Every Easter Egg Leading Up To Taylor Swift's 'TTPD' Album Release 

Fandom Daily is decoding and unveiling every Easter Egg on the path to Taylor Swift's 'TTPD' Album Release. 

by Tiffany Goldstein - Apr 18 2024
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Taylor Swift, the master of hidden meanings and secret messages, has once again set the internet ablaze with her cryptic clues and enigmatic Easter eggs. As anticipation mounts for her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, Swift has transformed the streets of Los Angeles into a playground of mystery and intrigue. 

At The Grove, she has created an open-air library, a veritable treasure trove of hints and whispers waiting to be deciphered by her eager fans. But the intrigue doesn't stop there. From a tantalizing video teaser to a covertly placed Q.R. code in Chicago, Swift's breadcrumb trail has captivated Swifties worldwide – leaving them scrambling to unlock the secrets hidden within the pages of her forthcoming musical masterpiece.

Fandom Daily has decoded Swift's Easter eggs, guiding fans to each clue. Keep scrolling for more revelations.

Taylor Swift Joins Forces With Apple Music 

Starting with five Apple Music playlists, each themed around the stages of grief, Swift hinted at the emotional landscape of her upcoming album. Then, on April 13, Apple Music challenged Swifties to decipher a word a day until the album's release. The first word, "Hereby," was uncovered by eagle-eyed fans scouring the lyrics of Swift's songs. Similarly, the words "Conduct," "This," "Post," and "We" were revealed in subsequent days – each hiding within the lyrics of specific songs on Swift's playlists.

While the meanings behind these words remain unknown, several shared their Fan Of View

  • Swift's word game started on April 13, World Scrabble Day. 

  • Some believe the words echo legal proceedings or a wedding ceremony. 

  • Fans thought the words "hereby" and "conduct" referred to Swift's album announcement in February. 

    • "An so I enter into evidence | my tarnished coat of arms | my muses, acquired like bruises | my talismans and charms | The tick, tick, tick of love bombs | My veins of pitch back ink | All's fair in love and poetry | Sincerely, the Chairman." 

  • Disney adults theorized that the word "hereby" was related to The Little Mermaid. One track on the album is titled "But Daddy, I Love Him," which is identical to a line Ariel says to her father. 

  • "Hereby" was first used in the 13th century. 

Taylor Swift's Instagram Countdown 

Although Swifties are spinning theories like conspiracy theorists, one thing is clear: Swift once again has a master plan in mind. On Monday (April 15), fans noticed a subtle difference on her Instagram account—a secretive countdown

Directions: 

  • Head to @taylorswift on Instagram. 

  • Pull down on her Instagram feed. 

  • A countdown will appear with a statement encouraging users to join the TTPD album conversation on Threads. 

Website Countdown 

With every passing moment, excitement mounts as Swift ingeniously incorporates a countdown clock on her website, ticking away to 2 pm on Thursday, April 18. But why this specific hour? Speculation runs rampant among fans: 

  • It may be a significant moment in her life or career. It may hint at a surprise event coinciding with the album's release.

  • Within a video shared on social media offering a glimpse into the album's debut timetable, Swift leaves her devoted followers eagerly anticipating the moment when the clock strikes 2 pm, unlocking the next chapter of her musical journey.

  • 2 pm was the same hour her "Anti-Hero" and "Bejeweled" music videos were released. 

  • Will two new songs be released at 2 pm before the release at midnight? 

Easter Eggs From The TTPD L.A. Pop-Up 

On April 16, Spotify unveiled a captivating pop-up exhibit at The Grove in Los Angeles, immersing Swifties in a library-themed maze of clues. This interactive experience, open until April 18, offers a curated glimpse into the album's direction, promising daily updates to keep fans guessing. Among the treasures discovered is a book housing new lyrics alongside imagery suggesting themes and perhaps even a nod to Swift's relationship with actor Joe Alwyn

Open Book With Lyrics 

  • The book read, "Even statues crumble if they're made to wait." 

  • At 2 pm on April 16, the pop-up changed the lyrics. The update read, "One less temptress. One less dagger to sharpen." 

  • This is far from the first time Swift pointed out that her "castle is crumbling." Her fans made the connection to her chart-topping album, Reputation. 

  • She mentioned "daggers" in "Tolerate It" and "Daylight." 

The Window's 

  • Within the installation, a window adorned with lace curtains draws attention, evoking imagery reminiscent of a wedding veil for some fans.

  • Fans speculate that this detail could serve as a nod to Swift's breakup song "You're Losing Me," where she reflects on the loss of light and love in a relationship, symbolized by sitting in darkness.

Dried Flowers 

  •  In the exhibit, a vase containing dried flowers is spotted, which some speculate to be lavender and cornelia rose.

  • These flowers are interpreted as references to Swift's love songs "Lavender Haze" and "Cornelia Street."

  •  The presence of these dried flowers raises questions about whether Swift is symbolically marking the conclusion of a relationship that inspired these songs.

The Puzzle Pieces 

  • Within the exhibit, observers notice a glass jar on a shelf, housing fragments of a puzzle adorned with lines and letters.

  • Given Swift's penchant for lyrics centered around problem-solving and assembling pieces, it's suggested that the puzzle could symbolize a broken relationship.

  • The intricate nature of the puzzle hints at the complexity of the relationship - implying that it was challenging to mend or reconcile.

  •  This interpretation suggests that Swift may be subtly referencing a past relationship fraught with difficulties and perhaps ultimately irreparable.

"The Story Of Us" Book 

  • The exhibit features an array of books neatly arranged on shelves, the titles of which mirror songs from Swift's forthcoming album. 

  • A notable item catches the attention of fans—a simple notebook protruding from the shelf, bearing the word "U.S." inscribed in Sharpie.

  • Swifties speculate that this notebook serves as a nod to Swift's song "The Story of Us" from her album Speak Now, where she recounts the journey of a relationship from its inception to its conclusion.

  • The deliberate placement of the notebook amidst the themed books suggests a deliberate reference, inviting fans to reflect on the themes of love, loss, and storytelling that permeate Swift's music.

The Peace Sign 

  • The peace sign is reminiscent of Swift's gesture when announcing The Tortured Poets Department" at the 2024 Grammys.

  • The statue could symbolize Swift's song "Peace" from Folklore.

  •  Fans note the prevalence of the number two in various contexts related to the album's promotion, such as countdowns and teasers, sparking curiosity about its meaning.

The Globe 

  • Among the pop-up's attractions is a globe prominently displaying a pin positioned near Florida, a location linked to Swift's song collaboration with Florence Welch of Florence & The Machine.

  • Fans recall that Florida is significant in Swift's personal timeline. It was the first stop on her Eras Tour after the public announcement of her breakup with Joe Alwyn.

  • This geographic detail sparks speculation about the song's potential ties to Swift's own experiences and emotions during that period of her life.

Diana of Ephesus

  • One fan draws a connection to the original statue of Diana, which crumbled while awaiting shipment to London due to neglect.

  • In the pop-up, a poignant lyric is displayed: "Even statues crumble if they're made to wait," prompting emotional reflection.

  • Fans speculate whether this lyric is derived from "So Long, London," which evokes a sense of nostalgia. 

The Bird Cage 

  • The gold cage is alongside a statue depicting birds perched on a branch.

  • Swift's affinity for bird cage imagery is noted, particularly during her Speak Now era and in the "Look What You Made Me Do" music video, where she is depicted swinging in a bird cage.

  • Swift has incorporated bird cages into her living spaces in cities like New York and Nashville, suggesting a personal significance.

  •  The pop-up's imagery and symbolism as the cage is portrayed as open, and the birds are depicted as free.

  • This transformation of the imagery suggests themes of liberation, empowerment, and breaking free from constraints, hinting at potential motifs explored in Swift's upcoming album.

72 Drawers 

  • At the heart of the exhibit lies a series of rows of drawers, reminiscent of a library book catalog or, some believe, a mausoleum. 

  • Fans speculate that these drawers may symbolize Swift's extensive music catalog. 

  • However, a particular detail catches the attention of keen observers: there are 72 boxes in total among the rows, with six left open.

  • Fans draw connections between this numerical detail and Swift's personal life, noting that 72 months equate to six years, coinciding with the length of Swift's relationship with Joe Alwyn before their separation.

The TTPD Timetable Video 

Swift captured fans' attention with a mesmerizing video teaser, guiding the viewer from the enigmatic ambiance of the Midnights room to the Tortured Poets Department. The transition reveals a stark office with brilliant white light, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling narrative journey. 

Six Gel Pens: As the camera guides us out of the Midnight's room, our gaze lingers on gel pens left behind on the table, a subtle nod to Swift's Grammy-winning album of 2022. Before the release of Midnights, Swift unveiled a fascinating insight into her songwriting process, disclosing the existence of her secret "genres" for lyrics: Quill Lyrics, Fountain Pen Lyrics, and Glitter Gel Pen Lyrics. 

The Open Drawers: Some have mistaken the Decimal System Drawers for mailboxes or a miniature morgue. Initial speculation swirls as one fan links the number of open drawers to Swift's rumored six-year romance with British actor Joe Alwyn. Yet, as more drawers reveal their secrets, the mystery deepens, leaving fans to unravel the enigma of Swift's hidden messages.

The Clock: All eyes are drawn to the clock frozen at 2:00, a subtle yet intriguing detail sparks a flurry of speculation among fans. Some connect the time to Swift's ritual of unveiling new lyrics daily at 2 pm, turning the page of anticipation with each passing moment. 

Record Store Day: Prepare your calendars, Swifties, because, alongside the eagerly anticipated album release date, a significant marker appears on the timetable: "Record Store Day." Could it signify an exclusive vinyl edition? A surprise drop like Reputation (Taylor's Version)? While the specifics remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain – this date demands a permanent spot in your calendar. 

Psych Ward: Swifties pointed out that the hallway within the timetable video resembles the psych ward. 

Taylor Swift's Q.R. Code Mural In Chicago 

  • A large mural with a giant Q.R. code emerges on a building in Chicago's River North neighborhood, captivating Taylor Swift fans.

  • The mural features the letters "TTPD" and the number 13, prompting fans to decode its message and anticipate a music video release.

  • Fans eagerly line up to scan the Q.R. code, leading to different weekly destinations.

  • Initially leading to an "Error 321" message on Taylor Swift's YouTube page, the Q.R. code later directs fans to a short video showing a typewriter typing the letter "T."

  • This mysterious journey echoes a similar note on Swift's website in February, hinting at the album's announcement at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Bonus Fan Of View's

  • Coachella 2024, Week 2: Fans believe Taylor Swift will grace the Coachella stage on Friday, April 19, sending waves of excitement throughout the Swiftie community. Swift's history of surprising fans with unexpected performances and the timing coinciding with the release of her highly anticipated album, The Tortured Poets Department, adds weight to the speculation. Moreover, Coachella's reputation for hosting surprise guest performances by renowned artists further ignites the anticipation.

  • The "TTPD" Logo: The discovery that flipping the "TTPD" logo reveals the word "Càil," an Irish term translating to "reputation," has sent Taylor Swift fans into a frenzy of speculation and excitement. With anticipation already running high for the potential release of "Reputation (Taylor's Version)," this revelation adds another layer of intrigue. Swift's meticulous attention to detail and penchant for hidden messages have long been cherished by her devoted fanbase, who eagerly decipher every clue she drops.

Photo Credit: @taylorswift on Instagram. 

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