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In the years since Lady Gaga staked her claim as one of the most eccentric pop stars in the history of modern music, she’s gone on to wear many hats.

Lady Gaga: 2016 Costume Institute Gala
(Getty Images)

These days, Gaga is an activist, a fashion icon, and a Golden Globe-winning actress, but yesterday, she returned to doing what she does best, releasing her first original single in almost three years.

Yes, it’s hard to believe it’s been that long, but Gaga took a break from songwriting to focus on other aspects of her career following the release of 2013’s Artpop.

She’s been just as active and visible as ever, releasing an album of duets with Tony Bennett, and wowing audiences with her performance on American Horror Story, but "Perfect Illusion" marks Gaga’s return to the sort of dangerous-sounding, genre-blending pop that first made her famous.

The reactions from fans have been overwhelmingly positive (the Little Monsters remain a loyal lot), and there’s been a good deal of speculation about the meaning of the lyrics.

Perhaps that’s not surprising given the events of Gaga’s personal life in recent months.

Back in July, Gaga broke up with Taylor Kinney after nearly five years of dating.

The couple ended their engagement on amicable terms, but when Gaga howls, "It wasn’t love, it was a perfect illusion" on her new track, it’s not hard to see how fans might think she’s expressing her angst over her shattered relationship.

As with all works of artistic expression, the song is probably partially based on the events of the artist’s life, but thus far, Gaga has kept mum about the extent to which the song is inspired by Kinney.

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In fact, she’s been uncharacteristically quiet about the breakup altogether:

“Taylor and I have always believed we are soulmates,” Gaga said in an official statement released shortly after she and Kinney split.

“Just like all couples we have ups and downs, and we have been taking a break.

"We are both ambitious artists, hoping to work through long-distance and complicated schedules to continue the simple love we have always shared. Please root us on.”

Of course, just because the couple parted civilly, that doesn’t mean there are no hurt feelings.

We may never know for certain if "Perfect Illusion" is truly based on Gaga’s breakup with Kinney.

We just know that Gaga is back in the business of making original music, and that’s enough for now.