Who was Clara Bow? The original 'it girl' who inspired Taylor Swift's new song

Clara Bow

Fans and critics are already delving into the meaning of Taylor Swift's latest album, which has only been released for less than 24 hours. They are thoroughly analyzing the somewhat enigmatic lyrics.

Clara Bow - Figure 1
Photo Sky News

The famous artist's huge undertaking, called The Tortured Poets Department, turned out to be a concealed twin record set. The initial section concludes with a song named Clara Bow.

If you're not someone who knows a lot about Hollywood history, you may not have understood the reference.

Here's the information you should be aware of regarding Bow, along with Swift's allusion to her and the potential motives behind it.

The initial trendsetter In the early 1900s, the term "it girl" was coined to describe a woman who exuded effortless style and charm. This label was first applied to British actress Clara Bow, who became popular during the silent film era. During her reign as the "it girl," Clara Bow epitomized the Jazz Age with her bobbed haircut, smoky eyes, and carefree attitude. She was a symbol of modernity and independence, defining a new era of femininity. Since then, the term "it girl" has been applied to many women who embody a certain type of coolness and chicness. These women are trendsetters who inspire others with their fashion choices and personality. They often have a magnetic charisma that draws people in. So whether you're a fan of vintage style or modern glamour, there's no doubt that the "it girl" phenomenon is here to stay.

Clara Bow - Figure 2
Photo Sky News

Clara Bow, an actress from America, achieved great success during the silent film era. She gained a lot of popularity and fame as the first "it girl" after appearing in the blockbuster hit movie, It in 1927.

Despite not sharing the same occupation as Swift, there are evident similarities in terms of the path her career has taken and the level of scrutiny it has faced.

Bow was born in 1905 and quickly grew accustomed to being exceptionally well-known, particularly as a young woman. Consequently, her love life was constantly being scrutinized by the public.

Discover more: Analyzing The Department of Tortured PoetsUncovering the veiled messages and the individuals that Swift seemingly alludes to.

Many well-known men were often associated with her, leading to frequent rumors and discussion among the general public.

It's possible that these two things are the only similarities, as the actress finds it challenging to adapt to being viewed as a sex symbol.

There was talk that Bow's professional success suffered because her rough Brooklyn dialect was unfavorable for the movie industry.

Nevertheless, Swift has been ruling her industry ever since she was a young adult, and the current 34-year-old's professional life is not stopping in any way.

Clara Bow - Figure 3
Photo Sky News

There are reports from the 1940s that Bow tried to commit suicide and was then sent to a mental hospital.

The news reported by The New York Times states that the female performer passed away from a heart attack when she was 60 years old in the year 1965.

What is the possible interpretation of the song?

The blog post begins with this particular line:

Your appearance in this light strongly resembles Clara Bow... impressive.

Have you been aware throughout your entire existence?

Would you be selected like a flower?

The song concludes with a comparable stanza but with her own name instead of Bow's.

You resemble Taylor Swift under these lighting conditions.

You possess an advantage she never had.

The forthcoming days are vibrant and brilliant.

Naturally, every song can be perceived differently. However, it is intriguing to observe Swift utilizing the moniker of a popular woman from the past century and eventually swapping it with her own name towards the conclusion of the track.

The industry of Bow eventually made her give up her position. It seems that Swift understands that, at some point (although it appears to be a long way off), she will have to pass on the responsibility - and her replacement may even have an advantage that she never had.

Sharing her thoughts on Swift's lyrics, arts and entertainment reporter Bethany Minelle provides us with her own perspective.

She takes a witty jab at herself, acknowledging both the unpredictable nature of the music world and playfully making fun of her own growing fame.

We overhear a youthful individual being commended by business people in Los Angeles, stating to her: 'In this illumination, you appear similar to Taylor Swift, and we are very fond of it. You possess a certain uniqueness that she never had.'

Forever forward-thinking, envisioning her future chapters, maybe when her youthful radiance fades, a present-day Swift in her thirties remains ahead of the game in an industry she presently reigns over.

According to her, the coming days are full of promise and excitement, almost blinding with their potential.

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