‘Taylor Tots’ moms can’t shake off Taylor Swift’s dirty lyrics, mature themes on ‘TTPD’: ‘Definitely got some darkness’
They can’t shake off these dirty lyrics.
Mothers have a problem with the curse words and mature themes on Taylor Swift’s new album “The Tortured Poets Department” — which has seven explicit songs that all come with warning labels.
The controversy over whether or not “Taylor Tots,” a nickname given to young fans of the 34-year-old superstar, should be listening to it sparked a debate on the Facebook group Taylor Swift’s Vault, which has over 480,000 members.
“I feel bad for all the Taylor Tots because most parents are not going to deem this album appropriate,” member Crystal Barkley wrote in a post on Friday, the day the album was released.
Barkley’s post garnered 1,500 likes and over 1,000 comments — and a bunch of moms said they are shielding their little ones from its curse words and mature themes, such as sex, harm, violence and death.
“This album is definitely NOT suitable for kids,” agreed Tana Hancock.
“It’s called ‘tortured poets’ who thought this would be a kid-oriented album?” added Stephanie DeVaughn.
Some parents said they are not concerned as much about the swearing in her new music, but its dark content.
“I’m OK with the curse words, but there’s a lot of self-harm, violence, and death talk I’m not feeling comfy with at this second,” Casey McDonald Smith wrote.
“I’m going to sleep on it and give it a few more listens before I decide how I’m going to approach it with my 9 year old.”
Kilee Herlin agreed, saying she is unsure if it’s suitable for youngsters’ ears.
“I have been debating this myself. Not because of swears, but just because of the deep, mature feelings. It’s definitely got some darkness,” Herlin said.
Some suggested allowing kids to only listen to Swift’s older albums, which others replied is not so easy to do.
“I don’t think her lyrics are for kids anymore as well. And that’s OK. Let the kids listen to her older stuff then when they are 21, give them the rest and let them figure it out,” Trayce Chambers recommended.
“But that’s so hard to explain to her younger fans who love her so much. I have a 10 year old,” Kat Irwin retorted.
There is a clean version of the album for adolescent audiences, which others pointed out could be an appropriate alternative.
“She is writing about adult stuff … However there is a non-explicit version so if you’re worried about the language itself that shouldn’t be an issue,” offered Anna Wells.
Many moms, however, made it clear they have no bad blood when it comes to the dirty words.
“As a mom, IDGAF. My daughter’s going to be allowed to cuss, but she’ll know when it’s appropriate to,” said Kaitlyn Baumgardner.
“You know how many songs I listened to that were SO inappropriate and I didn’t realize they were inappropriate until I was an adult. Kids won’t know unless their parents tell them.”
Others have found ways around the naughty words, and taught their children what to do when one comes on.
“As parents we say ‘ope that’s a bad word’ and go on. If it’s sexual we scream through that part. Like ‘ahhhhhhh!’ Instead of listening to it. It works,” said Tiffany Hobbs.
“My daughters ask for permission to sing the ‘bad words’ in songs first,” added Haley King.
“They know they’re only allowed to sing them with me, not use them out and about.”
Others feel that it makes sense that as Swift matures, so will her lyrics.
“Taylor is a grown adult. She’s going to write about adult shit,” said Baumgardner.
Emily LaCroix agreed.
“Taylor isn’t for the little girls anymore, she grew up and so did we,” she said.
“And we’re here for it.”
