Rasputation: When Taylor Swift was the last Russian Empress
A compiling of Reputation lyrics that tell the story of Alexandra Feodorovna and Grigori Rasputin and demonstrate the Empress' possession of Taylor during the writing of this album.
…Ready For It?
In the album’s opening lines, Alexandra describes the feeling of when she first met Rasputin. By this time he already had an established reputation as a holy man, but he was now hers to keep as a close friend and healer for her son Alexei’s hemophilia.
Wondered how many girls he had loved and left haunted
But if he's a ghost, then I can be a phantom
Holdin' him for ransom
The Imperial family was not viewed favorably and the Empress was no exception, but she invited Rasputin to align with the family despite the public opinion.
Knew I was a robber first time that he saw me
Stealing hearts and running off and never sayin' sorry
But if I'm a thief, then he can join the heist, and
We'll move to an island
End Game
Alexandra and Rasputin were both well known, though for different reasons. Their relationship was the topic of much discussion and controversy, but they knew that they were powerful together - even powerful enough to help Alexei recover when ill. Alexandra can disregard the public’s opinion because she views her and Rasputin’s affair to be something greater. To her, his presence in the royal family was permanent.
You and me, we got big reputations
And you heard about me
I got some big enemies
Big reputation, big reputation
You and me would be a big conversation
And I heard about you
You like the bad ones, too
I Did Something Bad
Alexandra mocks the subjects of the kingdom who criticize her and the Emperor’s absolute power. Even being criticized by the British throne (her first cousin). Russian subjects were concerned over the stability of their leadership as Alexandra and Rasputin appeared to behave more erratically in the Emperor’s absence during wartime, but Alexandra loved the power and the controversy.
I can feel the flames on my skin
Crimson red paint on my lips
They say I did something bad
But why's it feel so good?
Most fun I ever had
And I'd do it over and over and over again if I could
It just felt so good
Look What You Made Me Do