Taylor Swift's song "The Black Dog," featured on her album "The Tortured Poets Department," utilizes the metaphor of a "black dog" to explore themes of depression and emotional turmoil. This term historically symbolizes melancholy and has been associated with personal struggles with mental health. Swift's strategic release of this song alongside tracks like "Clean" and "Evermore," which focus on recovery and healing, suggests a narrative journey from battling internal darkness to achieving emotional clarity and peace. Additionally, the song's connection to English folklore, where the black dog is seen as an omen, enriches its interpretation, hinting at the death of past relationships or former selves. This song continues Swift's trend of weaving complex emotional experiences with cultural references into her music, offering depth both musically and lyrically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices