Music and lyrics
A pop ballad, "Father Figure" is an interpolation of Michael's song, using the lyric "I'll be your father figure" and a similar melody. [5] [6] As a result, Michael is credited as a co-writer on the track. [7] Following its release, two primary interpretations of the song's subject emerged among listeners and critics. One suggests the lyrics reference Swift's early career and her business relationship with Scott Borchetta, including the subsequent sale of her master recordings to Scooter Braun. [8] The other posits that the song addresses a rumored feud with singer Olivia Rodrigo, alluding to a dispute over songwriting credits. [9]
In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Swift stated the song depicted a mentor–protégé relationship, and was written from the perspective of the mentor. She stated that she related to the protégé character in the song, despite the song being from the perspective of the "father figure". [10] She also explained to Fallon that she drew inspiration from the character of Logan Roy in Succession . [11]
While Michael's song was about intimacy and protection, Swift's is primarily about revenge and betrayal. Journalists have interpreted the song's lyrics as referring to her master's dispute, asserting that the line "When I found you, you were young" alludes to her initial signing with Big Machine. [1] Lyrics like “I can make deals with the devil 'cause my dick's bigger" and "This love is pure profit" have been interpreted as a reference to how Big Machine Records used Swift as a major source of profit after her initial success. [12] It has been theorized that the song alludes to Swift re-gaining her masters by lyrics like "This empire belongs to me", with "empire" referencing her first six albums. [2]
