Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” lyrics (featuring Sabrina Carpenter) cap off her new era with a cinematic duet about glitz, grit, and the cost of fame. Fans searching for Taylor Swift Sabrina Carpenter lyrics, meaning explained, and full song credits will find the essentials here—optimized for quick reading and Google Discover. Early reviews call it a glossy pop standout, linking the narrative to a character named Kitty and the realities behind the spotlight. Stream, watch the official video, and dive into the story behind the song.
Full Song Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Song Title | The Life of a Showgirl |
| Artist(s) | Taylor Swift feat. Sabrina Carpenter |
| Album/EP | The Life of a Showgirl |
| Written by | Taylor Swift, Max Martin, Shellback (title track writers as credited across rollout/press) |
| Produced by | Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor Swift |
| Release Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Label | Republic Records |
| Genre | Pop / Soft Rock |
| Duration | 4:05 |
The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter) Lyrics
[Verse 1: Taylor Swift]
Her name was Kitty
Made her money being pretty and witty
They gave her the keys to this city
Then they said she didn’t do it legitly, uh
I bought a ticket
She’s dancing in her garters and fishnets
Fifty in the cast, zero missteps
Looking back, I guess it was kismet
[Pre-Chorus: Taylor Swift]
I waited by the stage door
Packed in with the autograph
Hounds barking her name
Then glowing like the end of a cigarette
Wow, she came out
I said, “You’re living my dream”
Then she said to me
[Chorus: Taylor Swift]
“Hey, thank you for the lovely bouquet
You’re sweeter than a peach
But you don’t know the life of a showgirl, babe
And you’re never, ever gonna
Wait, the more you play, the more that you pay
You’re softer than a kitten, so
You don’t wanna know the life of a showgirl, babe
And you’re never gonna wanna”
[Verse 2: Sabrina Carpenter]
She was a menace
The baby of the family in Lenox
Her father whored around like all men did
Her mother took pills and played tennis
[Pre-Chorus: Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift]
So she waited by the stage door
Asked the club for more to arrive
She said, “I’d sell my soul to have a taste of a magnificent life”
It’s all mine
But that’s not what showgirls get
They leave us for death
[Chorus: Sabrina Carpenter, Sabrina Carpenter & Taylor Swift]
Hey, thank you for the lovely bouquet
You’re sweeter than a peach
But you don’t know the life of a showgirl,babe
And you’re never, ever gonna
Wait, the more you play, the more that you pay
You’re softer than a kitten so
You don’t know the life of a showgirl, babe
And you’re never gonna wanna
[Bridge: Taylor Swift & Sabrina Carpenter]
I took her pearls of wisdom
Hung them from my neck
I paid my dues with every bruise
I knew what to expect
You wanna take a skate on the ice inside my veins
They ripped off me off like false lashes
And then threw me away
And all the headshots on the walls
Of the dance hall are of the bitches
Who wish I’d hurry up and die
But, I’m immortal now, baby dolls
I couldn’t if I try, so I say
[Chorus: Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift & Sabrina Carpenter, Sabrina Carpenter]
“Hey, thank you for the lovely bouquet
I’m married to the hustle
And now I know the life of a showgirl, babe
And I’ll never know another
Pain hidden by the lipstick and lace (And lace)
Sequins are forever and now I know the life of a showgirl, babe
Wouldn’t have it any other way
(Thank you for the lovely bouquet) Have it any other
(Thank you for lovely bouquet)
And now I’m making money being pretty and witty
Thank you for the lovely bouquet
[Spoken Outro: Taylor Swift & Sabrina Carpenter]
Thank you for an unforgettable night
We will see you next time
Give it up for the band
And the dancers
And of course, Sabrina
I love you, Taylor
That’s our show
We love you so much
Goodnight
Meaning / Interpretation
Swift and Carpenter volley verses as if whispering through a stage door: the song is a character study of “Kitty,” a dazzling performer whose glamour masks bruising costs of celebrity. As the story unfolds, the narrator moves from star-eyed fan to peer, recognizing the toll behind that spotlight sheen—a commentary on the price of fame wrapped in theatrical pop. ELLE
Production-wise, the track leans glossy and triumphant, befitting a finale that ties the album’s themes of performance, public scrutiny, love, and resilience into one curtain-call moment—a pop victory lap that still winks at the shadows backstage.
About the Song
“The Life of a Showgirl” arrives as the title track and closing song on Swift’s 12th studio album, crafted in Sweden with longtime collaborators Max Martin and Shellback. The record marks a return to clean, radio-bright pop after TTPD, with headlines noting its concise 12-track runtime (≈41:40). The title track is the album’s sole feature, spotlighting Sabrina Carpenter.
Across the era, press and critics have highlighted its backstage-meets-spotlight storytelling, while fans obsess over the duet’s narrative arc—envy giving way to empathy as fame changes the narrator’s vantage point.
Watch on YouTube: Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter) (Visualizer)
FAQs
Who produced and wrote the song?
The title track is produced by Max Martin, Shellback, and Taylor Swift, with songwriting by Swift/Martin/Shellback.
What is The Life of a Showgirl about?
It’s positioned as a celebratory, pop-forward finale about showbiz, performance, and the joy behind the curtain—matching Swift’s description of this era as “infectiously joyful.”
When was The Life of a Showgirl released?
It’s scheduled for October 3, 2025, as the album’s closing track.
Who produced The Life of a Showgirl?
Reporting credits Max Martin and Shellback as principal producers, consistent with Swift’s pop eras; we’ll update once full DSP liner notes post.
Which album/EP features The Life of a Showgirl?
It’s the title track of The Life of a Showgirl, closing out Swift’s 12th studio album.
Is “The Life of a Showgirl” about fame and its downsides?
Yes—early breakdowns point to a narrative where the glamour of a character named “Kitty” hides family trauma and the toll of celebrity, which the narrator later understands firsthand.
Who is featured on the song?
Sabrina Carpenter joins Taylor Swift on the title track, marking their first official duet.
Is “The Life of a Showgirl” the last track?
Yes—on the standard edition, it’s Track 12 and serves as the album’s curtain call.
How long is “The Life of a Showgirl”?
4:05 on streaming platforms.
Does the album include other big talking points?
Yes: Swift reunites with Max Martin & Shellback across the album and interpolates George Michael’s “Father Figure” on another track—two of the era’s most discussed credits.
Trivia & Fun Facts
- The album was created while Swift was on the Eras Tour and is widely noted as a return to bright pop textures.
- Industry outlets flagged the record’s compact 12-track, ~41-minute length—among her shortest studio sets.
- Era talking point: a “Father Figure” interpolation appears on the album (another track), with positive buzz from George Michael’s estate.
Credits
- Images/Artwork: Courtesy of label promotional materials and official YouTube thumbnail (Republic Records / Taylor Swift YouTube).
- Sources referenced: People, ELLE, Pitchfork, Apple Music.
Last Updated: October 3, 2025
