Overview

• Swift described the track in Amazon Music’s breakdown and her release-party film as portraying someone holding a one-sided, adversarial fixation on her without naming the person.
• Listeners and multiple outlets link lyrics such as “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave” to Charli XCX and her earlier song “Sympathy Is a Knife.”
• Charli posted a short studio video on October 5 and producer Finn Keane said they are “kinda deep” into her next album, prompting unconfirmed speculation about a reply.
• Charli previously said “Sympathy Is a Knife” was about her own insecurities rather than Swift, and Swift publicly praised Charli’s songwriting in 2024.
• Critical reaction has questioned the tone of “Actually Romantic,” with commentary framing it as a pointed clapback that some argue undercuts Swift’s strengths.