Swifties Are Already Spying Joe Alwyn Easter Eggs on ‘Tortured Poets Department’ Rollout

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, is stirring excitement among fans, especially as its release date of April 19 approaches.

Swifties were rampant at the Spotify-hosted pop-up at The Grove in Los Angeles on the week of the release. Here, fans have a unique chance to explore “library installations” that reveal insights into the themes and lyrics of her upcoming tracks, and fans are taking every small detail into account.

Fans quickly noticed how Swift alluded to her six-year relationship exhibit through the imagery of 72 library card filing drawers, symbolizing the 72 months—or six years—of her past relationship.

“Now WHAT IF those open mailboxes were not chosen randomly and instead they point to an event that happened in those months? What happened on their 10th month together? Then on their 2nd anniversary?” one fan excitedly noted on X (formerly Twitter). “She thinks of everything, she is an unparalleled mastermind,” posted another.

Another exhibit item, an open book with the quote “Even statues crumble / If they’re made to wait,” has sparked intense speculation among fans. This line, accompanied by a white doily and dried flowers, is thought to reflect the 34-year-old pop star’s past relationship with actor Joe Alwyn. Fans are theorizing that the lyrics suggest Swift’s readiness for marriage, contrasted by Alwyn’s reluctance.

“Omgggg she was so excited to marry him she would’ve married him with paper rings but he was just wasting time,” one user posted.

Many expressed their concern for Alwyn, 33, posting things like, “The album is so Joe Alwyn coded,” and, “Who do you think is more nervous for April 19th? Us Swifties or Joe Alwyn?”

Swift and Alwyn’s private six-year relationship mostly unfolded away from the public eye, predominantly in Alwyn’s native country, England. The significance of their relationship’s end is poetically woven into the track “So Long, London,” believed to be Track No. 5 on the album—a track traditionally known for its raw emotional depth in Swift’s discography.

In contrast to her past, Swift’s current relationship with Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce appears joyously untroubled, with the couple recently spotted enjoying Coachella together. Numerous social media posts confirm the couple’s presence at the event on Saturday, April 13. Videos circulating on TikTok capture Kelce, 34, with his arms around Swift, both singing and dancing to the live music. In the clips, the NFL star is seen standing behind his girlfriend, occasionally planting kisses on her cheek as they sway to the rhythm.