“It’s a thug story tell me can you handle that” In honor of April Fool’s Day, we’re diving into Taylor Swift’s funniest, most unexpected performances — from self-parody and satire to flat-out absurdity. This week, we explore Thug Story (2008), her 2009 SNL monologue, “Monologue Song (La La La)”, and the 2021 SNL Three Sad Virgins sketch to understand how Swift uses humor to subvert expectations, reclaim her narrative, and show off her impeccable comedic timing.

Plus: why baking cookies is the running gag that won’t quit, what a “benign violation” is, and whether “Cats” was actually meant to be a comedy.

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Mentioned in this episode:

“Thug Story” feat. T-Pain (CMT Awards, 2009)

Taylor Swift’s 2009 SNL Monologue Song (la la la) Please Don’t Destroy - Three Sad Virgins (ft. Taylor Swift) - SNL 2021 Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) What’s So Funny? The Science of Why We Laugh by Giovanni Sabato Anatomy of the Gag by Václav Havel

Comedy Book: How Comedy Conquered Culture by Jesse David Fox Nanette by Hannah Gadsby (Netflix) APTS E19: Satire

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Episode Highlights:

[04:03] “Thug Story”

[11:04] “Monologue Song (La La La)”

[23:29] “Three Sad Virgins”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.