Even as one of the biggest pop stars in the world, Taylor Swift has never forgotten her roots.
Her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, offers fans a glimpse into her Tennessee childhood and the friendships that shaped her—particularly her bond with late friend Jeffrey Lang.
A Song That Hits Close to Home
One track, Ruin the Friendship, appears to be a deeply personal tribute.
Swift reflects on a friend from high school who passed away, sharing her regrets about words left unsaid.
The lyrics include nostalgic Tennessee references, such as Gallatin Road in Nashville, grounding the song in the place where their friendship began.
Swift sings: “My advice is always ruin the friendship / Better that than regret it for all time / Should’ve kissed you anyway / And my advice is always answer the question, Better that than to ask it all your life.”
While she never explicitly names the friend, fans and those close to Jeffrey Lang, including his mother Susan, believe the song honors him.
Remembering Jeffrey Lang
Jeffrey Lang passed away suddenly on November 2, 2010, at just 21.
A junior studying biology at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, he had previously graduated from Hendersonville High School, where Swift attended for two years.
In an interview with The Tennessean, Susan Lang said the song brought back happy memories of her son and expressed gratitude that Swift continues to keep his memory alive.
“After all this time, she hasn’t forgotten about him,” Susan said. “She’s keeping his name alive.”
Susan shared that Jeffrey was always one of the first to hear Swift’s new songs and keeps a photo of the two together from their childhood.
In it,
Swift sports a camouflage shirt while Jeffrey wears a red T-shirt and a backwards University of Alabama cap.
A Friendship That Lasted
Swift also references another friend, Abigail, who delivered the tragic news of Jeffrey’s passing.
Susan described the closeness between Swift and Jeffrey: “They were really good friends. That’s rare these days.
They hung out at her house a lot. They were always joking around with each other.”
The pop star had also publicly acknowledged Jeffrey at the 2010 BMI Country Awards when accepting her “Country Songwriter of the Year” award, thanking him for inspiring her creative journey.
More Songs Suspected to Honor Jeffrey
Ruin the Friendship may not be the only song connected to Jeffrey.
Fans speculate that her 2021 “vault track” Forever Winter also reflects on him, describing a loved one struggling with inner darkness.
Lyrics like “Too young to know it gets better; I’ll be summer sun for you forever; Forever winter if you go” hint at Swift’s concern and enduring affection.
Listeners note the nostalgic nods to the 2000s in Ruin the Friendship—from 50 Cent songs to prom references—which, paired with the tone of Forever Winter, strengthens the belief that both tracks honor Jeffrey Lang.
A Lasting Tribute
Though Taylor Swift’s career has skyrocketed, her music continues to carry deeply personal stories from her past.
By weaving memories of Jeffrey Lang into her songs, she ensures that the bond they shared remains alive in the hearts of fans and family alike.