Aaron Dessner is setting the record straight about the real story behind Gracie Abrams’ “Death Wish.” After the song’s cutting lyrics prompted speculation that Abrams was inspired by something involving her close friend Taylor Swift, Dessner firmly rejected the theory. The producer explained that the track was actually written about a friend’s ex who was in a bad relationship. Abrams has not publicly revealed the person behind the song, but Dessner’s close relationship with the singer gives his denial considerable weight.
Dessner directly addressed the viral theory during an interview with Billboard. “Definitely not. It was written at a time when [Gracie] was writing about a friend’s ex being in a bad relationship,” the 50-year-old producer explained. “It was kind of about that person, I think. I wouldn’t even actually know who that person was.”
Dessner co-wrote and co-produced Abrams’ new album, “Daughter From Hell,” which features “Death Wish.” Although the producer seemingly understands the general circumstances that inspired the song, he admitted that he does not know the identity of the person at the center of it.
Gracie Abrams’ Cutting Lyrics Sparked The Fan Theory
Questions surrounding Swift’s possible connection to “Death Wish” emerged after listeners began analyzing its pointed lyrics. Throughout the track, Abrams describes a person associated with power trips, diamond rings, emotional detachment, and cruel words. She also questions how long a troubled relationship will last while accusing the unnamed subject of causing pain behind a smile.
Abrams has not publicly explained who inspired the lyrics. However, fans on social media began questioning whether her friendship with Swift provided the song’s underlying story. Dessner has now made it clear that Swift was not the inspiration, even if the mystery surrounding the actual subject remains intact.
Gracie Abrams And Taylor Swift Have Been Close Since 2022
The fan theory gained traction partly because Abrams and Swift share a highly visible personal and professional relationship. The two singers have been close since 2022. Abrams then joined Swift as an opening act on the “Eras Tour” the following year, an experience she compared to receiving an education in live performance.
“It’s a real master class to watch her do what she does,” Abrams said during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2024. “I felt like I was at college for this job. I watched every single one of her shows that I was lucky enough to open. I watched from every place possible in each stadium, just trying to pick up on how she’s able to do what she does.”
Their creative relationship later produced “Us.” from Abrams’ album “The Secret of Us.” The collaboration received a Grammy nomination at the 2025 ceremony. Their connection also extends beyond the recording studio, as Abrams was among the guests at Swift’s star-studded wedding to Travis Kelce earlier this month.
Aaron Dessner Shares A Close Bond With Abrams
Abrams and Swift also share a professional connection through Dessner, who has worked with both artists. The producer said that collaborating with Abrams for more than six years has allowed their relationship to evolve beyond simply making music together.
“Gracie and I have worked together for more than six years now, and you kind of grow together, and there’s a lot of experience that has nothing to do with making songs,” Dessner told Billboard. “She’s very aware of my personal life, and I’m of course aware of hers; she’s close with my kids, for example.”
Because of that closeness, Dessner believes he would generally understand the experiences behind Abrams’ songwriting. That does not mean the pair explicitly discuss the identity of every person referenced in her music.
The Producer Prefers To Preserve Some Mystery
Dessner explained that he avoids directly interrogating his collaborators about the people who inspired their lyrics, even when he offers feedback on their writing.
“I think, naturally, if she writes something, I’ll know. But we don’t really talk about it,” he said. “It’s weird. It’s kind of unsaid. I would say the same thing for other people I’ve worked with. [I’m] giving feedback at times, lyrically, but I tend to … you don’t want to be like, ‘Well, you’re talking about this, right?’ It’s more mysterious not to.”
The identity behind “Death Wish” may therefore remain unknown unless Abrams decides to address it herself.