When Taylor Swift released Midnights in 2022, one of the most buzzworthy lines from the album came from the second verse of the lead single, “Anti-Hero.” The lyric, “Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby, and I’m a monster on the hill,” sparked widespread speculation. Two years later, actress Cristin Milioti addressed whether her character from 30 Rock could have been the inspiration behind the peculiar phrase.
The 30 Rock Connection: ‘Sexy Baby’ Lyric Speculation
Many fans theorized that Swift might have been referencing Milioti’s 30 Rock character, Abby Flynn, in the controversial “sexy baby” line. In the show, Tina Fey’s character, Liz Lemon, critiques Flynn for adopting a “sexy baby” persona to attract male attention. Flynn’s character, however, later reveals a deeper and more complex backstory beyond her initial appearance.
During a recent interview with SiriusXM, Milioti was asked about this theory. “When that album dropped, my phone blew up with people asking about that,” she explained. “In my wildest dreams, it would be such a compliment. I would love for that to be true.”
Milioti’s Response: Inspiration Still a Mystery
Although Milioti found the idea flattering, she couldn’t confirm if her 30 Rock character was the true source of Swift’s “sexy baby” lyric. “I have no confirmation if it is,” Milioti admitted.
While the origins of the term remain unclear, “Anti-Hero” in general dives deep into Swift’s personal insecurities and struggles. In an October 2022 Instagram video, Swift explained, “Track three, ‘Anti-Hero,’ is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I struggle with the idea that my life has become unmanageably sized.”
The Success of “Anti-Hero”
Despite the mystery surrounding the lyric, “Anti-Hero” became one of Swift’s biggest hits. The song spent eight weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as the longest-running No. 1 of Swift’s career. The music video, directed by Swift herself, also won Video of the Year at the 2023 VMAs.
While the “sexy baby” reference may never be fully explained, its impact on pop culture and Swift’s
