The Life of a Showgirl: Meaning and Inspiration Explained

While announcing her 12th album would arrive Oct. 3, 2025, Taylor said that she selected just 12 songs for The Life of a Showgirl to keep “the bar really high” and make the record “just right” with a holistic theme (so no, there won’t be more songs coming).

The inspiration was about going “behind the curtain” of the Eras Tour.

“This album was about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during this tour,” Taylor said, “which was so exuberant and electric and vibrant.”

She continued, “It just comes from the most infectiously joyful, wild, dramatic place I was in in my life, so that effervescence has come through on this record.”  

On her days off from the tour, Taylor worked with hitmakers Max Martin and Shellback in Sweden to create these “infectious anthems,” including the titular track with Eras Tour opener Sabrina Carpenter.

In addition to “The Life of a Showgirl,” the tracks will be “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Opalite,” “Father Figure,” “Eldest Daughter,” “Ruin the Friendship,” “Actually Romantic,” “Wi$h Li$t,” “Wood,” “Cancelled!” and “Honey.”