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13 Powerful Messages Taylor Swift Sends in "The Man" Music Video

27/02/2020 - 04:25 PM

Taylor Swift [1] has done it again! On Thursday, the 30-year-old singer released the music video for "The Man [2]," and per usual, it includes tons of Easter eggs. While some are as simple as a cameo from her dad, Scott Swift, or a reference to her Miss Americana [3] documentary, others are way more powerful as they spoof male privilege. There's references to the double standards women in the spotlight face and Swift's ongoing battle to own her music [4]. Of course, one of the most powerful Easter eggs is at the end when it's revealed that "the man" in the music video is actually Taylor Swift herself (voiced by Dwayne Johnson). Keep reading for more Easter eggs.

Taylor Swift's Lover Merchandise

As Swift manspreads on the subway, one of the subway riders can be seen wearing the singer's "Miss Americana" hoodie.

Headlines in the Newspaper

As Swift reads a newspaper, one of the headlines reads, "What man won the year in celebrity dating?" It seems to be a reference to the harsh scrutiny Swift has faced for dating in the public eye over the years [5].

Taylor Swift's First Six Albums

As Swift pees on a wall in the subway station, we see graffiti that represents Swift's first six albums, which are now owned by Scooter Braun [6] through his acquisition of Big Machine Records. There is even a sign that says, "No scooters allowed," along with another piece of graffiti that simply says, "Karma."

Like Leonardo DiCaprio

Just like in the song's lyrics, Swift makes reference to actor Leonardo DiCaprio [7] when she sings, "I'd be just like Leo, in Saint-Tropez" while drinking champagne and surrounded by models on a yacht.

Kanye West's "Famous" Music Video

In one part of the video, Swift seemingly makes reference to Kanye West [8]'s "Famous" music video — which infamously included a shot of naked celebrities (including Taylor Swift [9]) in bed with him — as we get a glimpse of a woman naked in bed. Even the sheets look similar to West's video.

19 Hands in the Hallway

Not only does the hallway scene seem to point out the double standards for women doing a "walk of shame" and men getting praised for it, but the 19 hands high-fiving Swift seem to reference the 19th amendment in the Constitution [10], which gave women the right to vote.

Taylor Swift's Dad, Scott Swift

Swift's own father, Scott Swift, makes a cameo in the video as a referee during the tennis match.

Showing Support For Serena Williams

Once again, the singer seems to call out the double standard that exists between men and women in the spotlight, as the male version of Swift throws a tantrum on the court with no repercussions. Some fans think this is Swift's way of showing her support for Serena Williams [11], who was criticised for her reaction to a referee's call at the 2018 US Open Final [12].

58 Years Later

It wouldn't be a Taylor Swift [13] music video without a reference to her lucky number. In one part of the video, there is a flashforward to 58 years later. As Swifties pointed out, 5+8=13.

5 Holes in the Fence

Swift also liked a Tumblr post that pointed out the fences in the wedding scene [14], which is an ongoing joke with Swifties. Back in February 2019, Swift sent fans into a frenzy when she posted a photo of her looking out of a fence [15]. Many eagle-eyed Swifties believed that the five holes in the fence actually represented a countdown, but Swift later debunked that theory.

Mr. Americana

In the subway, there is a shot of a movie poster that swaps Swift's Miss Americana [16] documentary for Mr. Americana starring Tyler Swift.

Director Taylor Swift

At the end of the video, Swift comes face to face with "the man," as she gives him some notes about his performance. There's an extra focus on the director's chair, seeing that this is the first music video Swift has directed solo.

Taylor Swift Is the Man

At the end of the video, it is revealed that Swift is actually the man in the music video, which is perhaps the greatest Easter egg of all. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson also lent his voice to Swift's male counterpart.

Watch Taylor Swift's "The Man" Music Video


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/entertainment/easter-eggs-in-taylor-swift-man-music-video-47259721