Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers has ignited fan speculation with a new song that appears to reference her ex-boyfriend Paul Mescal and his current girlfriend, Gracie Abrams. The lyrics from Bridgers' forthcoming album, "Lost Weekend," are being dissected by fans who are drawing parallels to the intertwined personal histories of the three artists.
Abrams, daughter of director J.J. Abrams, has publicly acknowledged being a fan of Bridgers since she was a teenager. The two musicians became friends, with Abrams opening for Bridgers on a 2021 tour. At the time, Bridgers was dating Mescal, the actor known for "Normal People." Their romance reportedly ended in 2022, and by 2024, Mescal had made his relationship with Abrams public.
The perceived similarities between Bridgers and Abrams, both musically and aesthetically, have fueled fan theories regarding Mescal's romantic preferences. Abrams' own song, "Normal Thing," released in 2024, touches on fears of being a "placeholder" for someone still involved with a past lover, a sentiment fans have linked to her relationship with Mescal.
Bridgers' new track, "The Governor's Waltz," includes lines that fans interpret as a direct response: "She can pretend to be me. Since she took my place in my bed, on that stage." These lyrics have intensified discussions on social media about the trio's complex history.
Shared Symbols and Early Fandom
Further fueling fan theories is a shared connection to rocket-ship-print bedsheets. Bridgers has frequently posted photos from her childhood bedroom featuring these sheets, which became a recognizable detail among her fanbase. Screenshots circulated by fans suggest Abrams also posted photos from her room in 2017 featuring the same pattern, with a caption indicating her astronaut dreams. Bridgers reportedly commented on the shared item at the time, exclaiming, "I HAVE THE SAME SHEETS." By 2020, Abrams posted a photo wrapped in a blanket with the same design, and in 2024, her tour stage featured a bed adorned with the distinctive sheets.
Abrams' admiration for Bridgers began when she was 13, after discovering her music on SoundCloud. In a 2020 interview, Abrams described Bridgers' work as inspirational, stating, "That type of storytelling and emotion felt out of reach before." Bridgers, in turn, expressed positive sentiments about Abrams' early work, calling each new song her "new favorite."
Lyrical Themes and Fan Reactions
In "The Governor's Waltz," Bridgers also sings, "You deserved better, you wanted me," a line fans interpret as reflecting on her past relationship with Mescal. Another lyric from the song mentions, "I'm supposed to be married but I called it off," which fans connect to engagement rumors that circulated during Bridgers and Mescal's relationship. It is noted that musical comedian Bo Burnham is credited as a co-writer on "The Governor's Waltz."
The unfolding narrative has become a significant talking point for Bridgers' fans, with online forums buzzing with discussions about the perceived lyrical jabs and shared history. Representatives for Bridgers, Abrams, and Mescal have been contacted for comment.