Taylor Swift’s ‘Ruin the Friendship’ has fans side-eyeing Blake Lively

When Taylor Swift revealed the tracklist for her latest album The Life of a Showgirl, fans quickly speculated about the meaning behind track six, “Ruin the Friendship.” Many wondered if the song referenced her estranged friendship with actress Blake Lively, following recent legal controversies. However, the lyrics suggest the track is rooted in a more personal, high school memory rather than celebrity drama.

“Ruin the Friendship” reflects on Swift’s teenage crush on a boy who was already in a relationship — a theme reminiscent of her earlier hit “You Belong With Me.” In the song, Swift recounts moments of emotional hesitation and missed opportunities, singing, “Your smile, miles wide / And it was not an invitation / Should’ve kissed you anyway.” She also alludes to complex dynamics, hinting that even if her feelings had been returned, circumstances would have made a relationship difficult: “It was not convenient, no / But your girlfriend was away.”

The track takes a more emotional turn in the final verses, referencing a death that prompts her to return to her hometown. Lines like “Abigail called me with the bad news,” and “I whispered at the grave / ‘Should’ve kissed you anyway’” point to a possible tribute to Nathan Johnson, a high school sophomore from Beech High School who died in a car accident in 2006. According to Baptist News Global, Johnson had musical ambitions and was in a band being scouted by Nashville labels — another potential connection to Swift, who also grew up in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Despite fan theories tying the song to Lively — especially after the actress’s legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, which involved Swift being subpoenaed — there is no lyrical evidence supporting that narrative. A source told Page Six in June that Swift was deeply hurt by Lively allegedly using their friendship for personal gain, stating, “Even if that heals, the scar will remain.”

Ultimately, “Ruin the Friendship” seems to reflect on a lost young love rather than Hollywood fallout. The Life of a Showgirl is currently available for streaming.