Get ready to dive into the latest buzz surrounding Tate McRae’s music, because one line in her new song has everyone scratching their heads and whispering theories. The Grammy-nominated artist just dropped the deluxe version of her album So Close to What, complete with five fresh tracks, including the viral hit ‘TIT FOR TAT’. But here’s where it gets intriguing: fans are convinced that these new songs are fueled by her highly publicized split from The Kid LAROI—especially since he announced his own album BEFORE I FORGET on the very same day. Coincidence? Maybe. But the timing is chef’s kiss.
One track, ‘ANYTHING BUT LOVE,’ has sparked a mystery that’s got everyone talking. In it, Tate name-drops several people who ‘hate’ an ex of hers, including a shadowy figure named Ryan. ‘My fans hate you, my friends hate you, and Ryan hates you, and I do, too,’ she sings, leaving listeners with one burning question: Who in the world is Ryan?
And this is the part most people miss: Tate reportedly wrote ‘ANYTHING BUT LOVE’ before her romance with LAROI even began, which means the ex in question—and the elusive Ryan—likely tie back to a different chapter of her life. So, who could Ryan be? Let’s break it down.
Theory 1: Ryan Tedder, the Hitmaker
The most popular guess points to OneRepublic’s frontman and Tate’s frequent collaborator, Ryan Tedder. Tedder has co-written and produced several of her hits, from ‘Greedy’ to ‘TIT FOR TAT.’ While he didn’t work on ‘ANYTHING BUT LOVE,’ he did co-write another new track, ‘NOBODY’S GIRL,’ proving they’ve spent plenty of time together in the studio. Could he be the Ryan who’s not a fan of her ex? It’s a strong possibility, but Tate hasn’t confirmed anything—leaving room for speculation.
Theory 2: The Bodyguard Connection
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing. Some fans believe Ryan could be Tate’s bodyguard, who made headlines last July when he was spotted with her on a boat during her breakup with LAROI. TikTok sleuths from her Miss Possessive Tour claim his name is indeed Ryan. If true, this would add a whole new layer to the song’s meaning—but again, it’s all just fan theories for now.
The Bigger Picture
Whether Ryan is a collaborator, a bodyguard, or someone else entirely, one thing’s for sure: ‘ANYTHING BUT LOVE’ is a raw, unfiltered look into Tate’s personal life. It’s the kind of song that makes you wonder about the stories behind the lyrics—and that’s exactly why it’s on repeat for so many fans.
But here’s the controversial question: Does it matter who Ryan really is? Some argue that the mystery adds to the song’s allure, while others believe knowing the backstory would deepen their connection to the music. What do you think? Is Ryan’s identity a crucial piece of the puzzle, or should we let the lyrics speak for themselves? Sound off in the comments—this debate is just getting started!
