Why Did Taylor Swift Release a Music Video Inspired by Film Icon Elizabeth Taylor?

Taylor Swift admitted last year that Elizabeth Taylor was someone she looked up to. She is well aware of the journey of the iconic movie star, a life that she could relate to.

Hence, it is hardly surprising that Taylor inspired Swift to come up with a music video titled 'Elizabeth Taylor' which is composed mostly of clips in which the late movie star appears. The song is part of Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' album.

Among the clips that can be seen in the video are scenes from films such as Cleopatra, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Boom! Swift did not appear in the clip.

'She is always someone that I've looked up to as being this very glamorous, very beloved, but for some reason a polarising figure [and] I found myself in that place, too,' Swift admitted on The Elvis Duran show in 2025.

Being one of the busiest and most in-demand celebrities these days, Swift admitted that managing all of it while also trying to live a normal life was challenging. However, Taylor became a role model and inspiration for her to follow. Hence, it only made sense for her to pay homage to the British and American actress.

'This is a love song kind of through the lens of the motif of what she had to go through in her life and sort of the parallels that I feel in my own life,' the decorated singer-songwriter said.

Why Elizabeth Taylor Fans Must Tune In

For those who haven't seen or heard the 'Elizabeth Taylor' yet, doing so at the earliest would be advised. The lyrics alone capture the life of the iconic actress' life, including where actor Richard Burton first proposed to her – Portofino.

There is also a line that clearly refers to Taylor. This is the part which says, 'I'll cry my eyes violet,' clearly referencing the DBE's famously entrancing eyes per BBC News.

Another notable line is 'what could you possibly get for the girl who has everything,' something that can easily be associated with one of her films.

The Question of Royalties

With the music video using Elizabeth Taylor clips, the next question is the area of royalties. It should be noted that before Swift and her group proceeded to produce the music video, they were able to get permission from the estate of Taylor.

This means that all likenesses of Taylor, who died in 2011, are covered. As for the royalties earned from the music video once it is streamed, proceeds will go directly to the actress' estate.

Taylor Family Thankful To Swift

Upon hearing the music video when it was released last year, Taylor's family members were elated at the work of Swift. Quinn Tivey, Taylor's grandson, admitted that had his grandmother still been alive, it was a tune she would have loved.

'My family loves the song, and grandma would have loved it, too,' Tivey stated. 'I wish she could have heard it.'

It would be best to note that while the song was released in October 2025, the credits showed '@2024.' This proves that the track was written way back, likely when Swift was on the road for her blockbuster Eras Tour.