Taylor Swift [1] dropped her "You Need to Calm Down [2]" music video on Monday, and it's jam-packed with Easter eggs. In addition to all the celebrity cameos [3] ― including Ryan Reynolds [4], Todrick Hall, the cast of Netflix's Queer Eye [5], and Katy Perry [6] ― the video also includes quite a few hidden references to Swift's upcoming album, Lover [7]. There is a nod to her infamous track five, some possible song titles, and even new merchandise scattered throughout. Yes, you can purchase those colourful sunglasses for yourself! Plus, Swift is clearly putting her Reputation era in the past with her huge back tattoo. See the rest of the Easter eggs ahead.
New Merchandise
Swift's music video is filled with first-looks at her new merchandise [9], including a "Calm Down" sleep mask, heart-shaped sunglasses, and a cat watch.
Cher's "Mom, I Am a Rich Man" Quote
In Swift's trailer, there is a quote from Cher on the wall that reads, "Mom, I am a rich man [10]." During an interview from 1996, the "Believe" singer said that "a man is not a necessity, a man is a luxury." Cher continued, "My mom said to me, 'You know sweetheart, one day you should settle down and marry a rich man. And I said, 'Mom, I am a rich man.'" This seems to be Swift's way of responding to all those sexist questions about her settling down and having kids [11] as she approaches 30.
Lover
As Swift throws her phone on the bed, we see that the cover is actually the title of her upcoming seventh album, Lover.
"Snakes Never Broke My Bones"
Just like her "Me!" music video [12], Swift's back tattoo features a snake turning into a million little butterflies. Clearly the singer is moving on from her Reputation era.
Roses on Roses
Fans couldn't help but notice all the roses lined up around the pool. It's also worth noting that a lot of Swift's merchandise for this era includes pink roses [13]. Perhaps "Roses" is a new song on the album?
Number 13
Per usual, the video features Swift's lucky number 13. As she skips down the street with Todrick Hall, you can just make out the number on her necklace.
Track Number 5
In the video, Hayley Kiyoko is seen shooting an arrow at a target with the number five on it. As every Taylor Swift [14] fan knows, track number five is always one of the most emotional songs on her albums (see: "All Too Well" and "Delicate"). Maybe the fifth song on Lover will be a collaboration between the two artists?
Spilling the Tea
Just like Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" music video [15] shows her pouring a cup of piping hot tea, there is a moment where Queer Eye [16]'s Tan France is spotted gulping down some tea from a pot. Perhaps Swift is teasing that she's really going to "spill the tea" in this album.
Cruel Summer
In one scene, Adam Lambert [17] gives Ellen DeGeneres [18] a tattoo that says "Cruel Summer." While fans initially thought it was a title of a new single, it's likely that it's a jab at Kanye West [19]. In 2012, the rapper released a compilation album under the same name.
Pop Queens
Swift seemingly tries to put an end to "stan Twitter" and pitting female artists against each other as contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race dress up as pop queens like Lady Gaga [20], Beyoncé, and Adele for a pageant. However, instead of awarding one as the sole winner, they each share "the crown."
Ryan Reynolds Painting the Stonewall Inn
In the scene with Reynolds, fans noticed that he's actually painting NYC's historic gay bar, the Stonewall Inn. Interestingly enough, Swift actually performed at the bar [21] just a few days earlier to honour the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall uprising [22] in which LGBTQ+ people demonstrated against a violent police raid [23].