Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers has seemingly offered insights into her past relationship with actor Paul Mescal and his subsequent romance with Gracie Abrams through lyrics on her newest album. The artist's latest tracks are being interpreted by fans as veiled commentary on her personal life.
Speculation arose around the title track of Bridgers' new album, released on Friday. According to social media discussions, fans interpret a line – “I’m supposed to be married, but I called it off” – as a reference to Bridgers initiating the end of her relationship with Mescal in 2022.
Further analysis by netizens pointed to another song, “The Governors Waltz,” as a direct address to Abrams, whom Mescal began dating in 2024. The lyrics, “Now, let’s see how far I can run without stopping / And she can pretend to be me / Since she took my place in my bed on that stage / I have not lost any sleep / Being myself wasn’t easy / Do it for me,” are being scrutinized for potential references to Abrams.
Social media users have actively discussed what they perceive as subtle jabs at Abrams, with one X user stating, “Phoebe bridgers throwing gracie abrams shade, im home.” Others offered contrasting interpretations, with one commenter suggesting, “it felt like she was actually expressing gratitude toward her.” The discourse has even drawn comparisons to major musical feuds, such as the one between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
Reps for Bridgers, Mescal, and Abrams did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Bridgers and Mescal reportedly began dating in 2020 and made their relationship public at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in November 2021, later making it Instagram official in December 2021.
By December 2022, amid rumors of a breakup after two years together, Bridgers alluded to navigating heartbreak in a YouTube interview. When asked about lessons learned from heartbreak, she stated, “I think if I had figured that out, I wouldn’t be making music still.” In the same interview, when asked if Mescal's series was “overrated,” Bridgers responded, “very appropriately rated.”
Following their split, Mescal commented on the public nature of their past relationship in 2023. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he expressed the temptation to clarify his relationship status but also a desire to maintain privacy. Mescal stated that he strives to keep his personal life private moving forward to minimize speculation.