Pop star Taylor Swift released “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore” on Friday, featuring four new bonus tracks including a closing song titled “Babylon” that has sparked a localized debate over whether the lyrics reference Suffolk County’s South Shore village on Long Island. Babylon merchant Joseph DeBello told Newsday that lyrics about waking up on a train with headphones gone led him to check Google for nearby transit hubs, concluding the song refers to his hometown.
The Local Theory and Transit Nod
DeBello, a 39-year-old resident who owns Hitch and the Bestea cafe and craft bar on East Main Street, pointed to specific lyrics from the track. “In the song, she said, ‘[But] You wake up on the train with your headphones gone and then that melody is all you want. You never knew that it was Babylon ’til it was gone,’” DeBello told Newsday. The theory gained traction after his friend Chantal Waldholz of West Islip posted it on social media using the handle @drinkinglongisland when they listened to the release at 12:01 a.m. Friday. The Long Island Rail Road joined the conversation Monday, posting a photo of the Babylon train station platform on X with the caption, “There’s still a train going to this Babylon.” DeBello operates his shops next to each other, running Hitch as a market for 150 local vendors and vintage goods, while Bestea functions as a cafe hosting Swift-themed events, complete with a specialty drink called the Swiftea featuring lavender lemonade and blue glitter for $12 with a friendship bracelet.
Competing Interpretations of the Lyrics
While local fans embrace the connection, other regional tribute performers offer a different historical reading of the track. Kelsey Edquist, 33-year-old owner of Glenwood Landing-based Royal Princess Prep Entertainment, which operates a Swift tribute show called Totally Taylor, expressed skepticism to Newsday. “Unfortunately, I don’t think ‘Babylon’ is about the town on Long Island,” Edquist said. “I’m pretty sure Taylor is talking about the ancient city that was built into something big and beautiful, which would eventually be destroyed and become ruins. It’s something idealized that ends in tragedy.” Courtney Sack, 31, of Glen Head, agreed with that assessment, telling Newsday, “Surprisingly, I do not think it is about Babylon on Long Island, although that would be very cool if it was. But I love the beat of the song. It is super catchy.” DeBello defended the new music despite mixed public receptions, telling Newsday, “The four [new] songs on this album are being labeled as not her best work, but I think it’s fantastic. I believe if people listen to it, they couldn’t help but sing along. She’s just great.”
Taylor Swift album release sparks debate over Long Island lyrics
What is “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore”?
It is a new version of Taylor Swift’s latest studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” released on Friday with four new bonus tracks.
Which song is causing a stir on Long Island?
The closing bonus track, titled “Babylon,” has prompted local fans and merchants to debate whether the lyrics reference the Suffolk County village.
https://x.com/LIRR/status/2104588890069758029
How did the Long Island Rail Road respond?
The LIRR posted a photo of the Babylon train station platform on X on Monday with the caption, “There’s still a train going to this Babylon.”
What do local tribute performers say about the song’s meaning?
Kelsey Edquist, owner of a Taylor Swift tribute show, told Newsday she believes the song refers to the ancient historical city rather than the Long Island town.
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