Pennsylvania native Taylor Swift’s newly released album “The Tortured Poets Department” features a shout-out to Churchville band The Starting Line, writes Emily Bloch for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

The reference in the song “The Black Dog,” one of four bonus tracks unveiled alongside the album, drawing considerable attention from fans of both Swift and the band. 

The Starting Line took the opportunity to announce an exciting update for their fans: their fourth studio album, the first in 17 years, is on the way. 

The Starting Line, a pop-punk band that rose to fame during the early 2000s and expressed their gratitude on Instagram, saying that they felt “flattered and humbled” by the mention in Swift’s song.  

The album release has sparked widespread speculation among fans, particularly regarding Swift’s lyrics that seem to reference her connections with The 1975’s Matty Healy, who has previously covered The Starting Line’s hit “The Best of Me.”  

This song, known for its themes of youthful love and separation, is seen by fans as a parallel to Swift and Healy’s own storied relationship. 

Read more about Taylor Swift’s shout out to the Churchville-based band in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Taylor Swift – The Black Dog (Official Lyric Video)