Famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas is mentioned in the first line of Taylor Swift’s most recent album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” revealing her obsession with the literary great. We examine Swift’s potential reasons for making the shoutout as she gets ready to perform in Thomas’ own country this summer. In this article we talk about What’s Behind Taylor Swift’s Obsession with Poet Dylan Thomas.
Who is Dylan Thomas?
Famous Welsh poet and author Dylan Thomas (1914–1953) was from Swansea. His poems “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” and “Under Milk Wood” are among his best-known compositions. His powerful imagery and deft mastery of language made him one of the most prominent poets of the 20th century. Thomas, who drank excessively and had terrible health, had a stormy existence. He passed away in New York at the age of 39 while on a poetry tour. His erratic lifestyle and untimely demise contributed to his cult like stature and mystique among the literary community.
Thomas’ Rebellious Spirit Strikes a Chord
Swift is a lyricist who shares her soul, therefore it’s possible that she may relate to Thomas’s attitude of rebellion. In his poem “Do Not Go Gentle…”, he rebels against death’s inevitable conclusion, adamantly telling readers to “rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Thomas’s fervent words perfectly capture his zest for life and his unwillingness to go out quietly. Similar to this, Swift’s career has been based on honest pop songs that convey both the complexity of human feeling and young outrage. She approaches her art, like Thomas, with a fierce tenacity and a readiness to face the most difficult realities in life.
The Tortured Artist Trope
Additionally, Thomas’s turbulent lifestyle and the idea of the “tortured artist” seem to appeal to Swift. In the world of creatives, the fast-talking, hard-drinking womanizer who extinguishes quickly has taken on almost legendary status. Swift may romanticize the supposed artistic authenticity achieved via suffering, despite having a healthy lifestyle. Her album “The Tortured Poets Department” alludes to the notion of intelligent people experiencing inner conflict. Undoubtedly, Thomas endured immense suffering, which may be argued to have contributed to the rawness and intensity of his work.
Underdog Appeal
Moreover, Swift’s populist sensibilities are probably piqued by Thomas’s status as the underdog. His family was from a poor Swansea, and he had financial difficulties all of his professional life. Swift’s lyrics frequently encourage misfits and honor the underdog who overcomes adversity. Even though Thomas went on to become a well-known author throughout the world, he never forgot his working-class Welsh heritage. That relatability and commonplace lyrics rooted in actual human experience are echoed in Swift’s songs.
The Mystique of Poets
At a more basic level, Swift is captivated by the special mystery that surrounds poets such as Thomas. Being an accomplished storyteller, she recognizes the rich imaginative world he creates in pieces such as “Under Milk Wood.” With a lighthearted examination of the inner lives and dreams of common Welsh villagers, Thomas’s brilliant imagination is showcased in this poem. Swift might strive to equally well portray character and sensory detail in her songwriting. Some songwriters also see poets as symbols of artistic purity. Pop music has a larger audience than poetry, which is nevertheless considered a high art form. Swift gives Thomas’ eloquence and distinctive skill with words her due.
Will She Visit Swansea?
When Swift plays at Principality Stadium in Cardiff in June, many are curious as to whether she will make the hour-long journey west to Swansea to witness Thomas’ birthplace. A lifelong display about Dylan Thomas is housed at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea, together with a recreation of his work shed. Swift might get ideas for new songs during a tour. The people in the area also hope that she would visit his former residence on Cwmdonkin Drive or the Boathouse in Laugharne, where he later worked and lived. Considering that she mentioned Thomas by name on her record, a visit makes sense. But her packed concert itinerary might make a side trip to Swansea unfeasible.
Swift clearly regards Dylan Thomas, the tormented poet, as her creative soul mate. Her musical ethos is obviously in line with his passionate writing and rock star lifestyle. Thomas continues to be a suitable creative role model as Swift faces off her detractors and embraces turmoil in her own unique way. His unrelenting originality will only enhance her compelling songwriting. These two tempestuous artists have an everlasting kinship despite being separated by decades. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this “What’s Behind Taylor Swift’s Obsession with Poet Dylan Thomas?” article.
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