A lyric in Taylor Swift’s new song “CANCELLED!” from her album “The Life of a Showgirl” has sparked debate over potential copyright implications. The line in question, “Did you girlboss too close to the sun?” bears a striking resemblance to a phrase coined by TikTok creator Caroline Timoney in a 2021 video. In the video, which has garnered 7.5 million views, Timoney says, “I fear I may have girlbossed a bit too close to the sun.”
Timoney recently addressed the similarity in a new video, jokingly referring to herself as Swift’s “Shakespeare” and suggesting they are “co-writers.” While her tone was lighthearted, many of her followers encouraged her to seek legal advice and potentially pursue a writing credit or compensation.
The situation draws parallels to a similar case involving Lizzo and Twitter user Mina Lioness, who tweeted the phrase “I did a DNA test and found out I’m 100% that bitch” before Lizzo released her song “Truth Hurts” featuring the same line. Lizzo ultimately gave Lioness a writing credit on the track. Copyright lawyer Rocky Retrograde, who commented on Timoney’s video, noted the similarity between the two cases and advised Timoney to explore her options.
The phrase “girlbossed too close to the sun” has also been linked to a YouTube video by Candace Owens, who used the phrase in reference to Swift’s alleged involvement in a lawsuit. However, Timoney claims to have originated the phrase. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Timoney will pursue a writing credit or other action.
The incident highlights the complexities of copyright law in the digital age, particularly when it comes to social media and user-generated content. As social media platforms continue to play a significant role in shaping popular culture, cases like this one may become increasingly common. For now, Timoney’s fans and followers await her next move, while Swift’s album continues to generate buzz and debate among music enthusiasts.
