Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers appears to address her past relationship with actor Paul Mescal and his current girlfriend, Gracie Abrams, in the lyrics of her forthcoming album, tentatively titled ‘Lost Weekend.’ Early reviews of the album, which is also said to explore Bridgers’ relationship with her late father, highlight several songs featuring references to Mescal. One particular lyric from the track ‘The Governor’s Waltz’ has drawn attention for its potential commentary on Abrams.

Bridgers’ New Album Explores Past Romance

Bridgers, known for her introspective and often poignant songwriting, is set to release her third studio album. According to an early review published by The Guardian, the record delves into her past relationship with Mescal, which concluded in 2022 after two years. The album’s title track reportedly confirms that Bridgers and Mescal were engaged during their relationship, with a lyric stating, ‘I’m supposed to be married but I called it off.’

The most discussed lyric, however, comes from ‘The Governor’s Waltz.’ The lines, ‘She can pretend to be me. Since she took my place in my bed, on that stage,’ are being interpreted by some listeners and critics as a direct or indirect reference to Gracie Abrams, Mescal’s current partner.

A History of Intersecting Relationships and Music

Paul Mescal and Phoebe Bridgers were first romantically linked in 2020, shortly after Mescal gained widespread recognition for his role in the BBC drama ‘Normal People.’ Their relationship lasted for approximately two years before their separation in 2022. Following their breakup, Bridgers was rumored to be in a relationship with comedian Bo Burnham.

Mescal, meanwhile, began a public relationship with singer Gracie Abrams in 2024. Abrams, who is the daughter of filmmaker J.J. Abrams, has previously expressed admiration for Bridgers, even referring to herself as a superfan. This connection has led to comparisons between the two artists, particularly regarding their lyrical styles, which often adopt a diary-like quality.

Gracie Abrams’ Previous Musical References

Interestingly, Gracie Abrams also explored themes related to her relationship with Mescal and his past with Bridgers on her own album, ‘The Secret of Us,’ released in 2024. While Abrams did not name individuals, her lyrics on tracks like ‘Normal Thing’ alluded to a partner who was not over a previous girlfriend. Lines such as, ‘When did you slip through my fingers, did I ever have you? Was I just a placeholder to fill the hole inside you?… Nothing left to say ’cause you’re not over her, now, are you?’ suggest a narrative of being compared to or overshadowed by a former partner.

In another song from the same album, ‘Risk,’ Abrams appeared to reference Mescal’s past, singing, ‘Know you had a girl, but it didn’t work out. Know you bought a house, but you had to move out…’ These lyrical choices from Abrams have fueled the narrative of intertwined personal histories playing out through music.

Mescal’s Stance on Privacy

Paul Mescal has generally maintained a private stance regarding his personal life, especially concerning his relationships. In a September 2025 interview with Rolling Stone, he expressed a desire to have a family but emphasized that he was not in a rush. When asked directly about his relationship with Abrams, Mescal indicated a strong preference for privacy.

‘I don’t know how to answer that,’ he told the magazine when questioned about the public announcement of his relationship with Abrams. ‘I actually do have an answer, but everything to do with that is deeply precious to me and I don’t want to…. This isn’t… I don’t really… umm… I want to protect those things fundamentally.’ He reiterated this sentiment in an interview with GQ in October 2024, stating, ‘The speculation has been kind of mad for the last x amount of years. I’m not comfortable inviting any access into that part of my life. How I am in my private life is so precious to me because I get very little of it, and it might be public interest, but it’s not public-obligated information.’

Public Appearances and Speculation

Mescal and Abrams made their first official red carpet appearance together at the ‘History Of Sound’ premiere in May 2025. Prior to this, they were first linked in early 2024 after being photographed on a date in London. Throughout their first summer together, they were seen attending various UK festivals and enjoying low-key outings in London.

Mescal has publicly supported Abrams’ career, attending her New York concert in October 2024 and reportedly singing and dancing. Abrams reciprocated this support by attending Mescal’s premiere for ‘Gladiator 2’ a month later. The couple has also faced ongoing speculation regarding their relationship status, partly due to Abrams being photographed wearing a ring on her left ring finger since May 2025.

Conclusion

Phoebe Bridgers’ upcoming album, ‘Lost Weekend,’ promises to offer listeners a deeply personal look into her past relationships and emotional landscape. The lyrical content, particularly the lines interpreted as references to Gracie Abrams, adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of intersecting personal lives and artistic expression within the music industry. As Bridgers’ album release approaches, fans and critics alike will be dissecting the lyrics for further insights into the singer’s experiences and reflections.