Taylor Swift’s subtle use of Travis Kelce’s jersey 87 in new album track

The long-awaited arrival of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ has finally come to pass. Taylor Swift unveiled the news at the Grammys in February and now we have what we all wanted. But as the lyrics of each track gets scritinized by the masses, I spotted one subtle connection with new beau Travis Kelce that Taylor had brought to the album.

‘The Alchemy’ and Travis Kelce’s jersey number

Since the summer of 2023, Swift has been romantically involved with Kelce, who plays tight end for NFL team the Kansas City Chiefs. She stood out as one of the team’s most prominent supporters as they clinched victory in the Super Bowl, prompting journalists from both the sports and entertainment realms to delve deeper into each other’s worlds.

On the album, ‘The Alchemy’ (a song clearly connected with Travis) occupies the 15th spot. Nothing unusual about that, I hear you say. But is that specifically chosen as a nod to Kelce’s jersey number, 87 (eight plus seven equals...). I suggest so. And the lyrics undeniably bear a significant connection to her beloved partner.

Kelce and NFL lyrics of ‘The Alchemy’ by Taylor Swift

From “touch down,” “cut ‘em from the team” and then “These blokes warm the benches, We’ve been on a winning streak,” there is no doubt that this is the track, as leaked news had suggested, linked most to the man of the moment.

Taylor gets even more personal too with lines like: “Shirts off, and your friends lift you up, over their heads. Where’s the trophy? He just comes, running over to me.” Remember those post game kisses?

Anyway, here are the complete lyrics and you can decide for yourself how and where Kelce fits in:

[Verse 1]

This happens once every few lifetimes

These chemicals hit me like white wine

What if I told you I’m back?

The hospital was a drag

Worst sleep that I ever had

I circled you on a map

I haven’t come around in so long

But I’m coming back so strong

[Chorus]

So when I touch down

Call the amateurs and cut ‘em from the team

Ditch the clowns, get the crown

Baby, I’m the one to be

‘Cause the sign on your heart

Said it’s still reserved for me

Honestly, who are we to fight thе alchemy?

[Verse 2]

Hey, you, what if I told you we’rе cool?

That child’s play back in school

Is forgiven under my rule

I haven’t come around in so long

But I’m making a comeback to where I belong

[Chorus]

So when I touch down

Call the amateurs and cut ‘em from the team

Ditch the clowns, get the crown

Baby, I’m the one to be

‘Cause the sign on your heart

Said it’s still reserved for me

Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?

[Post-Chorus]

These blokes warm the benches

We’ve been on a winning streak

He jokes that “It’s heroin, but this time with an E”

‘Cause the sign on your heart

Said it’s still reserved for me

Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?

[Bridge]

Shirts off, and your friends lift you up, over their heads

Beer stickin’ to the floor, cheers chanted ‘cause they said

“There was no chance trying to be the greatest in the league”

Where’s the trophy? He just comes, running over to me

[Chorus]

Touch down

Call the amateurs and cut ‘em from the team

Ditch the clowns, get the crown

Baby, I’m the one to be

‘Cause the sign on your heart

Said it’s still reserved for me

Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?

[Post-Chorus]

These blokes warm the benches

We’ve been on a winning streak

He jokes that “It’s heroin, but this time with an E”

‘Cause the sign on your heart

Said it’s still reserved for me

Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?

[Outro]

This happens once every few lifetimes

These chemicals hit me like white wine

Complete tracklist of The Tortured Poets Department

Here is the complete list of songs and as you’ll see, ‘The Alchemy’ comes in at 8+7=15: