E99: “But Daddy I Love Him”: Sarahs, Hannahs, Taylor's Tale of Rebellious Love

AP Taylor Swift

"All the wine moms are still holding out…" This week, we're deep diving into "But Daddy I Love Him" from The Tortured Poets Department (2024). Join us as we unpack the unreliable narrator, explore the Southern Gothic imagery, and analyze how Taylor uses biblical references and small-town dynamics to tell a story about agency, choice, and breaking free from societal expectations. From the Sarahs and Hannahs clutching their pearls to the elders convening at city hall, this song creates a vivid world where love becomes an act of rebellion.

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Beauty and the Beast
• The Notebook
• Gilmore Girls
• Robert Burns
• Hamlet
• E2: Enchanted Deep Dive
• E32: “Love Story” Deep Dive

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Episode Highlights:

[00:54] How we do a deep dive

[01:38] “I forget how the west was won”

[07:21] “Sarah’s and Hannahs’ in their Sunday best”

[11:30] “Too high a horse for a simple girl to rise above it”

[15:25] “Now I’m running with my dress unbuttoned”

[21:40] “Dutiful daughter, all my plans were laid”

[27:44] “The elders had convened down at the city hall”

[33:22] “I’ll tell you something right now, I’d rather burn my whole life down”

[44:40] “Scandal does funny things to pride”

[51:19] Purpose of the song

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.