Taylor Swift is known for her catchy songs, dazzling performances, and poetic lyrics. But did you know that she is also related to one of the most influential poets in American history, Emily Dickinson?

According to a report by NBC’s Today, a genealogy company called Ancestry has found that Swift and Dickinson are sixth cousins, three times removed. They both descend from a 17th-century English immigrant who was an early settler of Windsor, Connecticut. Swift’s ancestors remained in Connecticut for six generations until they moved to Pennsylvania, where they married into the Swift family line. Dickinson, on the other hand, was born and lived in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she wrote most of her poems in seclusion.

The news of their relation was revealed on March 4, 2024, during Swift’s second show at the Singapore National Stadium, as part of her Eras Tour. An image of the new version of her upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department, appeared behind her on stage, showing a bonus track titled “The Black Dog”. The album’s artwork also featured a photo of Swift with the words “Old habits die screaming” written across it, which could be a reference to Dickinson’s poem “Because I could not stop for Death”.

The similarities and differences between Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson

Swift and Dickinson may seem like an unlikely pair, but they have more in common than one might think. Both of them are widely regarded as masters of their craft, with distinctive styles and voices. Both of them have explored themes of love, death, nature, and society in their works. Both of them have also faced challenges and criticism in their careers, and have chosen to express themselves through their art.

However, there are also significant differences between the two artists. While Swift is one of the most popular and successful musicians of her generation, with millions of fans and awards, Dickinson was largely unknown and unpublished during her lifetime, and only gained recognition after her death. While Swift has traveled the world and collaborated with various artists, Dickinson lived a reclusive and isolated life, and only communicated with a few friends and relatives through letters. While Swift has been open about her personal life and relationships, Dickinson has been mysterious and secretive, leaving many questions unanswered about her sexuality and spirituality.

The possible influences and inspirations between Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson

Swift has acknowledged the influence of Dickinson on her songwriting in the past. In 2022, while accepting the Songwriter-Artist of the Decade award from the Nashville Songwriters Association International, she said: “If my lyrics sound like a letter written by Emily Dickinson’s great-grandmother while sewing a lace curtain, that’s me writing in the quill genre.”

Swift’s fans have also speculated that her ninth studio album, Evermore, was inspired by Dickinson. They noted that the release date of the album, December 10, 2020, was Dickinson’s birthday. They also pointed out the similarities between some of Swift’s lyrics and Dickinson’s poems, such as the use of the word “forevermore” and the imagery of sleepwalking through the forest.

Dickinson, on the other hand, may not have been aware of Swift’s existence, since she died in 1886, long before Swift was born in 1989. However, some scholars have suggested that Dickinson may have been influenced by other musical and literary sources, such as hymns, ballads, Shakespeare, and the Bible.

The implications and reactions of the news

The news of Swift and Dickinson’s relation has sparked curiosity and interest among fans and experts of both artists. Some have expressed admiration and surprise at the connection, while others have questioned the validity and relevance of the genealogy research. Some have also wondered what the two artists would think of each other if they met, and what kind of conversation or collaboration they would have.

The news has also raised awareness and appreciation of both artists’ works, and has encouraged people to explore and enjoy their poetry and music. It has also highlighted the diversity and richness of American culture and history, and the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of its artists.