Charli XCX has a song titled "Sympathy Is a Knife" that has generated speculation about being about Taylor Swift, but both artists have addressed the topic with some nuance. The song itself is primarily about Charli's insecurities and feelings of insecurity around other women, possibly including other pop stars, but Charli has denied that it is specifically about Taylor Swift. She explained in an interview that the song is about her own feelings, anxiety, and the narratives she creates about herself when feeling insecure.

On the other hand, Taylor Swift released a song called "Actually Romantic" , which many fans believe is a pointed response or commentary related to the tension and speculation surrounding their relationship and songs. The lyrics of "Actually Romantic" seem to allude to Swift feeling flattered but also aware of being the subject of obsession or insecurity, potentially referencing Charli’s song and the surrounding rumors. Swift described "Actually Romantic" as a song about someone being so obsessed with her that it feels romantic, and she even spins it into a sapphic narrative, suggesting a complex dynamic between perception and reality.

In summary:

• "Sympathy Is a Knife" appears to be about Charli's personal insecurities and feelings of comparison or insecurity around other women, possibly including Taylor Swift, but Charli states it is not necessarily about Swift specifically.
• "Actually Romantic" by Taylor Swift is widely interpreted as a response or a reflection on the attention she receives, which some believe is a subtle commentary on her relationship with Charli or the gossip surrounding them.

The two songs are connected within the narrative of their public and artistic relationship but serve different personal and artistic purposes.