Spoon University Logo
ttpd
ttpd
News

Different Foods For Each Song In ‘The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology’

At midnight, Taylor Swift released her long-awaited eleventh album The Tortured Poets Department. Then the singer gave her fans a 2 a.m. surprise — The Tortured Poets Department as a double album with 15 extra songs.

“I’d written so much tortured poetry in the past 2 years and wanted to share it all with you, so here’s the second installment of TTPD: The Anthology,” captioned Swift in her Instagram post. “And now the story isn’t mine anymore… it’s all yours.”

Each track on TTPD: The Anthology offers a unique flavor experience. Keep reading to discover what food you should eat while listening to your favorite song through your tears.

“Fortnight:” Red wine

“Fortnight” has a sultry vibe that I think pairs well with red wine.

“The Tortured Poets Department:” Seven bars of chocolate

This one’s self-explanatory.

“My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys:” Chocolate smash hearts

Nothing is more satisfying than smashing a chocolate heart.

“Down Bad:” A pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream

We’ve all been down bad for someone. A pint of your favorite ice cream (for me it’s Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie), tissues, and your favorite show are the only solutions.

“So Long, London:” Red Bull

“My spine split from carrying us up the hill,” yeah, Taylor Swift is going to need something to give her a boost of energy like Red Bull after carrying this relationship on her back.

“But Daddy, I Love Him:” Sour Patch Kids

The contrast between the verses and the chorus takes the listener on a journey; feeling depressed while building up to anger. A Sour Patch Kid is first sour then sweet, just like this song.

“Fresh Out The Slammer:” Mac & Cheese

Mac & Cheese is that bit of brightness that matches an hour of sunshine, but also a staple American dish to go along with the “I’m the girl of his American dreams” lyric.

“Florida!!!:” Mimosa

Florida is known as the “Orange State,” but I couldn’t be cliche and give the song oranges, that doesn’t match the vibe here. A Mimosa is a mixture of orange juice and champagne that could lead to regrets if you have one too many.

“Guilty as Sin?:” Chocolate chips

This is actually a double meaning: for one, eating chocolate chips in handfuls is my guilty pleasure. “Guilty as Sin?” references Swift’s long-term relationship with Joe Alwyn and how she felt stuck, fantasizing about others. “We’ve already done it in my head, if it’s make-believe why does it feel like a vow we’ll both uphold somehow?” The chocolate chips pair well with her tears and sexual desires.

“Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?:” Shots of vodka

Shots of vodka because I’m afraid of the alcohol. Absorbing this power ballad feels the same as absorbing a shot of the strongest vodka you can find.

“I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can):” Cheese (any and all kinds)

The song references dopamine, and, if you didn’t know, cheese tends to increase your dopamine levels when consumed. But also, I truly believe that cheese can fix any dish.

“loml:” Chicken noodle soup

This kind of heartbreak is borderline ill. Take a break from balling your eyes out and get some nutrients in.

“I Can Do It With A Broken Heart:” Birthday cake

This one’s obvious: “I’m so depressed, I act like it’s my birthday every day.”

“The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived:” Bitter dark chocolate

“The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” is a strong and intense song reminiscent of the bitterness in dark chocolate.

“The Alchemy:” White wine

Not only does Taylor Swift sing, “These chemicals hit me like white wine,” but this song evokes a sense of elegance and sophistication similar to white wine.

“Clara Bow:” Macaron

A hand-crafted macaron represents the captivating presence and beauty of “Clara Bow.”

“The Black Dog:” Black coffee

The raw emotion of betrayal, heartbreak, and bitterness in “The Black Dog” bears resemblance to bitter black coffee while providing a sense of warmth.

“imgonnagetyouback:” Buffalo chicken sandwich

I can’t explain it, but the fiery impact of this song makes me crave the taste of buffalo.

“The Albatross:” Vodka cran

The reference to liquor combined with the sense of innocence makes me think of a vodka cran. This drink can be seen ordered by most 21-year-olds as their “go-to,” which is why it reminds me of innocence.

“Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus:” Smoothie bowl

There are complex layers in both “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus” and a smoothie bowl, but the lyric “internet starlet” makes me think of trendy foods which is why a smoothie bowl came to mind.

“How Did It End?:” Whiskey

“How Did It End?” brings the mind to a somber and reflective mood and the deep flavors of whiskey mirror the depth of the protagonist’s emotions and the complexity of relationships.

“So High School:” Cheese pizza

Pizza, a classic, reminds me so much of my high school years since it was basically half my diet back then.

“I Hate It Here:” Herbal tea

The song’s theme of escapism and seeking inner peace can evoke the need for tranquility and relaxation which can be provided by herbal tea.

“thanK you alMee:” Tiramisu

The layers of tiramisu portray the layered emotions in “thanK you aIMee” where the narrator journeys from pain and struggle to growth and healing.

“I Look in People’s Windows:” Mulled wine

Mulled wine is comforting with a hint of melancholy which matches the song’s vibe.

“The Prophecy:” Hot cocoa

Imagine wrapping your hands around a mug of hot cocoa, feeling the warmth seep into your bones as you contemplate the lyrics of “The Prophecy.”

“Cassandra:” Chili

Chili is a comforting dish that can evoke feelings of home and warmth just like the emotional journey depicted in “Cassandra.”

“Peter:” Chicken tenders (with seemingly ranch)

“Peter” alludes to the Disney movie, “Peter Pan,” a classic kid’s film. It made me think of my childhood when all I wanted to eat was chicken tenders.

“The Bolter:” Champagne

Champagne is often associated with celebration, luxury, and sophistication, much like the lifestyle depicted in “The Bolter.”

“Robin:” Milkshake

Throughout “Robin,” Taylor Swift suggests a whimsical and youthful atmosphere, which aligns well with the nostalgic appeal of a milkshake.

“The Manuscript:” Fruity Pebbles

“Afterwards she only ate kids’ cereal and couldn’t sleep unless it was in her mother’s bed.” The song not only references kids’ cereal but also has a melancholic and reflective tone throughout.

Kayla is a senior at Suffolk University majoring in print/web journalism from Wilmington, MA. She transferred in 2022 from Hofstra University where she was involved in Her Campus and the Hofstra Chronicle. Kayla continues to write for Her Campus Suffolk and is a writer/copy editor for the Suffolk Journal. After graduating in the Spring of 2024, she hopes to continue writing for a magazine and/or work in the social media field. When not studying or working, she likes to spend her time shopping, writing and hanging out with her cat, Ozzie!