What is Taylor Swift’s “The Bolter” about?

This morning (February 16), Taylor Swift took the stage in Melbourne for the first time Epoch tour Concerts in Australia this weekend. Swift also shared some big news: a new version of her upcoming album is now available to pre-order. The Tortured Poets Department, which includes the bonus track “The Bolter.” Immediately, Swifties began speculating about the song’s meaning.

What is Taylor Swift’s “The Bolter” about?

Some have speculated The song title refers to the 2008 book by Frances Osborne The Bolter: The story of Idina Sackville, who ran away to become the lead seductress of Kenya’s scandalous “Happy Valley Set.”. A publisher’s summary of the book is:

“In a time of bolters – women who broke the rules and fled their marriages – Idina Sackville was the most famous of them all. Her relentless affairs, wild sex parties and brazen displays of convention shocked high society and inspired countless writers and artists, from Nancy Mitford to Greta Garbo. But Idina’s irresistible charm masked the pain of betrayal and heartbreak.

Now, through letters, diaries and family legends, Frances Osborne explores the life of Idina, her enigmatic great-grandmother, following her from Edwardian London to the hills of Kenya, where she presided over the scandalous antics of the Happy Valley Set. Stunningly chic yet warm and intimate, The Bolter is a fascinating look at a woman whose energy still burns almost a century later.”

Some have also pointed this out “Bolter” can refer to an escaped convict.

For others, it is one of the first things that comes to mind a video of Swift and Joe Alwyn running (if you will) toward a car to avoid paparazzi.

The Tortured Poets Department is on April 19th. out via Republic. Read More Interreviewed.com.