Taylor Swift's Song 'The Black Dog' Reveals Unexpected Details About Her Relationship With Joe Alwyn

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

While we've been waiting with bated breath for the release of Taylor Swift's highly-anticipated album The Tortured Poets Department, our girl still managed to pull one of over on us with a surprise double album.

There's a lot to unpack—like the heartbreaking demise of her six-year relationship to Joe Alwyn and the scathing lyrics seemingly pointed at one Matty Healy—however, there's one track off The Anthology that really has us thinking: "The Black Dog."

Before we take a deeper dive into the lyrics, let's talk about the name in of itself and which ex she might possibly be singing to. The phrase "black dog" is actually a common metaphor for depression. Swift actually first debuted the song on tour in Singapore for fans, who were quick to post about the its meaning on social media.

"She announced the black dog which represents depression and then she sung clean and evermore, two songs about finally getting over your pain and reaching acceptance," one fan wrote on social media. "She is insanely genius."

According to Better Help, the metaphor reportedly "represents how depression does not take breaks but may feel like a following shadow—a large, lumbering shadow as loyal as a canine."

However, in English folklore, the phrase also represents a death omen. Considering the death of her longterm relationship (to *cough, cough* Joe Alwyn) the title feels like a direct nod at her breakup.

Here's the thing, though: Swift sings about The Black Dog as a bar in the song. And while it likely carries much greater meaning than just a bar, it's that too.

"I am someone who until recent events/you shared your secrets with/and your location, you forgot to turn it off/and so I watch as you walk/Into some bar called The Black Dog," Taylor sings.

In the chorus, she name drops the bar again: "I just don't understand how you don't miss me/in The Black Dog, when someone plays The Starting Line."

While there might be deeper meaning behind the title, The Black Dog is actually a real pub in London, where Swift lived with Alwyn. Naturally, Swifties were quick to flood the bar's Instagram account with comments. "I have a feeling you’re about to get loads more attention 😂" one user wrote on social media.

"Thank you for existing because now my new favourite Taylor song does," another added.

"Brace yourselves @theblackdogvauxhall, your pub is about to become a Swifty hotspot 🍻💛," a third person wrote.

"This place is about to be a hit because of a Taylor Swift song."

"We have lovely food and drinks waiting ☺️," replied the Black Dog account.

If there was any doubt that Taylor was referencing the Vauxhall-based pub, its owner has put those questions to rest by all but confirming Alwyn is, in fact, a regular. "I don’t want to give too much away," Lily Bottomley told Sky News Monday. "We do have a certain blond regular who frequents, let’s just say that."

And while it might have been an old stomping ground for Joe, the Swifties have claimed it in the breakup—all thanks to Swift.

"We’re just loving it, it’s been so fun. All of the attention has been pretty overwhelming but we can’t be happier," Bottomley told BBC, while adding that Taylor has popped in for a drink herself before.

The Black Dog is offering Swift-themed cocktails and food items in honor of the new song, and is even playing the album "non-stop" for fan singalongs. "It's been amazing," she said.

I'd venture to guess Joe is on the hunt for a new local watering hole, though.

You Might Also Like

• Insanely Easy Weeknight Dinners To Try This Week

• 29 Insanely Delicious Vodka Cocktails