Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth is still reeling from the unexpected and heartwarming name-drop he received from pop icon Taylor Swift on her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” In the song “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift sings, “We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist,” sparking disbelief and a wave of emotions for Puth. Let’s delve deeper into Puth’s reaction to Swift’s lyrics, the impact it’s had on his career, and the deeper meaning behind the shout-out.
From Denial to Tears: Puth’s Journey of Disbelief
Upon learning about the lyric through a friend, Puth initially dismissed it as a joke or an AI-generated addition. His initial disbelief stemmed from the sheer improbability of such a major artist mentioning him in a song. However, upon listening to the official album release and hearing Swift sing his name, Puth was overwhelmed with emotion. He described his reaction as a mixture of shock and disbelief, ultimately leading to tears.
“It Was Surreal”: A Reflection on Past and Present
Puth’s emotional response stemmed not only from the surprise but also from a sense of self-reflection. He acknowledged that he might have made different choices in his career path, but this unexpected acknowledgment from Swift felt like a turning point. He saw it as a sign that his current direction and efforts were heading in the right direction.
A Candid Conversation: Puth on Songwriting and Vulnerability
The unexpected lyrics also inspired Puth to be more personal and vulnerable in his songwriting. He admitted a tendency to shy away from overly specific lyrics in the pursuit of commercial success. However, Swift’s boldness in referencing a personal conversation within a song resonated deeply with Puth, encouraging him to embrace a more honest and potentially less commercially driven approach in his music.
A Note of Gratitude: Puth Pens a Message to Swift
Despite the initial shock, Puth expressed his immense gratitude to Swift through a handwritten note. He conveyed his appreciation for her encouragement and how it had emboldened him to release his new song, “Hero.” Puth credits Swift’s validation as the final push he needed to share this more vulnerable and personal work with the world.
A New Song and Renewed Courage: The “Hero” Effect
The impact of Swift’s lyrics extends beyond a simple shout-out. It directly influenced Puth’s creative output. He credits Swift’s encouragement with the release of “Hero,” a song that represents a more raw and personal side of his artistry. Puth emphasizes that Swift’s support gave him the courage to step outside his comfort zone and embrace artistic vulnerability.
Beyond the Ranks: Defining “Bigger Artist”
While Swift’s lyric playfully suggests Puth should be a “bigger artist,” Puth himself expands on the definition of this term. For him, being a bigger artist isn’t just about chart-topping hits or mainstream recognition. He aspires to use his platform to inspire others, particularly aspiring musicians, to pursue their craft with passion and dedication.
