George Michael’s estate welcomed Taylor Swift’s use of “Father Figure,” saying it had “no hesitation” in agreeing after hearing her track. The estate said Swift and her team approached it earlier in 2025 about incorporating an interpolation of Michael’s 1987 song into a new song of the same title.
What did George Michael’s estate say?
George Michael Entertainment said it was delighted that Swift’s team approached it about the interpolation. In its statement, the estate said: “When we heard the track we had no hesitation in agreeing to this association between two great artists and we know George would have felt the same.” It wished Swift “every success” with The Life of a Showgirl and “Father Figure.” George Michael’s official website published the statement; Billboard also reported its contents.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Faith (Red/Black Marble Vinyl) | $47.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Listen Without Prejudice (Remastered) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Faith Tour (Amazon Exclusive Edition) | $46.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Older | $38.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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George Michael - Rock In Rio 2: Brazilian Broadcast 1991 (ltd. ed.) (2xLP) (clear vinyl) - Vinyl LP | $46.97 | Buy on Amazon |
Did Taylor Swift get permission to use George Michael’s song?
The estate’s account says Swift’s team approached it and that it agreed after hearing the track. That supports saying the estate welcomed the association and agreed to the proposed interpolation. The published statement does not specify contract terms, royalty rates, ownership shares, or the precise rights involved, so those details cannot be inferred from it. Billboard’s report describes the use as an interpolation.
Is Swift’s “Father Figure” an interpolation or a cover?
The reporting describes Swift’s song as an interpolation of Michael’s “Father Figure,” not as a cover. The songs share a title, and Michael is credited among the writers of Swift’s track. The available coverage does not provide a detailed comparison of their melodies, arrangements, or recordings, so it does not support a more specific musical breakdown.
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#1 Best Overall
How do the two songs fit into their albums?
| George Michael | Taylor Swift |
|---|---|
| “Father Figure” appeared on the 1987 album Faith. | “Father Figure” is track four on The Life of a Showgirl, released October 3, 2025. |
| Billboard reports the song spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. | Pitchfork lists George Michael, Max Martin, Shellback, and Taylor Swift as composers and lyricists. |
Michael described his original as a “very specific experience” and discussed how people may seek a replacement attachment after moving away from their parents. That is context for his 1987 song; it does not establish Swift’s intended meaning. Billboard’s account includes his comments and the chart history. Pitchfork’s track credits and album details identify Swift’s song and its writers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is Taylor Swift’s song about?
The Los Angeles Times interprets Swift’s lyrics as a story about a mentor and protégé and discusses a possible connection to former label head Scott Borchetta and Big Machine Records. That is the newspaper’s interpretation, not a confirmed statement of Swift’s intent; the cited reporting does not establish a specific real-life subject. The Los Angeles Times analysis should therefore be treated as speculation rather than fact.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Format: LP
- Label: Parachute
- Genre: Rock/Pop/Vocal
- Year: 1991
Rank #4
Rank #2
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