Artists often borrow inspiration from unexpected corners, and Taylor Swift may have done just that on a line from “Cancelled!,” a song released on Oct. 3, 2025, as part of her album The Life of a Showgirl.

On the track, Swift sings about her affinity for friends who have publicly faced backlash — people she sees as having been “cancelled” at some point. Immediately before the chorus she asks, “Did you girlboss too close to the sun?”

While the Icarus-like image fits Swift’s lyrical style, the phrase bears a notable resemblance to comments made by conservative commentator Candace Owens earlier this year. In a January YouTube video about Swift’s alleged involvement in Blake Lively’s lawsuit with Justin Baldoni, Owens repeatedly referred to the pair as “girl bosses who flew too close to the sun.”

Owens reiterated the sentiment in a TikTok promoting the episode, saying, “This story is going to be remembered as ‘girl boss flew too close to the sun.’”

Billboard has contacted Swift’s representatives for comment.

Since “Cancelled!” premiered, listeners have speculated about which acquaintance Swift might be referencing. Some have pointed to Brittany Mahomes, while others think the lyrics could be aimed at Blake Lively. The latter interpretation would align with Lively’s ongoing lawsuit, which accuses Justin Baldoni of orchestrating a media campaign to turn public opinion against her after production wrapped on It Ends With Us — allegations Baldoni denies.

The case is expected to reach trial in 2026. Although Baldoni’s team sought to depose Swift — claiming Lively used Swift’s influence to press creative decisions on the film — a judge ruled against that request in September. Swift will still be required to produce text messages she exchanged with Lively as part of discovery.

Sources:
Owens’ YouTube video,
Owens’ TikTok clip.

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