Step into the emotional core of Taylor Swift‘s twelfth studio album with “Eldest Daughter,” the fifth track on The Life of a Showgirl, released October 3, 2025, through Republic Records. This 12-song collection draws straight from the whirlwind of her Eras Tour, blending the pop polish of 1989 and Reputation with the raw vulnerability of her family-rooted storytelling. Co-produced with Max Martin and Shellback, it’s delivers a strikingly heartfelt narrative about vulnerability, loyalty, and the pressure of growing up in a digital, performative world.
With Taylor’s signature blend of confessional lyricism and evocative storytelling, this track dives into the complexities of online culture, family expectations, and the unique burdens often carried by eldest daughters. The lyrics explore themes of nostalgia, identity, and resilience, drawing on vivid memories of childhood innocence, youthful mistakes, and the lasting impact of formative experiences.
Taylor Swift beautifully contrasts the chaos and superficiality of internet life with genuine emotional honesty, using lines that capture both humor and heartbreak. The song’s references to broken arms, first crushes, and learned caution paint the picture of a journey toward self-awareness—a relatable struggle for those who feel the weight of being a “first lamb to the slaughter.” Throughout “Eldest Daughter,” loyalty and unconditional support remain central, as Taylor declares her unwavering presence despite the world’s disappointments and betrayals. This self-reflective approach, paired with the songwriter’s melodic grace, infuses the track with depth and warmth.
With cameos like Sabrina Carpenter on the title track and a Travis Kelce feature teased on “CANCELED!,” The Life of a Showgirl feels like Swift owning her story, from tour exhaustion to triumphant glow-ups. Dive into the Eldest Daughter lyrics below and unpack its heartfelt pull. Don’t miss other The Life of a Showgirl tracks like Wi$h Li$t or Father Figure for more of Swift’s vivid pop heart.
| Lead Vocals | Taylor Swift |
| Songwriter | Taylor Swift, Max Martin & Shellback |
| Music Producer | Taylor Swift, Max Martin & Shellback |
| Composer | Taylor Swift, Max Martin & Shellback |
| Mastering Engineer | Randy Merrill & Ryan Smith |
| Mixing Engineer | Șerban Ghenea |
| Distributor | Universal Music Group |
| Label | Republic Records |
| Publisher | TASRM PUBLISHING, Universal Music Group, MXM Music & Kobalt Music |
| Release Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Song Language | English |
| Copyright © | Taylor Swift |
| Recorded At | Shellback Studios (Stockholm, Sweden) |
Lyrics of Eldest Daughter by Taylor Swift
[Verse 1]
Everybody’s So Punk On The Internet
Everyone’s Unbothered Till They’re Not
Every Joke’s Just Trolling And Memes
Sad As It Seems, Apathy Is Hot
Everybody’s Cutthroat In The Comments
Every Single Hot Take Is Cold As Ice
When You Found Me, I Said I Was Busy, That Was A Lie
[Pre-Chorus]
I Have Been Afflicted By A Terminal Uniqueness
I’ve Been Dying Just From Trying To Seem Cool
[Chorus]
But I’m Not A Bad Bitch, And This Isn’t Savage
But I’m Never Gonna Let You Down
I’m Never Gonna Leave You Out
So Many Traitors, Smooth Operators
But I’m Never Gonna Break That Vow
I’m Never Gonna Leave You Now
Now, Now
[Verse 2]
You Know, The Last Time I Laughed This Hard Was
On The Trampoline In Somebody’s Backyard
I Must’ve Been About Eight Or Nine
That Was The Night
I Fell Off And Broke My Arm
Pretty Soon, I Learned Cautious Discretion
When Your First Crush Crushes Something Kind
When I Said I Don’t Believe In Marriage, That Was A Lie
[Pre-Chorus]
Every Eldest Daughter
Was The First Lamb To The Slaughter
So We All Dressed Up As Wolves And We Looked Fire
[Chorus]
But I’m Not A Bad Bitch, And This Isn’t Savage
But I’m Never Gonna Let You Down
I’m Never Gonna Leave You Out
So Many Traitors, Smooth Operators
But I’m Never Gonna Break That Vow
I’m Never Gonna Leave You Now
Now, Now
[Bridge]
We Lie Back
A Beautiful, Beautiful Time Lapse
Ferris Wheels, Kisses, And Lilacs
And Things I Said Were Dumb
’cause I Thought That I’d Never Find That Beautiful,
Beautiful Life That (Ah)
Shimmers That Innocent Light Back
Like When We Were Young
Every Youngest Child Felt
They Were Raised Up In The Wild
But Now You’re Home
[Chorus]
‘Cause I’m Not A Bad Bitch
And This Isn’t Savage
And I’m Never Gonna Let You Down
I’m Never Gonna Leave You Out
So Many Traitors, Smooth Operators (Ah, Ah)
But I’m Never Gonna Break That Vow
(Never Gonna Break That Vow)
I’m Never Gonna Leave You Now
Now, Now
[Outro]
Never Gonna Break That Vow (Ooh)
Never Gonna Leave You Now, Now
I’m Never Gonna Leave You Now
