Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy expressed his astonishment after diving into the lyrics of Taylor Swift’s latest track, “Wood.”
Portnoy, a self-proclaimed Swiftie, took to social media following multiple listens to Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl. “I really did like the song ‘Wood’ the first couple times I listened to it,” he stated in an Instagram video on October 3.
However, after engaging in discussions with fellow fans online, he uncovered a surprising interpretation: the song appears to reference the impressive anatomy of Swift’s fiancé, Travis Kelce. “It’s about Travis’ d***?” Portnoy pondered aloud. “And then you re-listen and it’s all, ‘Redwood tree’ and ‘I knew he had a big *** and hard rock and I have to catch the bouquet.’ No. No. I’m not bobbing and weaving and jamming to a song about Travis’ d***.”
Portnoy, who has known Kelce longer than Swift, expressed discomfort with the song's implications. “So, ‘Wood’ is out,” he concluded, indicating his reluctance to embrace the track fully.
The lyrics of “Wood” caught many fans off guard upon the album's release, featuring lines like “Redwood tree, it ain’t hard to see / His love was the key that opened my thighs” and “Seems to be that you and me, we make our own luck / New heights of manhood,” a nod to Kelce’s podcast with his brother, Jason.
Despite the lyrical controversy, Portnoy admitted that The Life of a Showgirl did not meet his lofty expectations. “I was on the record saying I thought it would be my favorite album she’s ever had. It wasn’t that,” he remarked. “There’s some songs I like. Are any of them going to be mega, monster hits? I don’t know.”
He continued, “Is it an all-time album? No. Did I think I was going to like it more? Yeah. Is it still T-Swift? Yes.”
Portnoy ranked his five favorite tracks from the album, starting with “Honey,” which he described as “catchy, beat-y.” Following that were “Eldest Daughter,” “The Life of a Showgirl,” “The Fate of Ophelia,” and “Opalite,” which he believes has hit potential. “Very cool song. Happy-go-lucky,” he said of “Opalite.”
He also noted that “Elizabeth Taylor” could have easily made his top five list.
Swift and Kelce, both 35, announced their engagement in August after two years of dating. In a recent interview on BBC Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James, Swift shared details about their plans for a “destination wedding.”
“He’s a blast,” she said about Kelce during the interview. “He’s just the most fun person, life of any party, even when it’s just us. That’s the goal, isn’t it? Find a best friend who you think is hot.”
