“I circled you on a map” could be a nod to Swift putting Kelce “on the map,” while “those blokes warm the benches” might slyly reference her British exes, including Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy. “Child’s play back at school”? It could be a nod to Swift’s earlier catalog, where she explored high-school stereotypes in songs like “You Belong With Me.”
Swift isn’t spilling all the details, but with all eyes on her and Kelce, she’s making the most of her wordplay. For those curious, the full lyrics of “The Alchemy” are available below.
This happens once every few lifetimes
These chemicals hit me like a white wine
What if I told you I’m back?
The hospital was a drag,
Worst sleep that I ever had
I circled you on a map
I haven’t come around in so long
But I’m coming back so strong
So when I touch down
Call the amateurs and cut ’em from the team
Ditch the clowns, get the crown,
Baby I’m the one to beat
’Cause the sign on your heart
Said it’s still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?
Hey you, what if I told you we’re cool?
That child’s play back in school
Is forgiven under my rule
I haven’t come around in so long
But I’m making a comeback to where I belong
So when I touch down
Call the amateurs and cut ’em from the team
Ditch the clowns, get the crown,
Baby I’m the one to beat
’Cause the sign on your heart
Said it’s still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?
These blokes warm the benches
We’ve been on a winning streak
He jokes that it’s heroin but this time with an ‘E’
’Cause the sign on your heart
Said it’s still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?
Shirts off and your friends lift you up over their heads
Beer sticking to the floor,
Cheers chanted ’cause they said
There was no chance tryna be the greatest in the league
Where’s the trophy?
He just comes running over to me
Touch down
Call the amateurs and cut ’em from the team
Ditch the clowns, get the crown,
Baby I’m the one to beat
’Cause the sign on your heart
Said it’s still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?
These blokes warm the benches
We’ve been on a winning streak
He jokes that it’s heroin but this time with an ‘E’
’Cause the sign on your heart
Said it’s still reserved for me
Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?
