Is Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl suitable for kids?
We look at the lyrics, innuendo and mature themes parents need to know about
Unless you've been living under a rock with no Wi-Fi, you'll have heard that Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl dropped on Friday, with all the sparkle and stage-ready glam you’d expect from pop’s biggest name.
But beneath the sequins and big choruses, there’s a new maturity in her lyrics, and if you’re a parent of a young Swiftie, you might be wondering whether this album is OK for your child to listen to.
We’ve broken down what’s in the lyrics and which tracks may not be suitable for younger listeners.
What age is Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl suitable for?
While there’s some explicit language in a few tracks, and its themes are often very adult, touching on sexuality, drug use, fame, trauma, and emotional complexity, The Life of a Showgirl doesn’t carry a parental advisory warning.
However, several tracks include mature themes that might not be appropriate for younger children, including:
- Sexual innuendo (e.g. “Wood”)
- Drug references (e.g. cocaine in “Actually Romantic”)
- Dark emotional content (“Eldest Daughter”, “Father Figure”)
Parents of teens may feel comfortable discussing these themes, but for primary school-aged children or tweens, this album is better left until they’re older.
The Life of a Showgirl tracks that parents might want to screen first
While some of Taylor’s latest songs are more emotional than explicit, several tracks include references to sex, drugs and industry cynicism. These songs may not be suitable for younger listeners, and it's worth previewing them yourself before playing on a shared playlist.
1. “Actually Romantic” – contains a cocaine reference
Believed to be a diss track aimed at Charli XCX, “Actually Romantic” includes an explicit drug reference:
“I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave”
The song also includes sexual innuendo and sarcasm:
“It’s kind of making me wet”
This track is witty and sharp, but clearly written for an adult audience.
2. “Father Figure” – references violence, sex and alcohol
This is the most mature track on the album by far. It reads like a mafia boss monologue and includes multiple adult references:
“I can make deals with the devil because my d**’s bigger”
“You’ll be sleeping with the fishes before you know you’re drowning”
So not suitable for younger children.
3. “Wood” – heavy innuendo
Although upbeat and catchy, “Wood” contains very clear sexual imagery:
"The curse on me was broken by your magic wand"
“Redwood tree, it ain't hard to see / His love was the key that opened my thighs”
The whole song leans into innuendo in a playful but unmistakable way, but not entirely suitable for little ones.
5. “Wish List” – includes f-bombs
This song blends domestic longing with moments of explicit language:
“We tell the world to leave us the f** alone, and they do”
It’s otherwise a romantic, grown-up fantasy of settling down – but not suitable for very young ears due to the uncensored language.
Songs that are safe – but still mature in tone
Not all tracks are problematic. Several are emotionally deep but not explicit:
- “The Fate of Ophelia” – literary references, metaphorical lyrics
- “Elizabeth Taylor” – dramatic and romantic, no crude content
- “Eldest Daughter” – vulnerable and heartfelt, explores childhood trauma
- “Honey” – some adult themes, but overall sweet and nostalgic
Even these may feel too emotionally complex for primary-aged children, but teens may relate to the themes of self-esteem, pressure, and identity.
What’s in the title track, The Life of a Showgirl?
The closing (and title) track, a duet with Sabrina Carpenter, is a theatrical tribute to female resilience. It includes no swearing, but the song explores the highs and lows of life on stage:
“They ripped me off like false lashes and then threw me away”
“Pain hidden by the lipstick and lace / Sequins are forever”
It’s an empowering anthem – but written for listeners who understand the cost of fame, not young children.
Final verdict: Is The Life of a Showgirl appropriate for kids?
In short: no, this album is not suitable for younger children.
While there’s little in the way of graphic swearing, The Life of a Showgirl contains:
- Direct references to cocaine and alcohol
- Sexual innuendo and suggestive lyrics
- Themes of trauma, fame, manipulation and regret
For teens and older Swifties, it’s a bold, confident record that may spark conversations around mental health, power dynamics, and identity. But for younger children, many tracks are likely too mature.
The bottom line for parents
This isn’t 1989 or Lover. Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl marks a new, grown-up chapter. It’s artistic, theatrical, and packed with rich storytelling – but it’s not family-friendly listening for the school run.
If your child is under 12, we recommend previewing the album yourself before adding it to their playlist.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.