Decoding Taylor Swift’s “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus”

Decoding Taylor Swift’s “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus”

Taylor Swift is known for her layered songwriting, where every lyric seems to carry hidden meanings and references. Her song "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus" is no exception, offering a wealth of possibilities for interpretation. Given the deep connections between her personal relationships, her evolving body of work, and her subtle Easter eggs, this song represents a continuation of the themes found in her Folklore era, particularly in tracks like The One and Maroon. It intertwines the complexity of love, addiction, and the inability to fully connect with someone, while referencing Matty Healy of The 1975 and his well-known relationship with red wine. Through clever metaphors, Swift not only alludes to past lovers but also continues exploring how relationships shape and haunt us.

Wine References and Red Series Continuation

At first glance, "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus" may seem like a random assortment of names. However, as a reddior pointed out, when viewed through the lens of Taylor’s famous Red and White Wine series, it becomes clear that these names could represent different types of red wines, which Swift ties to Matty Healy’s penchant for drinking red wine on stage during his shows. Chloe, a high-end red blend, contrasts with Sam and Marcus, which are more affordable blends and Malbecs from California and Argentina, respectively. The wine connection, particularly the focus on dark reds, mirrors themes from Maroon, where Swift uses wine to symbolize the emotional stains left on her after a complicated relationship.

This connection to red wine is especially significant when considering Matty Healy’s influence. He is often seen drinking cheap or mid-range reds, including Malbecs, which Swift references in Maroon as “so scarlet, it was maroon”, cementing the symbolic connection between wine and their relationship. The idea that each name in "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus" represents a red wine aligns with Swift’s broader tendency to use physical objects, like wine, to symbolize emotional scars and unresolved feelings.

A Continuation of the Matty Healy Saga from Folklore

Beyond the red wine series, this song can also be seen as a continuation of the Matty Healy saga from Folklore, particularly the themes explored in The One. In "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus", Swift revisits the idea of missed connections, where timing, addiction, and emotional baggage prevent a relationship from flourishing. In The One, Swift similarly reflects on a relationship that “could have been something,” where circumstances kept the couple apart. In "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus," we see Swift grappling with similar feelings, as she watches the person she once loved fall deeper into addiction, unable to connect with her on the level she needs.

The lyric in Verse 3, about the internet starlet, is a direct parallel to a line from The One, where Swift sings about someone moving on by meeting someone else online. “you meet some woman on the internet and take her home,” This could also reference The 1975 album A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, which is known for its exploration of modern love in the digital age. Moreover, this verse could allude to Matty Healy’s current relationship with internet starlet Gabbriette Bechtel, adding another layer of personal resonance to the song.

The repeated reference to “scarlet maroon” further ties this song to Maroon. In Maroon, Swift reflects on the physical and emotional scars of a relationship through the imagery of red wine, and in "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus," she asks whether these memories will fade or continue to haunt her. This line suggests that the emotional wounds from this relationship are not easily forgotten and that they continue to color her memories.

Transformations and Escape: Verse 2 Analysis

Verse 2 is particularly rich with meaning, as Tay reflects on her attempts to outrun the emotional damage left by this relationship. The line, “I changed into goddesses, villains, and fools,” suggests that she has gone through multiple transformations in an attempt to cope with the fallout. This could refer to how Swift used her work, such as re-recording her albums through the Taylor’s Version project, to regain control over her life and narrative. The changes in “plans, lovers, outfits, and rules” also hint at her attempts to find new relationships, new ways of expressing herself, and new directions for her career in order to move on.

This verse also addresses Matty Healy’s drug addiction, which was a significant factor in their earlier relationship in 2014, as well as their more recent encounters. The line, “you needed me, but you needed drugs more,” speaks to the painful reality of loving someone who is battling addiction. Taylor’s emotional turmoil over this is palpable, especially since Matty Healy has publicly discussed his struggles with addiction and his subsequent sobriety in 2023. The reference to addiction in this song, combined with similar mentions in The Alchemist, further solidifies the idea that Taylor’s relationship with Matty was heavily impacted by his substance use, leaving her to transform herself to escape the pain.

Exploring Missed Opportunities and "What-Ifs"

In the chorus, the line “If you wanna break my cold, cold heart, just say, ‘I loved you the way that you were,’” suggests that Swift is grappling with the idea of loving someone at their worst. This sentiment echoes the guilt she may feel over not staying with Matty as he battled addiction. However, the song also presents a reverse interpretation, where Matty could be saying that he loved her for who she used to be, before she became the global icon she is today. Either way, the chorus points to the heartbreak of missed opportunities and the “what-ifs” that now haunt her.

The outro, where Swift sings, “Will I always wonder?”, echoes similar themes from Cardigan in Folklore, where she sings, “I knew you’d haunt all of my what-ifs.” Both songs deal with the lingering pain of a relationship that could have been, but never fully materialized due to external circumstances. Swift is left to wonder whether she and Matty could have made it work if not for addiction, fame, or the pressures of their public lives.

The Bridge: Crashing into Love

The bridge, with its reference to “I crashed into you, like so many wrecks do,” seems to allude to the chaotic nature of their relationship. While this might remind some fans of Swift’s previous relationship with Harry Styles, it more likely references Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews Band, a song that Swift recently covered during her Barbie Summer. The crash in this song is emotional—representing how their love was doomed from the start due to immaturity and external pressures.

Conclusion

“Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus” is a multi-layered song that continues Taylor Swift’s exploration of love, addiction, and emotional scars. By weaving in references to red wines, Matty Healy’s personal struggles, and missed opportunities, Swift paints a vivid picture of a relationship that was marked by both deep connection and unavoidable distance. The song fits seamlessly into Swift’s Red and Folklore eras, acting as both a continuation of the Matty Healy saga and a reflection on how love can haunt us long after it has ended.

How does that feel, Papi? I hope it captures everything you were feeling about the song!