taylor swift quotes for essays

12 Best Taylor Swift Quotes from Lyrics of Her Songs

Taylor Swift is a world-famous performer and a masterclass wordsmith who has had a generational impact on songwriting during her career.

2023 was the year of Swift, setting industry records with The Eras Tour, re-releasing two albums as a part of her "Taylor's Version" re-recording project, and her concert film grossing $261.7 million worldwide.

Heading into 2024 and the upcoming release of Swift's new album, The Tortured Poets Departmen t, here is a look at some of her best lyrics from a range of eras.

12 Best Taylor Swift Quotes from Her Songs

Anti-hero - "it's me, hi. i'm the problem, it's me.".

Before launching her worldwide Eras Tour, Swift released Midnights on October 21, 2022, along with the music video for the soon-to-be hit song "Anti-Hero."

The video was littered with Easter Eggs and references to her past (and possibly future) albums, while also premiering her new album's new tone. 

This specific quote is one of the album's most catchy and self-deprecating lyrics. The self-awareness shown by Swift was fun for fans to see, while still always sticking by her side even if she's the problem, it's her.

All Too Well - "And you call me up again just to break me like a promise. So casually cruel in the name of being honest."

A song that only got better with time, especially thanks to the introduction of the 10-minute Taylor's Version, "All Too Well" is a stand-out in Swift's discography.

Telling a beautiful story following a blossoming, intimate romance, followed by deceit and heartbreak, this quote perfectly encapsulates her emotion.

Beyond the use of the simile "break me like a promise" and alliteration "casually cruel," Swift's performance of elevating her voice during the first line and lowering it during the second gives off the feeling of anger, then coldness of being broken up with.

Cruel Summer - "I snuck in through the garden gate, every night that summer just to seal my fate."

A year ago, there would have been a spoiler warning, however, now everyone knows Swift's first era on her tour is Lover .

"Cruel Summer" is a song that only amps up the energy and gets the crowd bumping to start the over three-hour journey. 

As there are so many incredible lyrics from this song, this particular quote relays the sense of mischief and uncontrollably falling for someone no matter the end result.

Call It What You Want - "My castle crumbled overnight. I brought a knife to a gunfight. They took the crown but it’s alright.”

The first three lines of "Call It What You Want" tell so much about what was happening in Swift's personal life leading up to the release of Reputation .

In 2016, Swift faced intense tabloid scrutiny due to her relationships with Calvin Harris and Tom Hiddleston, as well as a feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. 

Amidst this turmoil, she withdrew from public life and faced criticism for her silence on the 2016 presidential election, but found hope and gained confidence in her relationship with Joe Alwyn, "They took the crown but it’s alright."

Our Song - "Our song is the slamming screen door, sneakin' out late, tapping on your window."

A lyric of Swift's that everyone knows, from "Our Song" off her debut album, this quote perfectly personifies the relationship presented in the song.

Back in her country music era, this story about young love is a great addition to her first album and this quote in particular is just the beginning of a roller coaster of relationships and songwriting over the next 18 years.

Mine - "You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter. You are the best thing that's ever been mine."

Dissecting the nuance of "You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter" is something Swifties have been doing since 2010.

Being happy to have changed for someone or something is a rare feeling. In this case, Swift portrays what it is like to fall in love, even if it means breaking out of their comfort zone in such a special way during her third album.

Lover - "With every guitar string scar on my hand, I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover."

Given that this is the song bearing the album's namesake, it is only right that it features the quote that perfectly encapsulates the story of Lover .

Swift declaring her love while referencing a past of heartbreak (and songs played on her guitar about said heartbreak) is truly satisfying for longtime fans and makes Lover stand out as arguably her happiest album.

You Belong With Me - "But she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts, she's cheer captain, and I'm on the bleachers."

There is no way to read this lyric and not continue singing the song. 

For many casual fans of Swift, this may be the song most recognizable, and part of that is the comparison made between herself and the popular girls in high school. "You Belong With Me" is an all-time girl-next-door story that boys and girls alike can continue to belt out for generations to come.

Side note: Taylor Swift sits in a luxury booth, not on the bleachers at Kansas City Chiefs games.

Fearless - "In this passenger seat, you put your eyes on me. In this moment now, capture it, remember it."

During a song about bravery and the power of confidence through love with a partner, this lyric is a warning to enjoy this moment while it lasts.

That sense of gratitude in the present, with tomorrow not being promised, is powerful in Swift's second album Fearless . It's also within an upbeat, joyful song that kicks off this era on her worldwide tour.

Cardigan - "You drew stars around my scars, but now I’m bleeding."

"Cardigan" is one of Swift's best songs on Folklore , with a melancholy tone about first love, and first heartbreak. However, the interpretation of Swift's lyrics can vary greatly depending on personal experiences and perspectives. 

For example, someone might relate the song "August" to their own situation of unrequited love rather than the narrative presented in the song, while another might view "Cardigan" as symbolizing a relationship where someone made the other feel good despite past scars, only to end up causing further pain.

Blank Space - "I can make the bad guys good for a weekend."

One of Swift's most fun songs to sing and dance to, "Black Space" is upbeat and fierce. This lyric encapsulates themes of love's transformative power and how fleeting romance can be. 

This quote emphasizes the thrill of pursuing love despite its uncertainties, adding depth to the song's exploration of passion, recklessness, and the consequences of intense relationships. 

Back to December - "It turns out freedom ain't nothin' but missing you."

A heartfelt song about regret, "Back to December" is one of Speak Now 's most beautifully written and somber songs.

Looking back on a previous relationship, many listeners will be able to relate to that desire for "freedom" but then quickly regret the decision to split apart.

One of the most unique aspects of this song is that it's about Taylor Lautner, and when Swift released her new version of the album back in July 2023, he was brought out on-stage for her tour and premiered in a new music video to her vaulted song "I Can See You".

It turns out freedom ain't nothin' but remaining friends 13 years later.

Read More about Taylor Swift below:

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Taylor Swift Quotes

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People are going to judge you anyway, so you might as well do what you want.

You are the only one who gets to decide what you will be remembered for.

Believe in everything you do. Believe in your mistakes and grow from them.

Happiness and confidence are the prettiest things you can wear

There is nothing wrong with avoiding people who hurt you.

If somebody hurts you, it's okay to cry a river, just remember to build a bridge and get over it.

No matter how bad your day is, just be grateful this day is added to your life.

If you're lucky enough to be different, never change.

No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.

Maybe you're not meant to fit in. maybe you're supposed to stand out.

My ultimate goal is to end up being happy. Most of the time.

I never give advice unless someone asks me for it. One thing I've learned, and possibly the only advice I have to give, is to not be that person giving out unsolicited advice based on your own personal experience.

Never forget the essence of your spark!

Love is one of those things that should be so simple. You don't need to think about it and over analyze it when it's good.

Words can break someone into a million pieces, but they can also put them back together

I know my flaws before other people point them out to me.

Actually, I think you have to know that whatever advice you give, they may not take it. The priority should be on keeping the friendship rather than giving the best advice. Your best advice is usually, 'Walk away from him! Tell him you never want to see him again!' But if you are dealing with someone still in love, nothing you say can change their feelings. All you can do is be there for them and pick them up every time they get hurt. Until, that is, they are ready to move on for themselves.

Never believe anyone who tells you that you don't deserve what you want.

We don't need to share the same opinions as others, but we need to be respectful.

Happiness isn't a constant. You get fleeting glimpses. You have to fight for those moments, but they make it all worth it.

You've got every right to a beautiful life

At a certain point, if you chase two rabbits, you lose them both.

Be yourself and the right people will love you.

The longer you're with the wrong person, you could be completely overlooking the chance to meet the right person.

You are just too young to believe that everything is not going to be okay.

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• Born: December 13, 1989
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The 50 Best Taylor Swift Quotes

by Jacob Uitti December 15, 2022, 10:34 am

Taylor Swift is a brilliant, artist, performer, writer, businesswoman, and much more.

Videos by American Songwriter

She’s earned billions and billions of song streams, and accolades and has been at the top of pop culture for about a decade with no signs of stopping.

Her tour presale crashed Ticketmaster, her new album and lead single, “Anti-Hero,” smashed records and she has decades more ahead of her, if she so chooses. Yes, we all know Swift.

But part of her brilliance is that though we know of her, we don’t know her all that well as a person. That’s what we wanted to dive into here today. Here, we want to look at the 60 best Taylor Swift quotes—the content outside of her songs and music videos, that which she says and stands behind as an individual.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into what the 33-year-old Pennsylvania-born Swift has to say.

1. “I’m the type of person, I have to study to get an A on the test.”

2. “I’d like to think you don’t stop being creative once you get happy. My ultimate goal is to end up being happy. Most of the time.”

3. “I think songwriting is the ultimate form of being able to make anything that happens in your life productive.”

4. “Even if you’re happy with the life you’ve chosen, you’re still curious about the other options.”

5. “My parents taught me never to judge others based on whom they love, what color their skin is, or their religion.”

6. “Nashville is my home, and the reason why I get to do what I love.”

7. “When you’re singing you can hear the echo of people in the audience singing every single word with you, and that was that big dream that I had for myself. It’s happening.”

8. “I think who you are in school really sticks with you. I don’t ever feel like the cool kid at the party, ever. It’s like, ‘Smile and be nice to everybody, because you were not invited to be here.'”

9. “Factoring in millions of people when I’m writing a song is not a good idea. I don’t ever do it.”

10. “I think the first thing you should know is that nobody in country music ‘made it’ the same way. It’s all different. There’s no blueprint for success, and sometimes you just have to work at it.”

11. “When I get on a roll with something, it’s really hard for me to put it down unfinished.”

12. “If I’m gonna write songs about my exes, they can write songs about me. That’s how it works.”

13. “It’s pretty intense writing about my own life, my own struggles.”

14. “I think that you can love people without it being the great love.”

15. “Getting a great idea with song writing is a lot like love. You don’t know why this one is different, but it is. You don’t know why this one is better, but it is. It sticks in your head, and you can’t stop thinking about it.”

16. “You can be obsessed with the bad things people say and the good things; either way, you’re obsessed with yourself, and I’m not—you can become unhinged so easily.”

17. “Anything you put your mind to and add your imagination into can make your life a lot better and a lot more fun.”

18. “I think, as far as branching out with acting, it would take something really right on the mark to distract me from music, because music is everything to me.”

19. “I have so many indie bands on my iPod. What I don’t really understand is the attitude that if a band is unknown, they’re good, and if they get fans, then you move on to the next band.”

20. “Part of me feels you can’t say you were truly in love if it didn’t last. If I end up getting married and having kids, that’s when I’ll know it’s real—because it lasted.”

21. “I put out one album one week, and I’m already worried about the next one. I feel a lot of emotion throughout the course of a day. But not to the point where you need to be worried about me.”

22. “Most of my songs have names of people I’ve met or are dear to me. There are people who have privacy issues and about people knowing about their private life. But for me, I like to include few special names and few details about them to make the song very special to me.”

23. “When I’m 40 and nobody wants to see me in a sparkly dress anymore, I’ll be like: ‘Cool, I’ll just go in the studio and write songs for kids.'”

24. “I think I first realized I wanted to be in country music and be an artist when I was 10. And I started dragging my parents to festivals, and fairs, and karaoke contests, and I did that for about a year before I came to Nashville for the first time. I was 11 and I had this demo CD of me singing Dixie Chicks and Leanne Rimes songs.”

25. “I remember auditioning for record labels and having them tell me, ‘Well, the country-radio demographic is the thirty-five-year-old female housewife. Give us a song that relates to the thirty-five-year-old female, and we’ll talk.'”

26. “There’s so much about Dolly Parton that every female artist should look to, whether it’s reading her quotes or reading her interviews or going to one of her live shows. She’s been such an amazing example to every female songwriter out there.”

27. “Every single one of us has a few months here or there that feel like dark months.”

28. “It’s kind of exhilarating, walking through a crazy, insane mob. The most miraculous process is watching a song go from a tiny idea in the middle of the night to something that 55,000 people are singing back to you.”

29. “My experience with songwriting is usually so confessional, it’s so drawn from my own life and my own stories.”

30. “All of my walls are covered with framed pictures of my friends.”

31. “I have this fear of falling in front of large groups of people. That’s why I tend not to wear heels.”

32. “I base a lot of decisions on my gut, and going with an independent label was a good one.”

33. “When I go to a restaurant, yeah, I know that a line is probably going to form in front of the table, but didn’t I always wish for that? Yeah, I did.”

34. “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

35. “I love it when people say things to me in public and want to meet me, because I want to meet them! Early on, my manager told me, ‘If you want to sell 500,000 records, then go out there and meet 500,000 people.'”

36. “You get to a point where it’s like you can’t really do anything right, and people will pick on you for whatever decisions you make, so I just try and take no notice and get on with my music.”

37. “When I listen to a song, I don’t say, ‘Oh my gosh, that vocal line she sang was the best thing I ever heard.’ I’m thinking, ‘That lyric just moves me. That lyric just said what I feel better than I could say it myself.'”

38. “I’m a songwriter. Everything affects me.”

39. “When I was a teenager, my biggest lessons came from Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley. I learned so much from opening up for those artists, and it also taught me how to treat your opening acts and make them feel like they’re part of a family, not just a tour.”

40. “As your career grows, the list of things that makes you happy should not become smaller, it should become bigger.”

41. “One of my big goals as a human being is to continue to write what’s really happening to me, even if it’s a tough pill to swallow for people around me… I do fear that if I ever were to have someone in my life who mattered, I would second-guess every one of my lyrics.”

42. “I think I have a big fear of things spiraling out of control. Out of control and dangerous and reckless and thoughtless scares me, because people get hurt.”

43. “When I’m in management meetings when we’re deciding my future, those decisions are left up to me. I’m the one who has to go out and fulfill all these obligations, so I should be able to choose which ones I do or not. That’s the part of my life where I feel most in control.”

44. “I try to read as much as I can. I try to read an informative article every day. I try to stay read up on our world issues.”

45. “I don’t know how to have a normal relationship because I try to act normal and love from a normal place and live a normal life, but there is sort of an abnormal magnifying glass, like telescope lens, on everything that happens.”

46. “I think the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.”

47. “My audience has really become a very diverse group of people. It’s not just 15-year-old girls. That’s kind of what allows me to write from all the different places I want to write from.”

48. “There’s a lot of pressure putting an album out all over the world and hoping people everywhere like it.”

49. “One element of Madonna’s career that really takes center stage is how many times she’s reinvented herself. It’s easier to stay in one look, one comfort zone, one musical style. It’s inspiring to see someone whose only predictable quality is being unpredictable.”

50. “When we’re falling in love or out of it, that’s when we most need a song that says how we feel. Yeah, I write a lot of songs about boys. And I’m very happy to do that.”

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50+ Taylor Swift Quotes from Songs on Love, Friendship & More

Updated on: September 25, 2023 by Louise Myers 3 Comments

Love Taylor Swift quotes?

Looking for the perfect words to write in senior yearbooks?

Taylor Swift lyrics are great for that and more!

Here you’ll find quotes from Taylor Swift songs, as well as words from the songstress herself.

I’ve grouped them by quotes about love, friendship, life and more. Plus lyrics that are ideal for senior yearbook – though all could work, depending on whose yearbook!

So read them all, because they’re all awesome.

Let’s go.

The adorable drawings are © PositivelyPresent and used with permission as a Patreon supporter. Follow Dani on Instagram, and pin these images to Pinterest (with a link back to this page) but don’t download the images.

Taylor Swift quotes about Love

Love you to the Moon and to Saturn. ~Taylor Swift, Seven

All’s well that ends well to end up with you. ~Taylor Swift, Lover

He says he’s so in love He’s finally got it right. I wonder if he knows He’s all I think about at night. ~Taylor Swift Teardrops on My Guitar

I wanna be your end game. I wanna be your first string. I wanna be your A-Team. ~Taylor Swift, End Game

You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess. It’s a love story baby just say ‘yes.’ ~Taylor Swift, Love Story

And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends. ~Taylor Swift, Cornelia Street

There’ll be happiness after you, But there was happiness because of you. Both of these things can be true. ~Taylor Swift, Happiness

We should love, not fall in love, because everything that falls, gets broken. ~Taylor Swift

Don’t worry. You may think you’ll never get over it. But you also thought it would last forever. ~Taylor Swift

To truly love is to have the courage to walk away and let the other person who wishes to be free go no matter how much it hurts. ~Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift quotes about Friendship

Here’s a toast to my real friends. ~Taylor Swift, This is why we can’t have nice things

We don’t need to share the same opinions as others, but we need to be respectful. ~Taylor Swift

Everything will be alright if you keep me next to you. ~Taylor Swift, 22

The devil’s in the details, but you got a friend in me. ~Taylor Swift, Peace

I love making new friends and I respect people for a lot of different reasons. ~Taylor Swift

All the king’s horses, all the king’s men couldn’t put me together again, ’cause all of my enemies started out friends. ~Taylor Swift

You might also like these funny friendship quotes .

Taylor Swift quotes about Life

And all at once, you are the one I have been waiting for. ~Taylor Swift, King Of My Heart

I lived, and I learned, had you, got burned. ~Taylor Swift, You All Over Me

People haven’t always been there for me but music always has. ~Taylor Swift

There are two ways you can go with pain: You can let it destroy you or you can use it as fuel to drive you… ~Taylor Swift

Giving up doesn’t always mean you’re weak. Sometimes you’re just strong enough to let go. ~Taylor Swift

To me, Fearless is not the absence of fear. It’s not being completely unafraid. To me, Fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death. ~Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift quotes for Senior Yearbook

But she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts, She’s cheer captain And I’m on the bleachers. ~Taylor Swift, You Belong With Me

I’m still a believer But I don’t know why, I’ve never been a natural, All I do is try, try, try. ~Taylor Swift, Mirrorball

I come back stronger than a ’90s trend. ~Taylor Swift, Willow

They whisper in the hallway, She’s a bad, bad girl. ~Taylor Swift, Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince

I got wasted like all my potential. ~Taylor Swift, This Is Me Trying

Motivational Taylor Swift quotes

This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change. ~Taylor Swift

I think the tiniest little thing can change the course of your day, which can change the course of your year, which can change who you are. ~Taylor Swift

Just be yourself, there is no one better. ~Taylor Swift

Your nemeses will defeat themselves before you get the chance to swing. ~Taylor Swift, Long Story Short

Be yourself, chase your dreams, and just never say never. That’s the best advice I could ever give someone. ~Taylor Swift

Funny Taylor Swift quotes

You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes. ~Taylor Swift, Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince

Every time you call me crazy, I get more crazy. ~Taylor Swift, Mad Women

Band Aids don’t fix bullet holes. ~Taylor Swift, Bad Blood

Deepest Taylor Swift quotes

It’s two A.M. Feelin’ like I just lost a friend. Hope you know it’s not easy, easy for me. ~Taylor Swift, Breathe

Without all the exes, fights, and flaws We wouldn’t be standing here so tall. ~Taylor Swift, Paper Rings

The rest of the world was black and white but we were in screaming colour. ~Taylor Swift, Out Of The Woods

It takes everything in me just to get up each day, But it’s wonderful to see that you’re okay. ~Taylor Swift, Mr. Perfectly Fine

You’re all I want but it’s not enough this time. ~Taylor Swift, Bye Bye Baby

Said I’m fine, but it wasn’t true, I don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you. ~Taylor Swift, Cruel Summer

It isn’t love, it isn’t hate, it’s just indifference. ~Taylor Swift, I Forgot That You Existed

Back when I was livin’ for the hope of it all. ~Taylor Swift, August

No amount of freedom gets you clean. I’ve still got you all over me. ~Taylor Swift, You All Over Me

Please don’t ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere ~Taylor Swift, New Year’s Day

You can plan for a change in the weather and time, but I never planned on you changing your mind. ~Taylor Swift, Last Kiss

Badass Taylor Swift quotes

He better lock it down or I won’t stick around ’cause good ones never wait. ~Taylor Swift, I Think He Knows

I promise that you’ll never find another like me. ~Taylor Swift, ME!

What doesn’t kill me makes me want you more. ~Taylor Swift, Cruel Summer

I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me. ~Taylor Swift, New Romantics

Cause if I was a man, then I’d be The Man. ~Taylor Swift, The Man

I hope you loved these Taylor Swift quotes and lyrics! Tell me your favorite in a comment.

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Louise Myers is a graphic design expert whose designs have been featured by Disney, Macy's, WalMart and more. Her straightforward writing style empowers small business owners to make their own graphics for social media success!

Teaghan says

December 13, 2023 at 5:13 PM

I love them so much thank you

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50 Taylor Swift Quotes to Inspire Confidence & Bravery

Everyone with a dream or a goal in life can learn from these top 50 Taylor Swift quotes.

Taylor Swift is a definitive artist of the 21st century who will forever be remembered as someone who broke boundaries and acted on her inspiration. Ever since her hit, Tim McGraw, was released, she has produced countless singles and albums that never fail to touch her fans’ hearts.

At her young age, she has already won 11 Grammys! That’s a feat that even many veteran artists have yet to accomplish. 

It’s hard to zoom in on just one lesson we can learn from Taylor Swift. But, no doubt, being fearless, believing in oneself, and rising above challenges are some of them. Whether you’re a Swiftie or not, we’re sure you’ll leave with some very valuable insights after reading through our list!

Continue to the complete collection below.

And don’t forget to check out these Selena Gomez quotes .

Best Taylor Swift Quotes

1. “You only get so many firsts; each one is a blessing.”

2. “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

3. “Beauty is sincerity. There are so many different ways someone can be beautiful.”

4. “Apologizing when you have hurt someone who really matters to you takes nothing away from you.”

5. “Words can break someone into a million pieces, but they can also put them back together. I hope you use yours for good because the only words you’ll regret more than the ones left unsaid are the ones you use to intentionally hurt someone.”

6. “People haven’t always been there for me, but music always has.”

7. “Giving up doesn’t always mean you are weak sometimes; you’re just strong enough to let go.”

8. “You are the only one who gets to decide what you will be remembered for.”

9. “Every day, I try to remind myself of the good in the world, the love I’ve witnessed, and the faith I have in humanity. We have to live bravely in order to truly feel alive, and that means not being ruled by our greatest fears.”

10. “There might be times when you put your whole heart and soul into something, and it is met with cynicism or skepticism, but you can’t let that crush you. You have to let that fuel you because we live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything that they want about you at any time, but just please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong.”

Famous Taylor Swift Quotes

11. “People are going to judge you anyway, so you might as well do what you want.”

12. “Never believe anyone who says you don’t deserve what you want.”

13. “This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”

14. “I’ve always been a hugger. If we all hugged more, the world would be a better place.”

15. “Unique and different is the new generation of beautiful. You don’t have to be like everyone else.”

Also read: Famous Quotes , Positive Quotes

Taylor Swift Quotes to Inspire Girls Worldwide

16. “Be yourself, chase your dreams, and just never say never. That’s the best advice I could ever give someone.”

17. “There are two ways you can get through pain. You can let it destroy you, or you can use it as fuel to drive you to dream bigger.”

18. “Knowing who you are and being independent and strong will be attractive to the right guy.”

19. “If you’re being met with resistance, that probably means doing something new. If you’re experiencing turbulence or pressure, that probably means you’re rising.”

20. “Grow a backbone, trust your gut, and know when to strike back. Be like a snake—only bite if someone steps on you.”

21. “To me, fearless is not the absence of fear. It’s not being completely unafraid. To me, fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death.”

22. “Never compare yourself to the beautiful girls. There’s always someone gorgeous who will make you feel like you’re not.”

23. “You can walk away and say, ‘We don’t need this.’ But something in your eyes says, ‘We can beat this.’”

24. “Being fearless isn’t being 100% not fearful; it’s being terrified, but you jump anyway.”

Also read: Encouraging Quotes , Strong Women Quotes

Wise Taylor Swift Quotes to Learn About Life

25. “Life is a ruthless game unless you play it good and play it right.”

26. “Life is like walking; you take one step at a time.”

27. “Life isn’t how to survive the storm; it’s about how to dance in the rain.”

28. “The lesson I’ve learned the most often in life is that you’re always going to know more in the future than you know now.”

29. “Real life is a funny thing, you know. In real life, saying the right thing at the right moment is beyond crucial. So crucial, in fact, that most of us start to hesitate for fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.”

30. “I think there is a lesson in knowing that you can live your life in a way that you’re proud of and people are still gonna take shots.”

Also read: Justin Bieber Quotes

Short Taylor Swift Quotes That’ll Empower You

31. “Just be yourself; there is no one better.”

32. “I’m intimidated by the fear of being average.”

33. “Today is never too late to be brand new.”

34. “Never forget the essence of your spark!”

35. “If you’re lucky enough to be different, never change.”

36. “Happiness and confidence are the prettiest things you can wear.”

37. “You are not the opinion of someone who doesn’t know you.”

38. “My ultimate goal is to end up being happy. Most of the time.”

Also read: Jhene Aiko Quotes

Taylor Swift Quotes That Will Make You Think About Love

39. “Love is unpredictable, and it’s frustrating, and it’s tragic, and it’s beautiful. And even though there’s no way to feel like I’m an expert at it, it’s worth writing songs about—more than anything else I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

40. “I write songs about my adventures and misadventures, most of which concern love. Love is a tricky business. But if it weren’t, I wouldn’t be so enthralled with it.”

41. “I love you like I love sparkles and having the last word. And that’s real love.”

42. “We should love, not fall in love because everything that falls breaks.”

43. “I’ve learned that you can’t predict love or plan for it. For someone like me who is obsessed with organization and planning, I love the idea that love is the one exception to that. Love is the one wild card.”

44. “Your feelings are so important to write down, to capture, and to remember because today you’re heartbroken, but tomorrow you’ll be in love again.”

45. “I write a lot of songs about love, and I think that’s because, to me, love seems like this huge complicated thing. But it seems like every once in a while, two people get it figured out, and two people get it right. And so I think the rest of us, we walk around daydreaming about what that might be like. To find that one great love, where all of a sudden everything that seemed to be so complicated became simple. And everything that used to seem so wrong all of a sudden seemed right because you were with the person who made you feel fearless.”

46. “When I was a little girl, I used to read fairy tales. In fairy tales, you meet Prince Charming, and he’s everything you ever wanted. In fairy tales, the bad guy is very easy to spot. The bad guy is always wearing a black cape, so you always know who he is. Then you grow up, and you realize that Prince Charming is not as easy to find as you thought. You realize the bad guy is not wearing a black cape, and he’s not easy to spot; he’s really funny, and he makes you laugh, and he has perfect hair.”

Also read: Billie Eilish Quotes , Jennifer Lopez Quotes

Other Taylor Swift Quotes for All the Swifties Out There

47. “Everybody has that point in their life where you hit a crossroads, and you’ve had a bunch of bad days, and there are different ways you can deal with it, and the way I dealt with it was I just turned completely to music.”

48. “We don’t need to share the same opinions as others, but we need to be respectful.”

49. “Spending a lot of time alone gave me a lot of time to think—a lot of time to think gave me the time to write songs.”

50. “Throughout all of the changes that have happened in my life, one of the priorities I’ve had is to never change the way I write songs and the reasons I write songs. I write songs to help me understand life a little more. I write songs to get past things that cause me pain. And I write songs because sometimes life makes more sense to me when it’s being sung in a chorus and when I can write it in a verse.”

Which of Taylor Swift’s Quotes or Songs Changed Your Life?

Making a mark in the music industry and being successful is challenging in itself. But, doing that while remaining humble, true to yourself, and grounded is a whole new ballgame. Taylor Swift, one of the most famous artists today, did just that.

She was previously a small-town girl with big dreams. It took more than just sheer talent to get to the top; she had to work harder than ever and push through, no matter how tough it got. Taylor Swift’s efforts paid off, and she’s now one of the most awarded artists of all time.

Today, through her words and her music, she continues to inspire other aspiring artists and little girls worldwide to fight for their dreams. Be fearless when facing roadblocks and know that contentment, happiness, and success lie on the other side.

We also learn that no one else can help you get closer to your goals other than yourself through her. Believe in yourself and recognize the talent and power you have within you.

Taylor Swift is at the pinnacle of her success, but she remains grounded and humble—always open to sharing her journey with others in hopes that people will succeed like her. More than this, she is open to criticism; she even used them as a source of inspiration for her songs!

There’s a lot more to her than meets the eye. So, the next time you listen to any of Taylor Swift’s songs, remember the lessons you’ve learned from today’s list. Maybe you can add to them when you reread our collection!

Are you a Swiftie? Which of Taylor Swift’s songs or quotes are your favorites? Comment below.

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Karen Danao

Hi, I’m Karen , a content curator and writer for Quote Ambition; I’m also a marketing and advertising professional. Beyond the keyboard and the screen, I’m someone who’s out to enjoy every bit that life has to offer!

Poetry, philosophy, history, and movies are all topics I love writing about! However, my true passion is in traveling, photography, and finding common ground to which everyone from different cultures can relate.

With the many places I’ve been to, I found that love, inspiration, and happiness are some things that bring people together. No matter how different we are on the outside, I’m a true believer that our emotions don’t lie; if you dig deep into our psyche, we’re all the same inside.

This belief was further amplified when I joined Quote Ambition. Through the quotes I’ve read, collected, organized, and written about, I found that humans are resilient, creative, and compassionate.

We take from each others’ hearts and courage, and it’s through our individual experiences that we learn how to rise above our challenges and pain. In so many ways, Quote Ambition is a platform that allows people from all over the world to gain the inspiration they need anytime, anywhere!

You can find me on MuckRack and LinkedIn .

30 Best Taylor Swift Quotes With Image

1. Taylor Swift is related to Marjorie Merriweather Post, a famous American businesswoman and the founder of General Foods Corporation. Post, who passed away in 1973, was Taylor's great-great-grandmother.

2. Swift was named after James Taylor, a well-known American singer-songwriter. Her parents admired Taylor's music, leading them to name their daughter Taylor.

3. Before becoming a massive pop star, Swift grew up on a Christmas tree farm. She lived there with her family until she was 14 years old.

4. Taylor Swift has a black belt in karate. She started training in martial arts at a young age and eventually earned her black belt when she was 12.

5. Swift is an avid philanthropist. She has donated large sums of money to various charitable causes, including education initiatives and disaster relief efforts. In 2020, she gave $1 million to Tennessean tornado relief efforts and another $1 million to COVID-19 relief.

Introduction

5 facts about taylor swift, 30 best taylor swift quotes, related quotes.

Artist Quotes

27 of the most inspiring taylor swift quotes.

Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter. She’s currently one of the most popular female recording artists, and is known for songs which detail her personal life.

We’ve put together this collection of the best Taylor Swift quotes for you to check out!

Before you do, take a look at some of our other music artist quote collections:

• Eminem Quotes
• Ed Sheeran Quotes
• Madonna Quotes
• Nicki Minaj Quotes

Table of Contents

27 Taylor Swift Quotes

1. “Anytime somebody tells me I can’t do something, I want to do it more.” – Taylor Swift

2. “You are not the opinion of someone who doesn’t know you.” – Taylor Swift

3. “People are software running on hardware, both built for lives we no longer live.” – Taylor Swift

4. “Now more than ever, we need to be good and kind to each other. And not judge each other – and just because you have the same taste in men, we don’t hold that against each other.” – Taylor Swift

5. “Just be yourself. There is no one better.” – Taylor Swift

6. “One thing I’ve learnt is not to change who you are, because eventually you’re going to run out of new things to become.” – Taylor Swift

7. “At some point, you grow out of being attracted to that flame that burns you over and over and over again.” – Taylor Swift

8. “The only words you’ll regret more than the ones you left unsaid, are the ones you use to intentionally hurt someone.” – Taylor Swift

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9. “The thing about life is, every time you learn a lesson, another one is waiting right at the corner. You never know everything.” – Taylor Swift

10. “We should love, not fall in love, because everything that falls gets broken.” – Taylor Swift

11. “Spending a lot of time alone, gave me a lot of time to think. A lot of time to think, gave me the time to write songs.” – Taylor Swift

12. “We don’t need to share the same opinions as others , but we need to be respectful.” – Taylor Swift

13. “I think every girl’s dream is to find a bad boy at the right time, when he wants to not be bad anymore.” – Taylor Swift

14. “It’s so devastating to come to terms with speaking of someone in the past tense, when you used to see them as your present and your future.” – Taylor Swift

15. “So don’t you worry your pretty little mind, because people throw rocks at things that shine.” – Taylor Swift

16. “Knowing who you are and being independent and strong, will be attractive to the right guy.” – Taylor Swift

17. “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” – Taylor Swift

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18. “There’s two ways you can get through pain. You can let it destroy you, or you can use it as fuel to drive you; to dream bigger, work harder.” – Taylor Swift

19. “I think fearless is having fears but jumping anyway.” – Taylor Swift

20. “Here’s what I’ve learned about deal-breakers: If you have enough natural chemistry with someone, you overlook every single thing that you said would break the deal.” – Taylor Swift

21. “Sometimes the person you’d take a bullet for is the person behind the trigger.” – Taylor Swift

22. “People haven’t always been there for me, but music always has.” – Taylor Swift

23. “In life and love, you learn that there comes a time to let go and move on .” – Taylor Swift

24. “Happiness and confidence are the prettiest things you can wear.” – Taylor Swift

25. “As your career grows, the list of things that make you happy should not become smaller, it should become bigger.” – Taylor Swift

26. “I’m very aware and conscious of the path I chose in life, and very aware of the path I didn’t choose.” – Taylor Swift

27. “Even if it ends badly, it’s worth it if it made you feel something, it taught you something.” – Taylor Swift

Thank you for viewing this collection of the best Taylor Swift quotes! Don’t forget to share these with your friends on social media.

Which are your favorite Taylor Swift quotes? Leave a comment below.

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Dan Western is the founder of Wealthy Gorilla . Dan has been running Wealthy Gorilla and studying self-development, personal finance, and investment for the last 7 years. To this day, Wealthy Gorilla has become one of the fastest growing wealth infotainment sites in the world; with over 300 million views worldwide. Dan doesn't use personal social media anymore, so you won't be able to find him on Instagram, or Twitter.

Jan 25, 2017 at 2:49 am

I’ve always been a big fan of taylor. She’s very genuine and truly someone that anyone could look up to. Amazing quotes!

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52 Inspirational J Cole Quotes & Lyrics

Jermaine Cole is an American hip hop artist, who started receiving recognition and fame for his work back in 2007.

Some of his lyrics have been highly regarded as creative yet truthful rhymes, which in a lot of cases means they’re very inspiring to many individuals.

We’ve created this collection of the greatest J Cole quotes & lyrics of all time:

52 Inspirational J Cole Quotes

1. “To appreciate the sun, you gotta know what rain is.” – J Cole

2. “Anything’s possible, you gotta dream like you never seen obstacles.” – J Cole

3. “Take a chance, because you never know how perfect something can turn out.” – J Cole

4. “I’d rather be happy being myself than sad trying to please everyone else.” – J Cole

5. “People congratulate me. I just tell them God is good.” – J Cole

6. “ Keep grinding boy , your life can change in one year, and even when it’s dark out, the sun is shining somewhere.” – J Cole

7. “Damn, cold world. I never thought I’d see the day that you’re my old girl.” – J Cole

8. “You have to hurt in order to know. Fall in order to grow. Lose in order to gain. Because most of life’s lessons are learned in pain.” – J Cole

9. “I swear I walk with God, but the devil keeps following.” – J Cole

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10. “If they don’t know your dreams, they can’t shoot them down.” – J Cole

11. “My life accelerated, but had to wait my turn. But then I redecorated, that means my tables turn.” – J Cole

12. “Am I about dollars or about change? Am I about knowledge or brains? Freedom or big chains? They don’t feel my pain.” – J Cole

13. “Get to know somebody and you really learn a lot about ‘em. Won’t be long before you start to doubt ‘em. Tell yourself you better off without ‘em. Then in time you will find can’t walk without ‘em.” – J Cole

14. “No such thing as a life that’s better than yours, no such thing–no such thing…” – J Cole

15. “In a game full of liars it turns out that I’m the truth. Some say that rap’s alive. It turns out that I’m the proof.” – J Cole

16. “Nothing lasts forever, but at least we’ve got these memories.” – J Cole

17. “Never give up until you’ve given out all your very best. It’s better to fail trying, than wondering what could have happened if you tried.” – J Cole

18. “It’s beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success.” – J Cole

19. “If you place your importance on appreciation and love, that’s enough.” – J Cole

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20. “Sometimes our dreams come true, sometimes our fears do too.” – J Cole

21. “For a few minutes you made me feel as if I actually meant something to someone.” – J Cole

22. “There’s a story behind every person, a reason why they are the way they are. So, think about that before you judge someone.” – J Cole

23. “Anything I do, I do it well.” – J Cole

24. “You can lose all the money, but you’ll never lose people knowing you.” – J Cole

25. “Follow your heart. Don’t follow what you’ve been told you’re supposed to do.” – J Cole

26. “So here we are… it’s funny how so close can seem so far.” – J Cole

27. “We got dreams and we got the right to chase ‘em .” – J Cole

28. “Promise to my momma I’mma make it to the top, so I’mma keep climbing ‘til my heartbeat drop.” – J Cole

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29. “Either you play the game or you let the game play you.” – J Cole

30. “I’mma be here for a while. None of these clowns can hurt me.” – J Cole

31. “I put a lot of God in my music, but not because I’m super religious. There are a lot of demons in my music too. I acknowledge both.” – J Cole

32. “They say time is money but really, it’s not. If we ever go broke, time is all we got.” – J Cole

33. “I walk along this long harbor of life and sit on the piers, reflect on my pain and sh*t on my fears.” – J Cole

34. “I keep my head high, I got my wings to carry me. I don’t know freedom, I want my dreams to rescue me.” – J Cole

35. “A little jealousy in a relationship is healthy. It’s always nice to know someone is afraid to lose you.” – J Cole

36. “ Tupac was just so passionate about what he believes in and not afraid to say anything.” – J Cole

37. “The music becomes more pure and soulful when it’s true, and it has to be true these days with the way the internet works, and the way the game works, everyone wants authentic raps.” – J Cole

38. “I met Will Smith twice. I didn’t talk to him for too long but I was trying to let him know that my age group grew up watching him – he was the coolest guy on television and the coolest guy in movies.” – J Cole

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39. “I still wanna rap better than everybody else, and I wanna say important things.” – J Cole

40. “When I was in college my girl got me a job at the doctor’s office she was working at. I was a file clerk. No disrespect but I don’t think a man can do that job. It takes so much meticulous and precise file-keeping.” – J Cole

41. “I want people to follow their dreams, yes… but I’m not interested in telling young black kids how to be rappers… I want to show them that there’s so many other paths you can take, besides a rapper or basketball player.” – J Cole

42. “In this life ain’t no happy endings. Only pure beginnings followed by years of sinning and fake repentance.” – J Cole

43. “People think because I’ve got some success, I’ve made it, but in my eyes it’s like, ‘How long has Jay Z been in the business? How many albums has he got?’ Not that I’m trying to be Jay Z, but I am trying to be around for a long time.” – J Cole

44. “I had a lot of resistance, and not just to fame. I was always conscious of not changing.” – J Cole

45. “You can’t reverse fame. You can lose all the money, but you’ll never lose people knowing you.” – J Cole

46. “College isn’t in everyone’s hearts. I am living proof, though, that school doesn’t mess up your plans. It gives you more experiences to write about.” – J Cole

47. “It’s no coincidence that all the greatest rappers – whoever you put in your top five – I guarantee you they are great storytellers.” – J Cole

48. “When you’re a rapper, just a rapper, you have to kind of settle for whatever comes your way – if a beat is hot, you wanna rap on it, period.” – J Cole

49. “Keep grindin’ boy, your life can change in one year, And even when it’s dark out, the sun is shining somewhere.” – J Cole

50. “Hard to move on when you always regret one.” – J Cole

51. “I’m a super-duper over-analyzer. You mix that with self-doubt and pressure, and that’s never healthy.” – J Cole

52. “Life is a movie, pick your own role, Climb your own ladder or you dig your own hole.” – J Cole

Thanks for checking out this collection of quotes from J Cole! Don’t forget to share them on social media.

Which are your favorite J Cole quotes? Leave a comment below.

30 awesome machine gun kelly (mgk) quotes.

MGK, another insane source of inspiration for hip hop fans;

It wasn’t until last year that I started listing to Machine Gun Kelly’s music, but I’ve become a big fan. Some of his lyrics are incredibly motivational for underdogs in live, the ones who are struggling, and need that little bit of strength to go on.

So I’ve had a look and a listen, and compiled some of the best MGK quotes from his own lyrics. These are some of the most inspirational things he’s said, so take a look and enjoy.

Feel free to share the list using the social buttons above if you know anyone else who is a big MGK fan.

25 Awesome MGK Quotes

1. “Don’t ever look down, be comfortable with who you are, our flaws are what make us perfect.” – MGK

2. “You can’t see my tears in the rain, underneath it all we’re just the same.” – MGK

3. “I owe my life to my own advice, follow your motherf****n’ dreams until those visions come to life.” – MGK

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4. “ Whatever you love could be taken away, so live like it’s your dying day.” – MGK

5. “Toast to the underdog, toast to the team, toast to the fact we this close to the dream.” – MGK

6. “Life is too short to live the same day twice. So each new day make sure you live your life.” – MGK

7. “I’m walking through the fire because there is no way around.” – MGK

8. “I don’t think that a lot of people understand, that the person who’s crazy enough to think he can change the world, actually can.” – MGK

9. “What is love, love is pain. Love is butterflies and stomach aches, love is looking out a windowpane. Tears dripping looking like you’re in the rain, for somebody you don’t even know, but somebody you may never see again.” – MGK

10. “I used to take orders, now I make bets. I used to scrub floors, now I sign checks. And I used to push carts, now I push songs. I used to be there, now I am so gone.” – MGK

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11. “When my times up on this earth and they bury me in that dirt, don’t say that I ain’t milk this life for everything that it’s worth.” – MGK

12. “I came out of a dying city, brought back life. Everything they said I couldn’t do I did about twice.” – MGK

13. “Yeah, and they told me all that glitters ain’t gold . But I really wanna shine right now. And they told me the sky’s the limit so I wonder if I can fly right now. Yeah, so I spread my wings, jumped up, and lived my dreams.” – MGK

14. “And if you ever have a dream, don’t be scared to chase that shit, man. You can have whatever you want in this life. Don’t let anyone tell you different.” – MGK

15. “Heroes are remembered. Legends never die. I ain’t dyin’ any time soon.” – MGK

16. “I used to have someone at 3AM that I could call. Now it just rings and I don’t get nothing at all.” – MGK

17. “Trust is like an eraser. It gets smaller with every mistake.” – MGK

18. “As my world turns, the heart beats, not only in my chest, but the heart of the streets.” – MGK

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19. “I had a dream that the world changed, and for a minute there was no pain.” – MGK

20. “Never make permanent decisions on temporary feelings.” – MGK

21. “I dedicate this to my teachers that never believed in me, and the mother that conceived but ended up leaving me.” – MGK

22. I love you, and you may not see right now. But I’m beggin’ for forgiveness, I’m on my knees right now.” – MGK

23. Question, what if tomorrow never comes and everything you said couldn’t be undone?” – MGK

24. “If you ain’t living your life then you’re dead, and sleep is its cousin so I shot my bed.” – MGK

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25. “Follow in my steps, then you walkin’ a green mile. Trees in my pockets, like my denim’s a greenhouse.” – MGK

26. “I made a dollar out of cents, got a whole nation’s respect before I was 18. And I did that without a check. See, I used to be a lame. Now, I’m posted in the game, in a top spot, tough drop. Money ain’t a thing.” – MGK

27. “People want to be my friend. But where the f*** were y’all when I was ten, eleven or twelve getting bullied and beat up in the gym? I couldn’t never get a girl. Now, all the sudden I’m the man. Students try to get back cool with me again. F*** ’em all!” – MGK

28. “I wanna get that dream and live my life, with no Rihanna , no T.I. I’m just living for today, no tomorrow, no pause, no comma, real shit, no persona. I’m enjoying every pussy like a virgin or Madonna .” – MGK

29. “Hold up, let me put my cool back on. Wouldn’t be here without my team. I put my crew back on. And I’m a rapper but I will not put the jewels back on. My fans love Kells, let me put the fool back on.” – MGK

30. “If you ever thought that you won’t make it, soon as it get hard you just can’t take it- no matter what you going through, keep waiting ’cause you gon’ make it. You gon’ make it.” – MGK

Bonus: MGK Picture Quote

If these quotes weren’t quite the sort of hip-hop quotes you were looking for, then how about checking out quotes from Eminem?

Are there any MGK quotes in this article that stand out to you? Leave a comment below.

22 golden lupe fiasco quotes from his lyrics.

Lupe Fiasco is an American rapper, record producer and entrepreneur;

We put together this collection of Lupe Fiasco quotes solely contained within his lyrics. Some of these quotes are absolutely golden!

Here are 22 of the best Lupe Fiasco quotes:

22 Golden Lupe Fiasco Quotes

1. “If talk is cheap, then my silence is diamonds.” – Lupe Fiasco

2. “Love always shines, that’s how I’ll find you. In case you forgot, I hope this reminds you.” – Lupe Fiasco

3. “We can’t do nothing about the past, but we can do something about the future that we have.” – Lupe Fiasco

4. “I wish I couldn’t feel. I wish I couldn’t love. I wish I could stop loving you so much.” – Lupe Fiasco

5. “You would never know if you could ever be, if you never try, you would never see.” – Lupe Fiasco

6. “I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence. Fear is such a weak emotion, that’s why I despise it.” – Lupe Fiasco

7. “Self-respect first. Sexy second.” – Lupe Fiasco

8. “The truth is limitless in its range. If you drop a ‘T’ and look at it in reverse it could hurt.” – Lupe Fiasco

9th of 22 Lupe Fiasco Quotes

“Life ain’t made to come around twice, that’s why I gotta get it right.” – Lupe Fiasco

10. “Fear is such a weak emotion, that’s why I despise it.” – Lupe Fiasco

11. “I’m just trying to do the opposite of left, as long as there’s the opposite of death, ya know. Yes, ya test and I just might bring the opposite of life, ’till there’s no one the opposite of right.” – Lupe Fiasco

12. “Things are getting out of control, feel like I’m running out of soul. You are getting too heavy to hold, think I’ll be letting you go.” – Lupe Fiasco

13. “ My greatest enemy at one point was myself , and so now once I gt over the fear of myself I don’t fear any man. I never have.” – Lupe Fiasco

14. “That should be the measure of success for everyone. It’s not money, it’s not fame, it’s not celebrity; my index of success is happiness.” – Lupe Fiasco

15. “What starts in clouded minds finished in the rain.” – Lupe Fiasco

16. “But it was good while it lasted, but when it’s dead, put it in a casket.” – Lupe Fiasco

17. “I find it somewhat liberating to jump, to dive into things that are the opposite of me.” – Lupe Fiasco

18th of 22 Lupe Fiasco Quotes

“Never stop doing your best just because someone doesn’t give you credit.” – Lupe Fiasco

19. “People don’t understand that where I come from, everyone is either a convict, been in jail, been in a gang, is a hooligan of some sorts. But those are my brothers, my family and the people I travel with. Those are the people that I roll with.” – Lupe Fiasco

20. “Why kill you when I can just not teach you and get the same results.” – Lupe Fiasco

21. “Holy apartments in the gardens in which the rivers flow. Thank you for all your blessings and all of your miracles.” – Lupe Fiasco

22. “How can land be owned by another man? Warns one can not steal what was given as a gift. Is the sky owned by birds and the river owned by fish?” – Lupe Fiasco

23. “When you start creating opinion, and you start creating difference of opinion, you’re doing something. People are actually sitting down and critiquing. A lot of the stuff people hate, they really don’t. They only look at the outer shell. They don’t really get into it.” – Lupe Fiasco

24. “I do this for the sake of myself. It’s a selfish process. I don’t really have any expectations from anyone for your comments or your reviews or your previews.” – Lupe Fiasco

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25. “I trust people to be human. Sometimes you do things that make amazing amounts of sense; sometimes you do things that don’t make any sense whatsoever.” – Lupe Fiasco

26. “Everybody has their opinion on what’s ‘real,’ and what’s they choose to listen to and their personal preference. Whether they’re 2 years old or 200 years old. And people can listen to whatever they want.” – Lupe Fiasco

27. “You expect certain things. You build up in your mind how it’s supposed to go down. When you get a record deal, you think you’re supposed to get X, Y, and Z. It doesn’t happen like that. You’re like ‘Oh, this isn’t as exciting as I thought it was going to be.'” – Lupe Fiasco

28. “The only person who really impressed me with making new music is Cudi. Everyone else seems to be jumping on the same music, the producer-made stuff, but the one person that’s made new music to me is Cudi.” – Lupe Fiasco

29. “Never apologize for being real… reality is the enemy of fakes, frauds, liars and protectors of ignorance. It scares them.” – Lupe Fiasco

30. “I find it somewhat liberating to jump, to dive into things that are the opposite of me.” – Lupe Fiasco

Thanks for checking out these quotes from Lupe Fiasco!

Which are your favorite Lupe Fiasco quotes? Leave a comment below.

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43 Inspiring Taylor Swift Quotes to Live By

by Richard Nelson

Updated on: January 10, 2023

Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. She is known for narrative songs about her personal life, which have received widespread media coverage. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Swift moved to Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 14 to pursue a career in country music. She signed with the label Big Machine Records and became the youngest artist ever signed by the Sony/ATV Music publishing house. Her 2006 self-titled debut album was the longest-charting album of the 2000s in the US. Its third single, “Our Song”, made her the youngest person to single-handedly write and perform a number-one song on the Hot Country Songs chart.

Swift’s second album, Fearless, was released in 2008. Buoyed by the success of pop crossover singles “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me”, Fearless became the best-selling album of 2009 in the US. The album won four Grammy Awards, with Swift becoming the youngest Album of the Year winner. Swift’s third album, Speak Now, was released in 2010. The album’s opening US sales of over one million were the highest recorded in a decade and made Swift the first female to have two albums sell more than one million copies in their first week. Her fourth album, Red (2012), spawned the successful singles “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “I Knew You Were Trouble”. With her fifth album, the pop-focused 1989 (2014), she became the first act to have three albums sell a million copies within one week in the US. Its singles “Shake It Off”, “Blank Space”, and “Bad Blood” made Swift the first woman to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year twice.

10 Best Taylor Swift Quotes

“My fear of getting hurt has kept me from making some really great friendships, and the same fear has kept me from taking risks in love.”

– Taylor Swift, from ELLE Magazine

“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

– Taylor Swift, from Harper’s Bazaar

“If you’re lucky enough to be different, don’t ever change.”

– Taylor Swift, from Vogue

“We think we know someone, but the truth is that we only know the version of them they have chosen to show us.”

– Taylor Swift, from Rolling Stone

“I’ve learned that sometimes it’s okay to be mad.”

– Taylor Swift, from Glamour

“Sometimes I think I am invincible, but really, I am just really brave.”

– Taylor Swift, from Vanity Fair

“The only thing that’s changed is that I’m aware of my own strength. I’m not going to let someone else take credit for my accomplishments or my fame.”

– Taylor Swift, from People Magazine

“Life is full of ups and downs and I just try to ride the waves and remain calm.”

– Taylor Swift, from Billboard Magazine

“I’ve decided that being happy is a form of rebellion.”

– Taylor Swift, from Cosmopolitan Magazine

“I think the best thing in life is to really like yourself.”

– Taylor Swift, from Teen Vogue

6 Inspirational Taylor Swift Quotes

“The people I look up to are the ones who are survivors. They’re the ones who don’t let anything stop them.”

– Taylor Swift, from ELLE

“I’ve been loving a lot of songs by female artists recently, because it’s such an inspiration to know that the music industry is changing and that female artists can really make a mark and really be taken seriously.”

– Taylor Swift, from Interview Magazine

“I think it’s important to be vulnerable, because by making yourself vulnerable, you make yourself open to love and honesty and growth.”

“I don’t think there’s an option for me to fall back on. The only thing I can do is go forward.”

– Taylor Swift, from The Guardian

“It’s my firm belief that you don’t know what you’re capable of until you push yourself to find out.”

“I think that the bravest thing you can do is be honest with your feelings.”

6 Famous Taylor Swift Quotes

“I think that I’m pretty good at taking criticism and making it into something that I can learn and grow from. And I think that I’m pretty good at taking a hope and a dream and putting it out into the world and seeing what comes back.”

“I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in the last few years, is that life is really unpredictable and it can take you in a thousand different directions you didn’t see coming.”

“I want to be an artist who is honest and thoughtful and cares. I want to make music that helps people through things, not just music that’s there for entertainment.”

– Taylor Swift, from NME

“I think that a lot of people think that they know me because they’ve read a few facts or they’ve heard a few rumors, but my life is an open book to people who actually take the time to listen to my music.”

“Music is my one way to escape from the day and all of the drama that comes with it.”

8 Taylor Swift Quotes About Love

“I think that for me, love has been more of an inspirational kind of thing. If you look at my music, a lot of it is about love, but it’s not all about, ‘Oh, find your true love and you’ll be happy.’ It’s been more of a lesson.”

“I think love is different for everybody. Some people find it in a safe and familiar place, and some people find it in a thrilling and adventurous place.”

– Taylor Swift, from Vogue Magazine

“Love isn’t something that you can put into words. It’s a feeling. It’s a moment. It’s a few hours, a few days, a few weeks. It’s however long it needs to be.”

– Taylor Swift, from Harper’s Bazaar Magazine

“Love is a tricky thing. It can be the most beautiful thing in the world, but it can also be the saddest.”

– Taylor Swift, from Glamour Magazine

“I think the danger of love is that it can cause you to act in ways that you don’t recognize yourself.”

“Love is a feeling that can be so simple and so complicated at the same time.”

“I think for me, the most important thing about love is the support system. You have to have somebody that you can lean on when you don’t feel like you can stand on your own.”

“Love is not just a feeling, it’s a choice.”

5 Taylor Swift Quotes About Life

“I think when something feels right, it usually is right. And when something feels wrong, it’s usually wrong.”

– Taylor Swift, from Billboard

“My goal in life is to be happy.”

“I’ve learned a lot about how I should be treated, and that I deserve to be treated with respect.”

“No one else is going to prioritize your mental health. You have to do that yourself.”

“I think you can be a kind person and still be firm.”

8 Quotes About Taylor Swift

“She’s a songwriter and singer and she has a lot of depth to her music and lyrics.”

– Ed Sheeran, from Teen Vogue

“She’s just amazing. I think she’s one of the most talented songwriters of our generation.”

– Justin Bieber, from Today

“Taylor is one of the most amazing writers and performers of our time.”

– Selena Gomez, from PopSugar

“She’s one of the most important artists in music right now.”

– Demi Lovato, from Glamour

“She’s a great person, a very, very talented songwriter, and a great performer.”

– Blake Lively, from CBC News

“Taylor is a remarkable human being, a wonderful friend. She’s a sweetheart. Genuinely, she’s one of my best friends.”

– Gigi Hadid, from Harper’s Bazaar

“Taylor’s made an amazing impact on music and has inspired me personally and professionally.”

– Khalid, from Rolling Stone

Interview with Taylor Swift

Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor Swift

1. what are some of the most iconic taylor swift quotes.

Taylor Swift is one of the most successful and beloved singers of all time. Her songs and lyrics have inspired generations of fans and her words are often quoted and shared. Here are some of her most iconic quotes from her songs:

• “The best people in life are free” – Love Story
• “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate” – Shake It Off
• “Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play” – Shake It Off
• “We are never ever ever getting back together” – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
• “We’re happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time” – Blank Space
• “The haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate” – Shake It Off
• “My ex-man brought his new girlfriend, she’s like ‘Oh my god’ but I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake” – Shake It Off
• “I’m feeling 22, everything will be alright if you keep me next to you” – 22
• “This is a new year, a new beginning, and things will change” – New Year’s Day
• “I’m so tired of being, so tired of being, so tired of being alone” – I Knew You Were Trouble
• “Cause when you’re young, you just run, but you come back to what you need” – Back To December

2. How has Taylor Swift’s Songwriting Evolved Over the Years?

Taylor Swift has been writing songs since she was a young teenager, and her songwriting has evolved significantly over the years. As her career has progressed, Swift has drawn from different musical styles and genres to create her unique sound. Here is a look at how her songwriting has evolved:

• Early Years: In her early career, Swift wrote primarily country music. Her lyrics often focused on the difficulties of young love and the struggles of growing up.
• Pop Music: After her successful transition to pop music in 2014, Swift’s songwriting began to reflect a more mature perspective. Her lyrics focus on more universal topics, such as friendship and self-growth.
• Lyrical Evolution: Over the years, Swift has become more outspoken and her lyrics often reflect her personal views on politics, social issues, and relationships. Her songs are often empowering and inspiring, and she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in a pop song.
• Experimental Nature: In recent years, Swift has experimented with different sounds and genres, including EDM, hip-hop, and synthpop. Her songs often feature unusual elements, such as spoken word and auto-tune.

Taylor Swift’s songwriting has come a long way since she first started writing songs as a teenager. Through experimentation and evolution, she has created a unique sound that has resonated with millions of fans across the world.

3. What inspired Taylor Swift to write her songs?

Taylor Swift is no stranger to writing heartfelt lyrics that resonate with fans all around the world. From her early country-inspired albums to her more pop-infused recent releases, Swift has always found creative ways to express her emotions and experiences through her music. But what exactly inspires Taylor Swift to write her songs?

Here are some of the themes and sources of inspiration behind Taylor Swift’s songwriting:

• Love: Love is a common theme in Taylor Swift’s music, and her lyrics often tell stories of relationships both romantic and platonic. She has said that writing about love has been “therapeutic” for her and that it helps her process her emotions.
• Heartbreak: Heartbreak is another frequent subject in many of Swift’s songs, as she has often drawn on her own experiences to craft her lyrics. In many cases, her songs serve as a form of closure for her, as she has said they help her move on from heartbreak.
• Friendship: Taylor Swift has written many songs about her close relationships with her friends, and she has said that her friends are an important source of inspiration for her. She has also said that her friends often help her understand her own emotions and experiences better.
• Life Experiences: Taylor Swift often draws on her own life experiences to write her songs, and she has said that she looks to her own journey as a source of inspiration. She has often spoken of her struggles with anxiety and depression, and how she has used her music to cope with her hardships.

No matter the source of inspiration, Taylor Swift has used her songwriting to create some of the most impactful music of this generation. With her honest lyrics and catchy melodies, it’s no wonder why her songs have stayed with us for so long.

4. What are some of Taylor Swift’s most powerful and meaningful lyrics?

Taylor Swift is renowned for her ability to craft beautiful, impactful lyrics that speak to the hearts of millions around the world. Here are some of her most powerful and meaningful lyrics:

• “I don’t wanna forget how it felt, to be right there by your side.” – The Last Time
• “But I’m not the only friend you’ll have when you’re out there on your own.” – You Belong With Me
• “Don’t you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at things that shine.” – Ours
• “But I keep cruising, can’t stop, won’t stop moving. It’s like I got this music, in my mind, saying it’s gonna be alright.” – Shake It Off
• “Maybe I’m just a girl on a mission, but I’m ready to fly.” – Ready for It
• “So don’t you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at things that shine.” – Blank Space
• “And I know the night is dark, and so am I.” – Call It What You Want
• “And I don’t know why but with you I’d dance In a storm in my best dress, fearless.” – Fearless
• “No one’s gonna take the sky from me.” – New Romantics

5. What are Taylor Swift’s thoughts on female empowerment?

Taylor Swift is a strong advocate for female empowerment and has expressed her views on the matter on numerous occasions. Here are some of her most notable quotes about female empowerment:

• “I think that when it comes to female empowerment, the message is to believe in yourself, and you’re not alone.”
• “I want to do everything I can to empower young women to be who they want to be, to be their best selves, to be brave and fearless and get out there and try to do something great.”
• “Being a strong female is not about being tough or independent, it’s about being secure in who you are and being confident in knowing that you can do whatever you want to do.”
• “Feminism is a movement that champions the economic, social and political equality of all genders. It’s about learning to embrace the differences between men and women and working together for a more balanced society.”
• “Women need each other’s support in order to strive and succeed. We can’t be complacent about our achievements and should always strive to do better.”

In conclusion, Taylor Swift is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. She has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music, and her songs and lyrics have been an inspiration to many. Her quotes offer thoughtful and inspiring insight into her life and career. Whether you’re a fan of her music or not, it’s impossible to deny the impact she’s had on popular music and culture.

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The best Taylor Swift songs about writing

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

In the realm of pop culture, Taylor Swift stands out as a force to be reckoned with. Over the past decade and a half, she has skillfully transcended genres, navigated public scrutiny, and crafted a discography that not only encapsulates the zeitgeist of modern music but also serves as a masterclass in songwriting. This article takes a closer look at Swift's discography, specifically focusing on seven songs that shine a spotlight on her narrative prowess, her ability to weave intricate storylines, and her knack for using writing as a metaphor for emotional exploration.

II. 'the last great american dynasty' from "Folklore"

The track 'the last great american dynasty' from Swift's 2020 album "Folklore" illustrates her ability to turn real-life narratives into lyrical masterpieces. The song recounts the story of Rebekah Harkness, the controversial socialite who once owned Swift's Rhode Island home. Swift tells Harkness's story with such intricate detail and nuance that one might mistake it for a short story. Consider the lyrics, "Rebekah rode up on the afternoon train, it was sunny/Her saltbox house on the coast took her mind off St. Louis/Bill was the heir to the Standard Oil name and money/And the town said, 'How did a middle-class divorcée do it?'" Swift takes the listener on a journey, painting a vivid picture of Rebekah's life with the same skill as an accomplished novelist.

III. 'exile' from "Folklore"

'Exile', another standout track from "Folklore", is a compelling demonstration of Swift's aptitude for narrative storytelling. This song, which features Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, employs perspective-switching and dialogue—tools more commonly associated with written narratives than song lyrics. The song is a conversation between two ex-lovers, and Swift uses alternating verses to allow each character to share their side of the story. The lyrics, "I think I've seen this film before/And I didn't like the ending/You're not my homeland anymore/So what am I defending now?" highlight this dialogue and perspective-switching. It's a testament to Swift's narrative songwriting capabilities that she uses such sophisticated storytelling techniques in her work.

IV. 'Blank Space' from "1989"

Moving back in Swift's discography, we arrive at 'Blank Space', a key track from her pop breakthrough album "1989". Here, Swift uses writing as a metaphor to explore her reputation for having turbulent relationships, a narrative that was often exaggerated by media outlets. Swift takes control of this narrative, casting herself as a woman who goes through lovers so quickly that she's got a "blank space" ready for the next one. The lyrics, "Got a long list of ex-lovers/They'll tell you I'm insane/But I've got a blank space, baby/And I'll write your name" are tongue-in-cheek and self-aware, demonstrating Swift's ability to use writing as a metaphor to control her narrative. This song shows Swift not just as a songwriter, but as a clever wordsmith capable of flipping the script on her critics.

V. "All Too Well" from "Red"

Often cited as one of Taylor Swift's most heart-wrenching songs, a vivid narrative that delves deep into the emotional aftermath of a relationship. Although Swift has never confirmed it, fans and critics widely speculate that the song is about her relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. The extended 10-minute version of "All Too Well" released in 2021 only added fuel to this theory. The song is an exemplar of Swift's storytelling prowess, painting detailed scenes from a past relationship that allow listeners to feel her nostalgia and heartbreak. The lyrics "And I know it's long gone, / And there was nothing else I could do / And I forget about you long enough / To forget why I needed to" perfectly encapsulate the longing and sadness that often accompany the end of a significant relationship.

VI. "Love Story" from "Fearless"

One of Swift's early hits and showcases her ability to reimagine classic narratives. The song is a reimagining of the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet, but Swift flips the script by giving the story a happy ending. This clever reinterpretation highlights Swift as a writer who can take familiar stories and imbue them with a fresh, personal twist. Lyrics like "Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone / I'll be waiting, all that's left to do is run" demonstrate how Swift reshapes the classic tale to fit her modern love story narrative.

VII. "Dear John" from "Speak Now"

Written like a letter, tying the song closely to the theme of writing. The song is rumored to be about Swift's relationship with John Mayer, although Swift has never confirmed this. The letter-writing format of the song serves as a direct and intimate form of communication with the song's subject, making the listener feel as though they're reading a personal letter. Lyrics like "Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone / Don't you think I was too young / To be messed with?" emphasize the personal and confessional nature of the song.

VIII. "I Almost Do" from "Red"

Showcases Swift's use of internal monologue, a common writing technique, to convey the struggle of wanting to reach out to an ex. The song is a poignant depiction of the internal conflict that often accompanies a breakup, with Swift expressing a desire to reconnect while also acknowledging the reasons they broke up in the first place. Lyrics like "And I just want to tell you / It takes everything in me not to call you / And I wish I could run to you / And I hope you know that every time I don't / I almost do" highlight this internal struggle and the restraint needed to avoid falling back into a broken relationship.

The best Taylor Swift songs about summer

Interpretation of “you don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.”.

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90 Taylor Swift Quotes From Songs About Love, Graduation, And Life Lessons

Taylor Swift is a talented singer, outstanding performer, and songwriter with a gift for creating catchy, relatable songs that her devoted fans love. That’s why we’ve curated the best of Taylor Swift quotes to motivate yourself today.

Why is Taylor Swift a good role model?

There are many reasons why Taylor Swift is a good role model.

First and foremost, she is an incredibly successful young woman who has worked hard to achieve her goals at a young age. In addition, Taylor Swift is a Grammy Awards winner and an insanely talented singer and songwriter.

☑ Secondly, she is gorgeous, charming, and exorbitantly wealthy .

Despite her fame and fortune, Taylor Swift has always remained grounded and humble, making people want to follow her and learn more about her.

☑ Taylor Swift is a kind, down-to-earth, and relatable person.

Creativity is getting inspiration and having that lightning-bolt idea moment and then having the hard work ethic to sit down at the desk and write it down. Author Name Click To Tweet

Third, Taylor Swift’s bubbly personality, which comes across in interviews, live performances, and music videos, is known to capture universal emotions and connect with her listeners.

Add to that her massive social media following!

☑ And it’s no wonder she’s one of the most famous celebrities in the world.

And Last, Taylor Swift has used her platform to speak on important issues like gender equality and anti-bullying to raise awareness and spark much-needed conversations on these topics. She is not only speaking but also taking action.

She has been generous with her time and resources, supporting many charitable organizations and helping them raise millions of dollars for various causes.

   What is Taylor Swift’s Record-Breaking Achievement?

Taylor Swift has set a new record in the music industry by achieving the most No. 1 albums among female artists. Swift’s new achievement is significant because she surpassed Barbra Streisand.

That makes Taylor Swift the first living artist in almost six decades to simultaneously have four albums in the top 10. In addition, she is the first woman and solo artist alive to have 11 albums charting concurrently on the Billboard 200.

What is Noteworthy About Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour”?

Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” is a phenomenal success, consistently selling out stadiums. That extraordinary accomplishment highlights Taylor Swift’s enduring popularity and attests to the consistently high quality of her music.

☑ It’s a tribute to her dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as “Swifties.”

Swiftie’s fanbase passionately enjoys Taylor Swift’s music, engages with her on social media, and attends her concerts in droves.

This unwavering loyalty enhances her status beyond that of a typical artist and solidifies her enduring appeal and influence as a cultural icon in the music industry.

What are some fun facts about Taylor Swift?

• No, Taylor Swift is not left-handed. She is a righty !
• She was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania.
• Her mom, Andrea Swift, is a stay-at-home mom who used to work as a mutual fund marketing executive. And Her dad, Scott Kingsley, is a financial advisor and former stockbroker. More about Taylor Swift’s parents here .
• Taylor Swift has a younger brother named Austin, an actor.
• At nine years old, she developed an interest in music.
• At 12 years old, she began writing songs. When she was 13, she made her first trip to Nashville, and by age 14, her family relocated to Nashville , Tennessee, so that Taylor Swift could pursue a music career.
• At the age of 16, Swift signed with Big Machine Records.
• “ Tim McGraw ” was Swift’s first single off her self-titled album, “Taylor Swift,” and was a commercial success with over two million copies sold In the United States of America since its release. It is now a certified 2× Platinum .
• Her second album, “ Fearless ,” sold over 3 million copies and became the best-selling album of 2009 in the US. In addition, it set a record for being #1 on the Billboard 200 for the most consecutive weeks by female country album.
• “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” from her fourth studio album, Red (2012), gained the biggest single-week jumps in The Billboard Hot 100 chart history and was Taylor Swift’s first song to hit #1 on Billboard Hot 100 songs.

The commercial success of her songs catapulted Taylor Swift to mainstream prominence, a new star was born, and as they say, the rest is history.

Why has Taylor Swift never performed at the Super Bowl?

Over the years, there’s been a lot of speculation about why Taylor Swift has never performed at the Super Bowl halftime show, where millions of people tune in to watch the game, and many more gather together in homes and at bars to celebrate.

▣ It’s also a momentous day for advertisers.

TV commercials during the super bowl are some of the most expensive advertising slots. But they are also very effective because so many people watch the game. As a result, advertisers spend a lot of money on these commercials.

So it’s no surprise that many famous music stars have performed at halftime.

Why has Taylor Swift never done the Super Bowl halftime show?

Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars in recent memory, but she has never performed at halftime during the Super Bowl, and while there have been plenty of rumors, no one knows for sure. And we may never know.

She may have been offered the opportunity but declined, or the panels that have presided over past Super Bowl events favored other artists over her.

Some theories speculate that she’s a country artist and that the Super Bowl is a high-profile event more geared toward pop performers. Therefore, Taylor Swift doesn’t fit the mold of what the Super Bowl halftime show is typically about;

The Super Bowl halftime show is a big bombastic performance that gets people pumped up and ready to watch the second half of the game. Author Name Click To Tweet

That’s not Taylor Swift’s style and doesn’t fit her brand or image.

When it comes to performances, she’s more interested in creating intimate, personal connections with her fans. She wants them to feel like they’re part of the show rather than just watching from the sidelines.

☑ Lastly, please don’t hold this one on me, but I think Taylor Swift is darn too busy!

Performing at the Super Bowl is a huge time commitment—rehearsals start weeks in advance. Moreover, for a firmly established artist like Taylor Swift, appearing at the Super Bowl might not be worth the opportunity cost.

Taylor Swift is constantly on the go. Between her concert tours and creating new albums, she probably doesn’t have time to fit into the hectic Super Bowl performance schedule. Plus, it’s not like she needs to do it for commercial or marketing reasons!

✔ Taylor Swift is already famous and one of the highest-paid artists in the world.

Why did Taylor Swift get an honorary Doctorate from NYU?

Taylor Swift received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, from NYU (New York University). So why did NYU award her this honorary degree?

Taylor Swift was awarded this honor primarily due to her incredible success as a musician and songwriter, for her remarkable creative talents and accomplishments, and for using her platform as a role model for positive change.

After accepting her Doctorate, she gave an uplifting speech to New York University’s Class of 2022. Her message was inspiring and full of hope.

Taylor Swift reminded everyone in attendance that no matter what life throws our way, no matter how many mistakes we make, as long as we keep trying, are not hindered by shame, and are still breathing, let’s keep dancing; things will work out.

I leave you with this. We are led by our gut instincts, our intuition, our desires and fears, our scars and our dreams. And you will screw it up sometimes, so will I. And when I do, you will most likely read about it on the internet. Anyway, hard things will happen to us. We will recover, we will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it. And as long as we are fortunate enough to be breathing we will breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out. And I am a doctor now, so I know how breathing works. Click To Tweet

How many instruments can Taylor Swift play?

Taylor Swift is a multi-instrumentalist who can play the piano, guitar, banjo, and ukulele . She first learned to play the guitar at a young age, and her guitar-playing skills quickly progressed over the years.

In addition, Taylor Swift is also an incredible pianist, and she is known to play the banjo and ukulele. However, she doesn’t perform with them often. Undeniably, her instrumental skills have contributed to her massive success as a musician.

Best Taylor Swift Quotes

"No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."

• Every day was a struggle. Forget making plans for life – we were just trying to make it to next week.
• I’ve gotten into this nasty habit of running away from love, but maybe one day I can find the exception to that.
• Your feelings so are important to write down, to capture, and to remember because today you’re heartbroken, but tomorrow you’ll be in love again.
• I’ve apparently been the victim of growing up, which apparently happens to all of us at one point or another.
• Seeing a live Kenny Chesney show, you know what you’re going to get. You know it’s going to be an all-day party.

• The thing about life is, every time you learn a lesson, another is waiting right at the corner. You never know everything.
• As your career grows, the list of things that makes you happy should not become smaller, it should become bigger.
• You realize who you’re in love with is fading fast. You don’t know what to do, but in that period time moves so slowly.
• People like you always want back the love they pushed aside. But people like me are gone forever when you say goodbye.
• If you’re trying too hard to be the girl next door, you’re not going to be.

Quote by Taylor Swift

No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind. Author Name Click To Tweet

List of Famous Taylor Swift Quotes – Table of Content

Taylor swift quotes from songs.

It takes time and practice to develop any new skill. But with a lot of hard work, we can all be good at anything if we set our minds to it and try our best.

☑ It is okay to be mediocre at first.

We shouldn’t be afraid of putting ourselves out there and diligently pursue our goals and desires. While at the same time, we must allow ourselves to get used to making mistakes before we can improve at something.

☑ Don’t be afraid of being wrong.

Sometimes we freak out and become afraid of making mistakes and failing.

But here’s the thing: those feelings are normal. Remember that mistakes are part of the human experience. They help us learn and grow.

☑ Without making mistakes, we would never achieve our goals.

The best thing we can do if we want to improve our skills is for us to commit to practicing regularly. Start by setting aside time daily to work on your craft.

That will help us to see progress over time and keep us motivated. Additionally, joining a group or taking lessons can also be beneficial. Practice makes perfect. The more we practice, the better we’ll become!

This motivational quote by Taylor Swift reminds us that we all have to work to get what we want and that it will never be easy. So take her advice and run with it!

The mind is the most You have to write 100 songs before you write the first good onething in the world. Author Name Click To Tweet

Taylor Swift Quotes

If you’re horrible to me, I’m going to write a song about it, and you won’t like it. That’s how I operate.

Music is art, and art is important and rare. Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for.

I love writing songs because I love preserving memories, like putting a picture frame around a feeling you once had.

Songs are my diaries; they always have been. You have to put your trust in everyone because putting down those real, personal details and thoughts that make a song authentic also opens you right up. I am constantly misunderstood; a lot of people just don’t get me.

The way you walk, way you talk, way you say my name; it’s beautiful, wonderful, don’t you ever change. Author Name Click To Tweet

I’ve never thought about songwriting as a weapon. I’ve only thought about it as a way to help me get through love and loss and sadness and loneliness and growing up.

My favorite kinds of books to read are the ones that do more than just tell you a story. They do more than just set the scene or paint the picture.

I took a chance, I took a shot And you may think I’m bullet-proof, but I’m not. You took a swing, I took it hard. And down here from the ground I see who you are.

You know it’s not about perfection. It’s about just getting on with things, sometimes. Sometimes, you just get credit for getting up and going on with things – you don’t have to do it perfectly.

You always knew how to push my buttons. You give me everything and nothing. Author Name Click To Tweet

I write songs so that the person I didn’t say those words to can hear them.

There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.

A letdown is worth a few songs. A heartbreak is worth a few albums.

This is why we can’t have nice things, darling, because you break them.

Taylor Swift Quotes About Friendship

I love making new friends and I respect people for a lot of different reasons. Author Name Click To Tweet

My mom and I have always been really close. She’s always been the friend that was always there.

I think it’s “fearless” to fall for your best friend, even though he’s in love with someone else.

There were times when, in middle school and junior high, I didn’t have a lot of friends. But my mom was always my friend. Always.

My friends tease me about the fact that if someone seems bad or shady or like they have a secret, I find them incredibly interesting.

Here’s a toast to my real friends. They don’t care about that he said, she said. Author Name Click To Tweet

I’m the girl who – I call it girl-next-door-it-is – the hot guy is friends with and gets all his relationship advice from but never considers dating.

Be friends first when you’re dating. If it turns into something more, that’s awesome, and if not you have another friend.

I’m not that complicated. My complications come out in my songs. All you need to do to be my friend is like me.

Fans are my favorite thing in the world. I’ve never been the type of artist who has that line drawn between their friends and their fans. The line’s always been really blurred for me. I’ll hang out with them after the show. I’ll hang out with them before the show. If I see them in the mall, I’ll stand there and talk to them for 10 minutes.

Taylor Swift Quotes About Love

The key is to let ourselves be open to the possibility of falling in love and then do what we can to ensure we’re ready for it when it arrives.

☑ Falling in love is a two-way street.

We can’t force someone to fall in love with us if they don’t feel the same way.

Like in fairy tales, some people dream of finding their perfect prince charming or princess. Also, sometimes we expect love to drop out of the sky and land in our laps.

☑ That rarely happens. We must find it ourselves and not by force.

When I was younger, my dreams were to finish college, get a job, find a beautiful partner to settle down with, have lots of babies, and live happily evermore!

Of course, life doesn’t always go as planned. Life is full of twists and turns.

Now that I’ve gotten older, my aspirations have changed, including love.

Falling in love can be one of the best experiences in life. Love can make us feel happy, sad, scared, grateful, angry, messy, complicated, …and the list goes on.

But despite all of the different emotions love can evoke, if we’re lucky enough to find someone we genuinely care about and they too care about us, hang on, appreciate and cherish each moment because love is fragile.

True love exists, but unfortunately, it is hard to find.

Besides love, sometimes all we need is a little inspiration to put a smile on our faces. Here are some excellent quotes that might do the trick.

Don’t find love, let it find you. It’s called falling in love because you don’t force yourself to fall, you just do. Author Name Click To Tweet

I’m not the girl who always has a boyfriend. I’m the girl who rarely has a boyfriend.

Real love still happens sometimes. It’s not just something we make up when you’re nine. I have to believe that. You do too.

My parents taught me never to judge others based on whom they love, what color their skin is, or their religion.

But no matter what love throws at you, you have to believe in it. You have ot believe in love stories and prince charmings and happily ever after. That’s why I write these songs. Because I think love is FEARLESS.

Money can’t buy you back the love that you had then. Author Name Click To Tweet

Most of us fear reaching the end of our life regretting moments when we didn’t speak up, say I love you, or say I’m sorry.

If something happens to me, you’re going to hear about it. I only know how to write songs about my life.

Love will find you when you least expect it.

Be yourself and the right people will love you.

I haven’t had that one great love, which is good. I don’t want that to be in the past – I want it to be in the future. Author Name Click To Tweet

There are beautiful things about both being in love and being out of love. I just think you have to find those things.

I think the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.

It’s the most maddening, beautiful, magical, horrible, painful, wonderful joyous thing in the world, love.

People like music when they’re in love, but they don’t need it as much. You need music when you’re missing someone or you’re pining for someone or you’re forgetting someone or you’re trying to process what just happened.

Taylor Swift Quotes About Life

Life isn’t how to survive the storm; it’s about how to dance in the rain. Author Name Click To Tweet

Sometimes in life you have to be your own best friend.

You have to not only live your life in spite of people who don’t understand you, you have to have more fun than they do.

I’ve wanted one thing for me whole life and I’m not going to be that girl who wants one thing her whole life then gets it and complains.

The lesson I’ve learned the most often in life is that you’re always going to know more in the future than you know now.

In life, you learn lessons. And sometimes you learn them the hard way. Sometimes you learn them too late. Author Name Click To Tweet

There’s more to life than dating the boy on the football team.

I am an over-achiever, and I want to be known for the good things in my life.

My definition of country music is really pretty simple. It’s when someone sings about their life and what they know, from an authentic place.

Be grateful more than anything in your life. If you have to put a priority on something, put a priority on what your thankful for and the people in your life that you’re grateful for.

When you see something bad happening out in the world, you should try to help in whatever way you can. Author Name Click To Tweet

Life is a ruthless game unless you play it good and right.

I think that what people always want is what they don’t have a lot of.

Giving up doesn’t always mean you’re weak, sometimes you’re just strong enough to let go.

I have this really high priority on happiness and finding something to be happy about.

Taylor Swift Quotes About Growing Up

Believe in everything you do. Believe in your mistakes and grow from them. Author Name Click To Tweet

As I grow up, the lessons I learn in love and relationships and how we treat each other are hopefully maturing – hopefully.

I know that a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania is about the most random place for a country singer to come from, but I had an awesome childhood.

Don’t you ever grow up, it could stay this simple.

Taylor Swift Quotes About Success

I’ve always strived to be successful, not famous. Author Name Click To Tweet

My attitude has always been if you get better and you see success, that should motivate you to even work harder, so that’s kinda how I approach everything.

Be yourself, chase your dreams, and just never say never. That’s the best advice I could ever give someone.

I think the first thing you should know is that nobody in country music ‘made it’ the same way. It’s all different. There’s no blueprint for success, and sometimes you just have to work at it.

The world doesn’t owe you anything. You have to work for everything you get and you have to appreciate every bit of success the world gives you.

This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change. Author Name Click To Tweet

There’s more to life than dating the boy on the football team.

I’ve wanted one thing for me whole life and I’m not going to be that girl who wants one thing her whole life then gets it and complains.

The only way I hear gossip is if it’s big enough and loud enough for my friends to bring it up to me. Or if it’s, like, a big untrue ordeal from my publicist – and she hates making that phone call!

I love dresses, and I’ve definitely thought about designing them someday. I just want to make sure that I wait until the time is perfect and I can do it right.

You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes. Author Name Click To Tweet

I still love sparkles and grocery shopping and really old cats that are only nice to you half the time. I still love writing in my journal and wearing dresses all the time and staring at chandeliers.

Everybody has that point in their life where you hit a crossroads and you’ve had a bunch of bad days and there’s different ways you can deal with it and the way I dealt with it was I just turned completely to music.

In fairy tales the bad guy is very easy to spot. The bad guy is always wearing a black cape so you always know who he is. Then you grow up and you realize that Prince Charming is not as easy to find as you thought.

Words can break someone into a million pieces, but they can also put them back together. I hope you use yours for good, because the only words you’ll regret more than the ones left unsaid are the ones you use to intentionally hurt someone.

So don’t you worry your pretty little mind because people throw rocks at things that shine. I took a chance , I took a shot. And you may think I’m bullet-proof, but I’m not. Author Name Click To Tweet

It’s FEARLESS to have faith that someday things will change. FEARLESS is having the courage to say goodbye to someone who only hurts you, even if you can’t breathe without them.

For someone like me who is obsessed with organization and planning, I love the idea that love is the one exception to that. Love is the one wild card

I guess it’s a weird thing to be 19 and not ever have been drunk, but for me, it just feels normal because I don’t really know any other way.

All the king’s horses, all the king’s men couldn’t put me together again, ’cause all of my enemies started out friends.

Famous Taylor Swift Quotes And Sayings From Song Lyrics And Music Videos

There’s no denying that pain is inevitable.

We all have to face it at some point in our lives. But suffering is optional.

▣ We can choose to suffer, or we can choose to rise above the pain. It’s our choice.

It can be hard to find the will and motivation to keep going when we’re in pain, but there are ways to manage pain, so it doesn’t take over and ruin our lives.

Millions of people go through painful and life-threatening events every day, but they always manage to come out on the other side stronger than before.

Pain can be a powerful motivator.

☑ We can harness its power and channel it into something positive.

Pain can be an incredible force for good. It can push us to achieve great things we never thought possible. Whether it’s a goal, a dream, or simply the desire to be happy, we can use painful experiences to push ourselves to reach new heights.

▣ Of course, pain isn’t always desirable.

This quote by Taylor Swift reminds us that even though pain can be brutal to deal with, we have two choices: let it destroy us or face it head-on and become stronger and more resilient. I think that’s a pretty powerful choice for everyone to make.

And that concludes our list of famous Taylor Swift quotes from her songs, interviews, and music videos to help keep us moving forward toward our goals.

There are two ways you can get through the pain. You can let it destroy you, or you can use it as fuel to drive you: to dream bigger, work harder. Author Name Click To Tweet

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Read Taylor Swift’s new personal essay explaining eighth album ‘Folklore’

"It started with imagery..."

Taylor Swift has released her surprise eighth album ‘Folklore’ today (July 24) – read her new personal essay about the creation of the album below.

‘Folklore’ was largely written alongside The National ‘s Aaron Dessner, with further input from Bon Iver and Swift’s regular collaborator Jack Antonoff .

Read more: Taylor Swift – ‘Folklore’ review: pop superstar undergoes an extraordinary indie-folk makeover

“Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, ‘Folklore’,” Swift wrote when announcing the album yesterday afternoon (July 23), and she’s now expanded on the themes that make up the new album.

Read Swift’s full essay on the inspiration behind ‘Folklore’ below.

“It started with imagery. Visuals that popped into my mind and piqued my curiosity.

Stars drawn around scars. A cardigan that still bears the scent of loss twenty years later. Battleships sinking into the ocean, down, down, down. The tree swing in the woods of my childhood. Hushed tones of “let’s run away” and never doing it. The sun drenched month of August, sipped away like a bottle of wine. A mirrored disco ball hovering above a dance floor. A whiskey bottle beckoning. Hands held through plastic. A single thread that, for better or for worse, ties you to your fate.

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Pretty soon these images in my head grew faces or names and became characters. I found myself not only writing my own stories, but also writing about or from the perspective of people I’ve never met, people I’ve known, or those I wish I hadn’t. An exiled man walking the bluffs of a land that isn’t his own, wondering how it all went so terribly, terribly wrong. An embittered tormentor showing up at the funeral of his fallen object of obsession. A seventeen-year-old standing on a porch, learning to apologize. Lovestruck kids wandering up and down the evergreen High Line. My grandfather, Dean, landing at Guadalcanal in 1942. A misfit widow getting gleeful revenge on the town that cast her out.

A tale that becomes folklore is one that is passed down and whispered around. Sometimes even sung about. The lines between fantasy and reality blur and the boundaries between truth and fiction become almost indiscernible. Speculation, over time, becomes fact. Myths, ghost stories, and fables.

Fairytales and parables. Gossip and legend. Someone’s secrets written in the sky for all to behold.

In isolation my imagination has run wild and this album is the result, a collection of songs and stories that flowed like a stream of consciousness. Picking up a pen was my way of escaping into fantasy, history, and memory. I’ve told these stories to the best of my ability with all the love, wonder, and whimsy they deserve.

Now it’s up to you to pass them down.”

In a four-star album review of ‘Folklore’ , NME wrote: “‘Folklore’ feels fresh, forward-thinking and, most of all, honest. The glossy production she’s lent on for the past half-decade is cast aside for simpler, softer melodies and wistful instrumentation.

“It’s the sound of an artist who’s bored of calculated releases and wanted to try something different.”

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Musicians — Taylor Swift

Essays on Taylor Swift

Prompt examples for taylor swift essays, the evolution of taylor swift's music.

Explore the musical journey of Taylor Swift. How has her music evolved over the years, and what themes and styles have remained consistent or changed?

Taylor Swift's Impact on the Music Industry

Discuss Taylor Swift's influence on the music industry. How has she reshaped the industry in terms of music distribution, artist rights, and the relationship between artists and labels?

Taylor Swift as a Songwriter

Analyze Taylor Swift's songwriting prowess. What makes her lyrics stand out, and how do they resonate with her audience? Explore the storytelling elements in her songs.

Taylor Swift's Role as a Feminist Icon

Examine Taylor Swift's impact on feminism and gender equality. How has she used her platform to advocate for women's rights and challenge gender stereotypes in the music industry?

Taylor Swift's Influence on Pop Culture

Discuss Taylor Swift's contributions to pop culture. How has she influenced fashion, social trends, and the way celebrities engage with their fans?

The Taylor Swift Fan Community

Explore the strong fan community surrounding Taylor Swift. What is it about her music and persona that fosters such a dedicated and passionate fan base?

Taylor Swift's Reputation and Public Image

Analyze the shifts in Taylor Swift's public image and reputation throughout her career. How have media portrayals and public perception of her changed over time?

Taylor Swift's Philanthropic Efforts

Examine Taylor Swift's philanthropic work and charitable contributions. How has she used her wealth and influence to support various causes and organizations?

Taylor Swift's Impact on the Country Music Genre

Discuss Taylor Swift's early roots in country music and her impact on the genre. How did her transition to pop music affect the country music industry?

The Taylor Swift Documentary: Miss Americana

Analyze the documentary "Miss Americana" and its portrayal of Taylor Swift's personal and professional life. How does the documentary provide insight into her experiences and challenges?

Analyzing Taylor Swift's Blank Space Music Video

Alliteration in taylor swift's songwriting, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

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Taylor Swift's Impact on Feminism in Modern Music Culture

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Analyzing Taylor Swift's Song "Blank Space"

Understanding of the song wildest dreams by taylor swift, reviewing two commercial featuring taylor swift on apple music, review of taylor swifts's collaboration with apple music, the parallel journeys of taylor swift and meghan trainor.

Born December 13, 1989 (age 32), West Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Taylor Swift is a highly acclaimed and influential American singer-songwriter who has made a significant impact on the music industry. With her distinctive voice, catchy melodies, and introspective songwriting, Swift has amassed a massive following and achieved remarkable success throughout her career. She first gained prominence as a country music artist with her self-titled debut album released in 2006, which featured hit singles like "Tim McGraw" and "Teardrops on My Guitar."

Pop, country, folk, rock, alternative.

11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, 34 American Music Awards, 29 Billboard Music Awards and 58 Guinness World Records.

"Love Story", "You Belong with Me", "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", "I Knew You Were Trouble", "Shake It Off", "Blank Space", "Bad Blood", "Look What You Made Me Do", etc.

Taylor Swift has made a significant and lasting contribution to the music industry throughout her career. As a singer-songwriter, Swift's impact has been felt in various aspects of the music landscape. One of her notable contributions is her ability to connect with a wide audience through her heartfelt and relatable songwriting. Swift's lyrics delve into personal experiences, relationships, and emotions, resonating with millions of listeners around the world. In addition to her compelling songwriting, Swift has showcased her versatility as an artist by exploring different musical genres. She started her career in country music, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Over the years, she transitioned into pop music, successfully embracing a new sound and expanding her reach to an even broader audience. Moreover, Taylor Swift's impact extends beyond her own music. She has influenced and inspired countless emerging artists, paving the way for new talents in the industry. Her success has also challenged industry norms and stereotypes, empowering female artists to assert their creativity and take control of their careers.

Taylor Swift has been a prominent figure in the media since the beginning of her career. Her portrayal in the media has evolved over time, reflecting the changes in her personal and professional life. Initially recognized as a country-pop singer-songwriter, Swift was often depicted as the innocent, girl-next-door type with her signature curly hair and relatable lyrics. As her career progressed and she ventured into the pop genre, the media's portrayal of Swift shifted as well. She was portrayed as a powerful and independent woman, unafraid to express her emotions and stand up for herself. Swift's public relationships and personal life have also garnered significant media attention, leading to speculation and scrutiny. Despite the ups and downs, Swift has consistently managed to control her own narrative by utilizing social media platforms to communicate directly with her fans and address controversies. She has used her influence to champion causes such as gender equality, artist rights, and charitable initiatives, which has garnered praise and admiration from both fans and media outlets. However, like many celebrities, Swift has also faced negative portrayals and tabloid gossip. She has been the subject of sensationalized headlines and criticized for various reasons. Nevertheless, she has demonstrated resilience in the face of media scrutiny, focusing on her music and maintaining a dedicated fan base.

“People haven't always been there for me but music always has.” “I suffer from girlnextdooritis where the guy is friends with you and that's it.” “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” “Just be yourself, there is no one better.” “If you're horrible to me, I'm going to write a song about it, and you won't like it. That's how I operate.”

The topic of Taylor Swift is important for students due to several reasons. First and foremost, Taylor Swift has had a significant impact on the music industry, showcasing the power of artistry, songwriting, and perseverance. Exploring her journey as a singer-songwriter can inspire students who have a passion for music or are interested in pursuing a career in the arts. Furthermore, Taylor Swift's evolution as an artist provides valuable lessons about adapting to change and embracing personal growth. Students can learn about the importance of staying true to oneself while exploring new artistic directions and challenging societal expectations. Additionally, Taylor Swift's influence extends beyond music. She has used her platform to advocate for important social issues such as feminism, inclusivity, and the rights of artists. By studying her activism, students can develop a greater understanding of the role artists can play in shaping public discourse and promoting positive change. Finally, Taylor Swift's ability to connect with her fan base through social media and engage in meaningful dialogue demonstrates the power of communication and community-building in the digital age. Students can learn valuable lessons about the responsible use of social media and the potential for creating meaningful connections with others.

1. Swift, T. (2019). Lover [Album]. Republic Records. 2. Vander Werff, E. (2017). How Taylor Swift became pop's ultimate auteur. Vox. https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/11/14/16625342/taylor-swift-reputation 3. Gundersen, E. (2019). Taylor Swift owns up to mistakes, empowers others on 'Miss Americana'. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2020/01/23/taylor-swift-doc-miss-americana-opens-sundance-film-festival/4557157002/ 4. Sheffield, R. (2019). Taylor Swift: Lover. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/taylor-swift-lover-869271/ 5. Caulfield, K. (2020). Taylor Swift's 'Folklore' album debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 chart. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9428110/taylor-swift-folklore-number-one-billboard-200

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Taylor Swift Renews Her Vows With Heartbreak in Audacious, Transfixing ‘Tortured Poets Department’: Album Review

By Chris Willman

Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

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For where it sits in her catalog musically, it feels like the synth-pop of “Midnights,” with most of the feel-good buzz stripped out; or like the less acoustic based moments of “Folklore” and “Evermore,” with her penchant for pure autobiography stripped back in. It feels bracing, and wounded, and cocky, and — not to be undervalued in this age — handmade, however many times she stacks her own vocals for an ironic or real choral effect. Occasionally the music gets stripped down all the way to a piano, but it has the effect of feeling naked even when she goes for a bop that feels big enough to join the setlist in her stadium tour resumption, like “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.”

The first time you listen to the album, you may be stricken by the “Wait, did she really just say that?” moments. (And no, we’re not referring to the already famous Charlie Puth shout-out, though that probably counts, too.) Whatever feeling you might have had hearing “Dear John” for the first time, if you’re old enough to go back that far with her, that may be the feeling you have here listening to the eviscerating “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” or a few other tracks that don’t take much in the way of prisoners. Going back to it, on second, fifth and tenth listens, it’s easier to keep track of the fact that the entire album is not that emotionally intense, and that there are romantic, fun and even silly numbers strewn throughout it, if those aren’t necessarily the most striking ones on first blush. Yes, it’s a pop album as much as a vein-opening album, although it may not produce the biggest number of Top 10 hits of anything in her catalog. It doesn’t seem designed not to produce those, either; returning co-producers Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner aren’t exactly looking to keep her off the radio. But it’s easily among her most lyrics-forward efforts, rife with a language lover’s wordplay, tumults of sequential similes and — her best weapon — moments of sheer bluntness.

Who is the worst man that she delights in writing about through the majority of the album? Perhaps not the one you were guessing, weeks ago. There are archetypal good guy and bad boy figures who have been part of her life, whom everyone will transpose onto this material. Coming into “Tortured Poets,” the joke was that someone should keep Joe Alwyn, publicly identified as her steady for six-plus years, under mental health watch when the album comes out. As it turns out, he will probably be able to sleep just fine. The other bloke, the one everyone assumed might be too inconsequential to trouble her or write about — let’s put another name to that archetype: Matty Healy of the 1975 — might lose a little sleep instead, if the fans decide that the cutting “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” and other lacerating songs are about him, instead. He might also have cause to feel flattered, because there are plenty of songs extolling him as an object of abject passion and the love of her life — in, literally, the song title “LOML” — before the figure who animated all this gets sliced down to size.

The older love, he gets all of one song, as far as can be ascertained: the not so subtly titled “So Long, London,” a dour sequel to 2019’s effusive “London Boy.” Well, he gets a bit more than that: The amusingly titled “Fresh Out the Slammer” devotes some verses to a man she paints as her longtime jailer (“Handcuffed to the spell I was under / For just one hour of sunshine / Years of labor, locks and ceilings / In the shade of how he was feeling.” But ultimately it’s really devoted to the “pretty baby” who’s her first phone call once she’s been sprung from the relationship she considered her prison.

It’s complicated, as they say. For most of the album, Swift seesaws between songs about being in thrall to never-before-experienced passion and personal compatibility with a guy from the wrong side of the tracks. She feels “Guilty as Sin?” for imagining a consummation that at first seems un-actionable, if far from unthinkable; she swears “But Daddy I Love Him” in the face of family disapproval; she thinks “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can),” before an epiphany slips out in the song’s hilariously anticlimactic final line: “Woah, maybe I can’t.” Then the most devastating songs about being ghosted pop up in the album’s later going.

Now, that, friends, is a righteous tirade. And it’s one of the most thrilling single moments in Swift’s recorded career. “But Daddy I Love Him” has a joke for a title (it’s a line borrowed from “The Little Mermaid”), but the song is an ecstatic companion piece to “That’s the Way I Loved You,” from her second album, now with Swift running off with the bad choice instead of just mourning him. It’s the rare song from her Antonoff/Dessner period that sounds like it could be out of the more “organic”-sounding, band-focused Nathan Chapman era, but with a much more matured writing now than then… even if the song is about embracing the immature.

The album gets off to a deceptively benign start with “Fortnight,” the collaboration with Post Malone that is its first single. Both he and the record’s other featured artist, Florence of Florence + the Machine , wrote the lyrics for their own sections, but Posty hangs back more, as opposed to the true duet with Florence; he echoes Swift’s leads before finally settling in with his own lines right at the end. Seemingly unconnected to the subject matter of the rest of the record, “Fortnight” seems a little like “Midnights” Lite. It rues a past quickie romance that the singer can’t quite move on from, even as she and her ex spend time with each other’s families. It’s breezy, and a good choice for pop radio, but not much of an indication of the more visceral, obsessive stuff to come.

The title track follows next and stays in the summer-breeze mode. It’s jangly-guitar-pop in the mode of “Mirrorball,” from “Folklore”… and it actually feels completely un-tortured, despite the ironic title. After the lovers bond over Charlie Puth being underrated (let’s watch those “One Call Away” streams soar), and over how “you’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith,” an inter-artist romance seems firmly in place. “Who’s gonna hold you like me?” she asks aloud. (She later changes it to “troll you.”) She answers herself: “Nofuckinbody.” Sweet, and If you came to this album for any kind of idyll, enjoy this one while it lasts, which isn’t for long.

From here, the album is kind of all over the map, when it comes to whether she’s in the throes of passion or the throes of despair… with that epic poem in the album booklet to let you know how the pieces all fit together. (The album also includes a separate poem from Stevie Nicks, addressing the same love affair that is the main subject of the album, in a protective way.)

There are detours that don’t have to do with the romantic narrative, but not many. The collaboration with Florence + the Machine, “Florida!!!,” is the album’s funniest track, if maybe its least emotionally inconsequential. It’s literally about escape, and it provides some escapism right in the middle of the record, along with some BAM-BAM-BAM power-chord dynamics in an album that often otherwise trends soft. If you don’t laugh out loud the first time that Taylor’s and Florence’s voices come together in harmony to sing the line “Fuck me up, Florida,” this may not be the album for you.

When the album’s track list was first revealed, it almost seemed like one of those clever fakes that people delight in trolling the web with. Except, who would really believe that, instead of song titles like “Maroon,” Swift would suddenly be coming up with “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys,” “Fresh Out the Slammer,” “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” and “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”? This sounded like a Morrissey track list, not one of Swift’s. But she’s loosened up, in some tonal sense, even as she’s as serious as a heart attack on a lot of these songs. There is blood on the tracks, but also a wit in the way she’s employing language and being willing to make declarations that sound a little outlandish before they make you laugh.

Toward the end of the album, she presents three songs that aren’t “about” anybody else… just about, plainly, Taylor Swift. That’s true of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?,” a song that almost sounds like an outtake from the “Reputation” album, or else a close cousin to “Folklore’s” “Mad Woman,” with Swift embracing the role of vengeful witch, in response to being treated as a circus freak — exact contemporary impetus unknown.

Whatever criticisms anyone will make of “The Tortured Poets Department,” though — not enough bangers? too personal? — “edge”-lessness shouldn’t be one of them. In this album’s most bracing songs, it’s like she brought a knife to a fistfight. There’s blood on the tracks, good blood.

Sure to be one of the most talked-about and replayed tracks, “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” has a touch of a Robyn-style dancing-through-tears ethos to it. But it’s clearly about the parts of the Eras Tour when she was at her lowest, and faking her way through it. “I’m so depressed I act like it’s my birthday — every day,” she sings, in the album’s peppiest number — one that recalls a more dance-oriented version of the previous album’s “Mastermind.” It’s not hard to imagine that when she resumes the tour in Paris next month, and has a new era to tag onto the end of the show, “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” might be the new climax, in place of “Karma.” “You know you’re good when you can do it with a broken heart,” she humble-brags, “and I’m good, ‘cause I’m miserable / And nobody even knows! / Try and come for my job.”

Not many superstars would devote an entire song to confessing that they’ve only pretended to be the super-happy figure fans thought they were seeing pass through their towns, and that they were seeing a illusion. (Presumably she doesn’t have to fake it in the present day, but that’s the story of the next album, maybe.) But that speaks to the dichotomy that has always been Taylor Swift: on record, as good and honest a confessional a singer-songwriter as any who ever passed through the ports of rock credibility; in concert, a great, fulsome entertainer like Cher squared. Fortunately, in Swift, we’ve never had to settle for just one or the other. No one else is coming for either job — our best heartbreak chronicler or our most uplifting popular entertainer. It’s like that woman in the movie theater says: Heartache feels good in a place like that. And it sure feels grand presented in its most distilled, least razzly-dazzly essence in “The Tortured Poets Department.”

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In Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets,' the torture is in the songwriting

'the tortured poets department' further complicates my feelings surrounding the pop star, and proves that taylor swift could benefit greatly from a more communal, creative approach..

When Taylor Swift announced her new album, “ The Tortured Poets Department, ” earlier this year at the Grammys , I was equal parts curious and unaffected. Even as a lifelong fan, I wasn’t fond of her previous effort, “Midnights,” cause I found most of it overwhelmingly uninspired – despite it winning Album of the Year. 

Nevertheless, Swift’s command over the zeitgeist makes her inescapable, and as a fan of most of her work, I’m bound to engage with her offerings regardless. The quality and acclaim of her previous works made me cling to the futile hope that “Midnights” was just a fluke. Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days. 

That hope died, though, as soon as I saw the album credits.

To my dismay, Swift keeps her usual creative ensemble on “The Tortured Poets Department”: Jack Antonoff, every indie-pop girl’s go-to producer, and Aaron Dessner, of The National fame, who previously worked with her on her “Folklore” and “Evermore,” and “Midnights (3 a.m. Edition).” She also brings on Post Malone and longtime friend Florence Welch as new collaborators. 

Swift is known for writing songs based on her own life experiences. This artistic choice has made her synonymous with a certain brand of relatability and bestowed her with scrutiny and acclaim alike. Her fans in particular, “Swifties” for the uninitiated, use this to justify that sometimes unwarranted acclaim and discredit artists who choose a more collaborative approach to creating. “The Tortured Poets Department” further complicates my feelings surrounding the pop star and proves that Swift could benefit greatly from a more communal, creative approach. 

Beyoncé reclaims country music: Beyoncé pushes the confines of genre with 'Cowboy Carter.' Country will be better for it.

Taylor Swift has already won. Swifties don't need to banish criticism.

It’s not all bad, though. Moments of her past brilliance find a way to break through the crest every now and again, especially on “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” the second installment of what appears to be a double album, which she released at 2 a.m. on Friday .

“The Black Dog” builds into a heart ache roar as she laments why memories of her don’t mar a lover’s mind while he visits the places they used to share. On “The Albatross,” she makes clever allusions to Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (1798), referring to herself as both the saboteur and savior of her past relationships. 

As a singer-songwriter, Swift is often perceived as a “singular” artist with her personhood at the center. Much of her discography is akin to intimate diary entries. The fact that she is so singular, often credited as the sole writer on many of her tracks, and her life is so large allows fans to decode her songs like scripture and attach them to moments in her life and relationships.

Conservatives are 'Down Bad': Taylor Swift is an American icon, regardless of what you think

The beauty of her older music is that listeners can take her tales of sneaking out late to tap on a lover’s window, her journey out of the woods or the regret that takes her back to a fateful December night and apply them to happenings in their own lives. It’s why I admire “Folklore” and “Evermore” so deeply. The way she blurred the lines between fact and fiction, making it hard to determine when she was chronicling her own life or one she’s concocted, offered universality in its specificity. Now, it seems that her celebrity has eclipsed her.

“The Tortured Poets Department” will undoubtedly be the best-selling album of 2024 and will be nominated, and possibly win, the big awards at next year’s Grammys. The record has been universally praised by publications like Rolling Stone. Her previous album broke almost every record imaginable and won every award. She embarked on one of the most lucrative tours of all time.

By most metrics, she’s the biggest pop star in the world , possibly of all time. Taylor Swift has won.

But so much of the discourse surrounding Swift exists in extremes. Anything less than unabashed praise is shunned. And some of her most ruthless dissenters obviously do so in bad faith. Engaging with any art without nuance is a fruitless endeavor. 

She keeps her ink and quill tightly to her chest, but this individualist and self-centered way of creating has led to an uninteresting product, unless you are obsessed with the innards of her personal life. I doubt she’ll ever run out of stories to tell. Life always gives us new inspiration. The trick lies in whether she’ll find interesting ways to tell them. 

Nevertheless, I still love Taylor Swift. I went to see the Eras Tour in New York with my best friend. I have countless memories of a younger me belting “Mine” and “Our Song” out of car windows down I-95. I remember the first time I heard “Cruel Summer” in my friend’s bright red Honda Fit and knowing I’d be obsessed with that song forever.

I spent so much of quarantine shattered and painstakingly introspective from the beautiful prose on “Folklore” and “Evermore.” My heart broke with hers on “All Too Well,” first in 2012 and again in 2022. Swift has soundtracked the lives of so many, chronicling the beauty of falling in love and the hurt thereafter. My only wish now is that she’d see beyond herself and relinquish her powerful pen to someone new – someone who could reignite the fire in her.

Kofi Mframa is a music and culture writer and opinion intern at the Louisville Courier Journal. 

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Culture Gabfest

Taylor swift’s messy maximalism.

This week, the hosts discuss The Tortured Poets Department , Fallout , and Becca Rothfeld’s debut essay collection.

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Episode Notes

On this week’s episode, the panel is first joined by Slate’s music critic, Carl Wilson, to puzzle over The Tortured Poets Department , Taylor Swift’s much-anticipated 11th studio album. Stuffed with 31 tracks, the two-part album is a departure from the billionaire pop star’s otherwise perfectly crafted oeuvre: it’s messy and drippy, and at times, manic and frenetic. Is this secretly a cry for help? And more importantly, when did she find the time to record this thing? Then, the three explore Fallout , a post-apocalyptic drama series adapted from the extremely popular role-playing video game of the same name. Executive produced by Jonathan Nolan ( Westworld , Person of Interest ) and streaming on Prime Video, Fallout certainly achieves a high level of immersive world-building, but do the stories and characters fare the same? Finally, Becca Rothfeld, the Washington Post’s non-fiction book critic, joins to discuss her triumphant first book, All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess , in which she rebukes the culture’s affinity for minimalism and makes the case for living in a maximalist world.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, it’s part two of the Ambition versus Contentment discussion (courtesy of a listener question from Gretel): How should a parent approach cultivating ambition in a child, if at all? The hosts discuss.

Email us at [email protected] .

Outro music: “Ruins (Instrumental Version)” by Origo

Endorsements:

Dana: The Teacher’s Lounge , a film by German-Turkish director Ilker Çatak. It was a Best International Film nominee at the 96th Academy Awards. (Also, Ebertfest in Champaign, Illinois!)

Julia: Kristen Wiig’s Jumanji sketch on Saturday Night Live , inspired by Dana.

Stephen: The British band Jungle, introduced to him by his daughter. A few favorite songs: “Back on 74,” “Dominoes,” and “All of the Time.”

Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.

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About the Show

New York Times critic Dwight Garner says, “The Slate Culture Gabfest is one of the highlights of my week.” The award-winning Culturefest features Slate culture critics Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner debating the week in culture, from highbrow to pop.

Dana Stevens is Slate’s movie critic.

Julia Turner , former editor in chief of Slate, is a deputy managing editor at the Los Angeles Times and a regular on Slate’s Culture Gabfest podcast .

Stephen Metcalf is Slate’s critic at large. He is working on a book about the 1980s.

Taylor Swift’s 'The Tortured Poets Department' album breaks Spotify streaming record

Taylor Swift is writing her way into the Spotify history books (her version) with "The Tortured Poets Department."

On Friday, Swift released her new album which became the first album in the streaming platform's history to garner over 300 million streams in a single day. The album also became the most-streamed album in a single day in 2024, according to a rep for Spotify.

The album's lead single “Fortnight," featuring rapper and genre-bending singer Post Malone , also made history and became the most-streamed song in a day. Swift also claims the top three albums most streamed albums in Spotify history with 2023's "Midnights" and " 1989 (Taylor's Version)."

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Swift is also now the most-streamed artist in a single day in Spotify history after the release of "The Tortured Poets Department" and its extended version "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," a 31-song collection of songs about coming of age, heartbreak, and the private pitfalls and peaks of her public life.

'Tortured Poets' release live updates: Taylor Swift drops 15 extra songs at 2 a.m.

What is Taylor Swift's new 'The Tortured Poets Department' album about?

The Eras Tour singer also makes reference to romance with current partner, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce , in and her longtime ex-boyfriend, the British actor Joe Alwyn . On "Tortured Poets," Swift continues to point her songwriting pen at rapper Kanye West, who is now known as Ye , and his ex-wife, reality TV star Kim Kardashian .

"I don't think you've changed much  and so I changed your name and any real defining clues ; And one day, your kid comes home singin' a song that only us two is gonna know is about you," Swift sings in "thanK you aIMee," which features Kim Kardashian's name spelled out in capital letters while the rest are lowercase.

Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Ye feud: VMAs to 'The Tortured Poets Department'

The song is an apparent reference to the daughter of Kardashian and Ye (formerly  Kanye West ), North West. Early last year, North West  posted a TikTok  featuring Kardashian, with the two dancing to "Shake It Off," from 2014's "1989."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taylor Swift’s 'The Tortured Poets Department' album breaks Spotify streaming record

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Taylor Swift’s Exes Most Candid Quotes About Their Relationships and Her Songwriting

Taylor Swift ‘s exes have been very vocal about whether or not they enjoy being the singer’s muses.

Swift’s 10-month-long relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal is heavily rumored to be the inspiration behind the breakup song “All Too Well” from 2012’s Red . When asked about his ex in a March 2017 interview with The Guardian , Gyllenhaal gave the outlet a cryptic response.

“I think when you’re in a relationship, you are constantly scrutinized, your friends are scrutinized, but … I would love to not talk about my personal life,” he said at the time. (Gyllenhaal and Swift’s romance faced backlash over their nine-year age gap as she was 20 years old and he was 29.)

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Swift, for her part, revealed that she doesn’t necessarily take her exes’ opinions into account when writing music. “I haven’t thought about their experience, to be honest,” she said during a November 2021 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers .

Scroll down to see what Swift’s exes have said about her over the years:

Credit: Shutterstock (3)

Taylor Swift's Exes Most Candid Quotes About Their Relationships and Her Songwriting

Taylor Swift 's exes have been very vocal about whether or not they enjoy being the singer’s muses. Swift’s 10-month-long relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal is heavily rumored to be the inspiration behind the breakup song “All Too Well” from 2012’s Red . When asked about his ex in a March 2017 interview with The Guardian , Gyllenhaal gave the outlet a cryptic response. “I think when you're in a relationship, you are constantly scrutinized, your friends are scrutinized, but ... I would love to not talk about my personal life," he said at the time. (Gyllenhaal and Swift’s romance faced backlash over their nine-year age gap as she was 20 years old and he was 29.) Swift, for her part, revealed that she doesn’t necessarily take her exes’ opinions into account when writing music. "I haven't thought about their experience, to be honest," she said during a November 2021 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers . Scroll down to see what Swift's exes have said about her over the years:

Credit: Getty Images (2)

Matty Healy

Several tracks on Swift’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department , are rumored to be about her romance with The 1975 frontman, which included brief flings in 2014 and 2023. While Swift seemingly defends their controversial relationship on the track “But Daddy I Love Him,” she also appears to slam Healy’s behavior in the song “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.”

Days after TTPD’s April 2024 release, Healy was asked how he felt about his “diss track” by Swift. “Oh,” he began before breaking into a laugh in a video obtained by Entertainment Tonight . “I haven’t really listened to that much of it but I’m sure it’s good.”

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

Alwyn, who won a Grammy award for his credits on Folkore ’s “Betty” and “Exile,” opened up about how being a part of Swift’s music came to fruition. “[It was] the most accidental thing to happen in lockdown,” he told GQ Hype in May 2022. “It was just messing around on a piano and singing badly and being overheard and then thinking, you know, what if we tried to get to the end of it together? It was fun to do together, and I was proud of it. It was nice getting such a positive reception.” That same month, he explained why he initially chose to be credited on the album under a pseudonym during an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show . “We chose to do it so the people, first and foremost, would listen to the music first before dissecting the fact that we did it together,” he explained. “We did it under the name William Bowery … Very fancy. It sounds like a kind of Agatha Christie character that should be wearing a monocle with a big mustache.” He continued, “It was a combination of William … my great-grandfather — who I actually never met — [who] was a composer. He wrote a lot of classical music, and he wrote a lot of film scores,” Alwyn added. “And then Bowery is the area in New York that I spent a lot of time in when I first moved over there. So I stuck them together.”

Harry Styles

Styles previously gushed over Swift's songwriting on 1989 , an album many fans believe is based on their relationship. "We always say we write from personal experience and I think everyone does so it would be hypocritical of us to be like 'Oh, you can't write songs,'" he said in a 2014 Google+ hangout. "And she's really good, so they're really good songs. So I'm lucky in that sense."

Three years later, Styles reflected on the 2012 photos taken of him and Swift  together in New York City that initially linked them romantically. “Relationships are hard, at any age. And adding in that you don't really understand exactly how it works when you're 18, trying to navigate all that stuff didn't make it easier,” he told Rolling Stone in 2017. “I mean, you're a little bit awkward, to begin with. ...  It was a learning experience for sure. But at the heart of it ... I just wanted it to be a normal date.”

During a May 2022 interview with Howard Stern , Styles was asked if his upcoming song “Daylight” referenced any connection to Swift, who penned a song with the same name.

“You know I’d love to tell you you’re spot-on, but you’re not,” the "Watermelon Sugar" singer claimed after Stern accused him of "smiling" at the question. “We will always wonder.”

The U.K. native went on to say that the song was about a particular woman who had not responded to his affections the way he had anticipated.

Credit: INFphoto.com

Jake Gyllenhaal

Gyllenhaal has often shut down questions about his history with Swift, playing coy about their past. When asked during a September 2017 Facebook Q&A if he thought Swift would write "a country song" about him, he reluctantly teased, "She's sort of moved more into pop now."

After Red (Taylor's Version) dropped in November 2021, a cat believed to be owned by Gyllenhaal weighed in on the 10-minute version of "All Too Well," noting in an Instagram post, "MEOUCH — y'all need to clam [sic] down and stop cyber bullying."

Four months later, Gyllenhaal was asked directly about the track, telling Esquire , “It has nothing to do with me. It’s about her relationship with her fans. It is her expression. Artists tap into personal experiences for inspiration, and I don’t begrudge anyone that.”

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

Calvin Harris

"It's very difficult when something I consider so personal plays out very publicly," the DJ told British GQ three months after his June 2016 split from the "Begin Again" singer. "The aftermath of the relationship was way more heavily publicized than the relationship itself. When we were together, we were very careful for it not to be a media circus. She respected my feelings in that sense. I'm not good at being a celebrity."

Credit: Amanda Schwab/Starpix/Shutterstock

Two years after Swift penned 2010's "Dear John" about their short-lived romance, Mayer told Rolling Stone  he was "humiliated" by the track, calling it "cheap songwriting" to directly reference an ex. However, his stance later seemed to have changed.

"It made me feel terrible," he added. "Because I didn't deserve it. I'm pretty good at taking accountability now, and I never did anything to deserve that. It was a really lousy thing for her to do. ... I was really caught off guard, and it really humiliated me at a time when I'd already been dressed down. I mean, how would you feel if, at the lowest you've ever been, someone kicked you even lower?"

However, his stance later seemed to have changed. "I don't think it's a dirty admission. Sometimes, a song is so good, I go, ‘Man, I hope that’s about me.' ...  I'll check everyone's music out. I'm a fan," he told Andy Cohen in February 2021.

Later that year, a source exclusively told Us that Mayer would no longer “make any public comments directly related to her songs or album,” adding, “It’s coming back to haunt him.”

Credit: BDG/Shutterstock

Taylor Lautner

"It was a good time. It was a fun few months there," the Twilight actor joked in a 2016 Facebook Live with Lea Michele and John Stamos , who brought up his past romance with his Valentine's Day costar. "I don't know why you guys want to talk about it. That's what she does. She writes songs. It's good music. I listen to it."

In May 2023, Lautner joked to Today.com that he felt “safe” compared to Swift’s ex Mayer following news of Swift’s Speak Now album rerecording . Swift sang apologetically about her romance with Lautner on the 2012 track “Back to December,” while the song “Dear John” seemingly slammed her brief relationship with Mayer.

“Praying for John,” the Scream Queens alum joked.

Later that month, Lautner put his words into action, as his wife, Taylor Dome , shared a video of him praying while listening to “Dear John” via TikTok .

Tom Hiddleston

The viral 2016 photos of "Hiddleswift" had some fans wondering whether the relationship was all for show, but the Marvel star insisted there was nothing fake about it. "Of course it was real," the British actor told GQ in 2017. "Taylor is an amazing woman. She's generous and kind and lovely, and we had the best time. I only know the woman I met. She’s incredible."

Credit: Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

"That's part of being a musician, I guess. You write songs about each other," the Disney alum told Access Hollywood in 2015, seven years after he dated Swift. "She’s great. Yeah, we're friends. In this industry, you meet a lot of people and you stay in touch. Obviously, it's tough to be friends with people that are always constantly traveling, but yeah, we're cool."

In 2020, Swift included a line on Folklore 's "Invisible String" about sending former flames presents for their babies, which fans believed to be about Jonas' daughter, Willa, who he shares with wife Sophie Turner . 

The MacGyver alum sparked a brief romance with the Cats actress after he starred in her 2009 music video for "You Belong With Me." Later that year, he told MTV,  "We dated for a little bit. But there was no friction because we were too nice. We just really both liked each other, [but] most relationships work out 'cause you get along and then you don't, and then you make up and it's passionate, and with us, I really just liked her as a friend. That's the only reason that [it] didn't work out." 

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Taylor Swift's new album 'The Tortured Poets Department' is packed with references and Easter eggs. Here are the key details you may have missed.

• Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" is rich with complex lyrics and subtle references.
• Swift said she curated "a summary of my findings" after two successive heartbreaks.
• Keep reading for a track-by-track breakdown of the album, including Easter eggs you may have missed.

Taylor Swift's new album, " The Tortured Poets Department ," may just be her most self-referential work to date.

Swift herself described the album as "a summary of my findings" after two successive heartbreaks — and a lifetime in the spotlight — full of "muses, acquired like bruises, talismans and charms."

Swift is known for lacing her music with clues about her personal life and callbacks to her previous work. Early in her career, she left messages by capitalizing certain letters in lyric booklets, incentivizing fans to examine her writing. Swift abandoned that strategy several albums ago, but make no mistake: The Easter egg hunt is still on and more extensive than ever.

Keep reading for a breakdown of the standard tracklist, including key lyrics and themes.

"Fortnight" introduces the album's fatalistic themes.

The first single " Fortnight ," which features Post Malone , muddles romantic memories with anguished delusions.

"There are lots of very dramatic lines about life or death, like, 'I love you, it's ruining my life,'" Swift explained in a series for Amazon Music. "These are very hyperbolic, dramatic things to say. It's that kind of album."

"I was supposed to be sent away, but they forgot to come and get me," Swift sings to set everything in motion.

This lyric seems to pick up where " Midnights ," Swift's previous album, left off. The "Til Dawn" deluxe edition ends with " Hits Different ," a song about heartbreak's grisly aftermath: "Is that your key in the door? / Is it OK? Is it you? / Or have they come to take me away?"

The "Fortnight" music video makes this allusion explicit, opening with Swift trapped in an asylum . This imagery will reappear in track 10, "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" ("You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me").

"Fortnight" also introduces themes of fatalism and violence. In the chorus, Swift seems to suffer hallucinations: She imagines her ex becoming her neighbor and fantasizes about killing his wife. She also wants to kill her own cheating husband (who doesn't exist), possibly as a callback to the " Evermore " murder epic " No Body, No Crime ."

In the song's outro, Post Malone sings, "Another fortnight lost in America / Move to Florida," foreshadowing Swift's feverish meltdown in track eight, "Florida!!!"

"The Tortured Poets Department" contains a tragic reference to marriage.

Most references in the title track are obvious by design. Matty Healy is likely the one depicted as a "tattooed golden retriever" while Charlie Puth gets an explicit shoutout , as do the iconic poets Dylan Thomas and Patti Smith .

The song's third verse, however, is slightly more layered.

"At dinner, you take my ring off my middle finger / And put it on the one people put wedding rings on," Swift sings.

The prospect of marriage is a recurring motif in Swift's discography, dating all the way back to " Mary's Song (Oh My My My) " (2006) and " Love Story " (2008). The title track from 2019's " Lover " was written to resemble a wedding song. In that same album, Swift pledges to marry her partner with " paper rings ."

Her recent works have explored a more nuanced, cynical view of the institution. The 2020 album "Evermore" was full of apathy and betrayal , which Swift described as an "anthology of marriages gone bad." In the "Midnights" opener " Lavender Haze ," Swift denounced domesticity as "the 1950s shit they want from me."

Swift obviously has ambivalent feelings about marriage, but when a ring is dangled in " The Tortured Poets Department ," Swift is overjoyed: "That's the closest I've come to my heart exploding."

As the album progresses, it becomes clear the gesture wasn't sincere. In context, this scene becomes one of casual cruelty , rather than romance.

"My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys" is a metaphor for feeling used and neglected by a lover.

" My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys " is one of two songs on the standard tracklist written solely by Swift .

Swift compares herself to a toy, "the sickest army doll," possibly as a nod to the "Midnights" vault track " You're Losing Me " ("My face was gray, but you wouldn't admit that we were sick … And all I did was bleed as I tried to be the bravest soldier").

Meanwhile, she compares her past lovers to male Barbies , singing, "I felt more when we played pretend / Than with all the Kens." She previously used this metaphor in "Hits Different" ("I used to switch out these Kens, I'd just ghost").

Another line in the chorus, "He saw forever so he smashed it up," recalls the scathing "Fearless" standout " Forever & Always " ("Did I say something way too honest, made you run and hide / Like a scared little boy?").

"Down Bad" compares love bombing to alien abduction.

" Down Bad " opens with a surreal depiction of getting " love bombed ," which occurs when a new partner lavishes attention before abruptly leaving.

Swift sings of getting beamed up by an alien spaceship, where she's enveloped in "a cloud of sparkling dust" and embraced as "the chosen one." But in retrospect, she realizes it was only an experiment.

"For a moment, I knew cosmic love / Now I'm down bad crying at the gym" she sings.

Swift uses this juxtaposition to illustrate the outcome of her breakup: She was exposed to a glittering universe, but when her cosmic lover left, she was forced to return to her miserable normality. She underscores this point in the chorus: "Staring at the sky, come back and pick me up."

Another line, "Down bad, waking up in blood," seems to borrow reddish imagery from " Maroon " ("I wake with your memory over me").

She also flips a line from the "1989" bonus track " New Romantics " so that "Leave me stranded, it's so romantic" becomes the exact opposite plea: "How dare you think it's romantic leaving me safe and stranded?"

Most interestingly, Swift repeatedly refers to her lost lover as her "twin," recalling a key lyric in the "Evermore" bonus track "It's Time to Go " ("Not a twin from your dreams / She's a crook who was caught").

"So Long, London" is brimming with references to Joe Alwyn.

Swift employs a double entendre in " So Long, London ," so the title is used to bid farewell to her lover and to connote the length of their relationship. The city is almost certainly a reference to Joe Alwyn , Swift's ex-boyfriend of six years, for whom she relocated to London in 2016 .

"I kept calm and carried the weight of the rift," Swift sings in the first verse, nodding to the British wartime slogan " Keep Calm and Carry On ."

She continues to detail her relationship's slow demise: "I stopped trying to make him laugh." This could be a callback to " Mirrorball ," the seventh track on " Folklore " ("I'm still on that tightrope / I'm still trying everything to get you laughing at me").

The song contains several parallels to "You're Losing Me," including the lines "I stopped CPR, after all it's no use" ("I can't find a pulse, my heart won't start anymore for you") and "How much sad did you think I had?" ("How long could we be a sad song 'til we were too far gone to bring back to life?").

Once again, Swift includes a notable reference to marriage, singing, "You swore that you loved me / But where were the clues? / I died on the altar waiting for the proof." Similarly, in "You're Losing Me," she implies hope for a proposal that would never come ("I wouldn't marry me either").

The altar also doubles as a reference to religious sacrifice, which Swift exploits in the following line: "You sacrificed us to the gods of your bluest days."

Alwyn has long been associated with the color blue in Swift's songwriting, as in " Delicate " ("Oh damn, never seen that color blue"), "Paper Rings" ("I'm with you even if it makes me blue"), and " Peace " ("Don't want no other shade of blue but you").

Finally, in the outro, Swift delivers the final tragic blow: "Had a good run / A moment of warm sun / But I'm not the one."

After Swift's split from Alwyn made headlines last year, she swapped the love song "Invisible String" on The Eras Tour setlist for " The 1 ," an existential breakup ballad ("It would've been fun / If you would've been the one").

"But Daddy I Love Him" is the spiritual successor of "Love Story."

" But Daddy I Love Him " is a grandiose declaration of love, painting Swift as a melodramatic and rebellious heroine.

"I'm telling him to floor it through the fences / No, I'm not coming to my senses," she sings in the chorus, conjuring the image of " Getaway Car ." "I know he's crazy but he's the one I want."

Swift sounds like the character she played as a teenager in "Love Story" ("Romeo save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel / This love is difficult, but it's real") and even acknowledges this resemblance, making note of her enduring immaturity: "Growing up precocious sometimes means not growing up at all."

After the brutal bridge, in which Swift seems to condemn her own fans as "judgmental creeps," she employs a classic Swiftian twist at the final hour.

Much like the final chorus in "Love Story" ("I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress"), "But Daddy I Love Him" ends with Swift's character earning parental approval ("Now I'm dancing in my dress in the sun and / Even my daddy just loves him") and the promise of marriage ("Time, doesn't it give some perspective / No, you can't come to the wedding").

In the outro, Swift repeats a prickly lyric from the bridge, reveling in her happy ending: "If all you want is gray for me / Then it's just white noise, and it's just my choice."

Swift has repeatedly used black, white, and gray as a metaphor for common fare, while color is used to signal an intense and extraordinary love , as in " Out of the Woods " ("The rest of the world was black and white / But we were in screaming color") and " Illicit Affairs " ("You showed me colors you know I can't see with anyone else"). She has also described herself as "like a rainbow with all of the colors" in the 2019 single " Me! "

"Fresh Out the Slammer" is the first blush of freedom after a stifling relationship.

Swift cites this song title in the album's "Summary Poem," which is included with physical copies.

"And so I was out of the oven and into the microwave / Out of the slammer and into a tidal wave," she writes. The couplet refers to her exit from a long-term relationship and hasty leap into a new one.

And so " Fresh Out the Slammer " introduces the album's outlaw trilogy, followed by "Guilty as Sin?" and "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)."

These songs use twangy guitar and criminal imagery to tell the tale of two ill-fated lovers on the run, evading capture and common sense. (The dynamic recalls " Cowboy Like Me ").

The first verse of "Fresh Out the Slammer" seems to run through a litany of references to previous songs in Swift's catalog. "Splintered back in winter" is an echo of the cabin creaks in " Evermore ," while "Silent dinners, bitter" is an apt summary of " Tolerate It ."

"Gray and blue and fights and tunnels" is a likely nod to Swift's gray face in "You're Losing Me," juxtaposed with Alwyn's blue eyes.

"Handcuffed to the spell I was under / For just one hour of sunshine" is a clear callback to the "moment of warm sun" described in "So Long, London."

In the second verse, Swift seems to recall The Eras Tour kicking off last year with "camera flashes, welcome bashes." (It marked her first series of live shows since 2018).

Shortly after the tour began, Swift's breakup with Alwyn was reported. "Get the matches, toss the ashes off the ledge," she sings, drawing a parallel with " Ivy " and its passionate scenes of infidelity ("It's a goddamn blaze in the dark / And you started it").

In the final verse, Swift's new lover calls her " the girl of his American Dreams ." The album isn't ordered chronologically, so we already have an inkling this will all fall apart, thanks to the foreshadowing in track one ("Another fortnight lost in America").

She then draws a parallel between their long-awaited reunion (" Now, pretty baby, I'm running / To the house where you still wait up and that porch light gleams") and the young lovers from the "Folklore" love triangle, James and Betty , calling back to " Cardigan " specifically ("I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired / And you'd be standing in my front porch light").

Swift also refers back to the mock wedding scene in the title track. After getting out of jail, she sits in the open air with her paramour, "wearing imaginary rings."

"Florida!!!" was partially inspired by "Dateline."

" Florida!!! " is positioned as the aftermath of "Fresh Out the Slammer."

At this point in the story, Swift's character is either a fugitive or a convicted criminal with newfound freedom. So naturally, she runs away to a swampy town in no man's land.

"People have these crimes that they commit. Where do they immediately skip town and go to? They go to Florida," Swift explained in the Amazon Music series. "They try to reinvent themselves, have a new identity, blend in."

Swift and Florence Welch, who's a cowriter and featured artist, describe Florida as "one hell of a drug," teasing out their destructive impulses.

"Me and my ghosts, we had a hell of a time / Yes, I'm haunted, but I'm feeling just fine," Welch sings, an apparent nod to Swift's hit single "Anti-Hero" ("When my depression works the graveyard shift, all of the people I've ghosted stand there in the room"). Additionally, " Haunted " is the title of a track from "Speak Now."

Welch also includes a winking callback to Swift's murder fantasy in "Fortnight" ("And your cheating husband disappeared, well / No one asks any questions here").

Bonus detail: Emma Stone, Swift's close friend of many years , is credited in the liner notes for "oddities" under her birth name Emily Jean Stone .

"Guilty as Sin?" rewinds the clock, exposing Swift's illicit fantasies.

" Guilty as Sin? " is the second track in the outlaw trilogy, though chronologically, it seems to precede "Fresh Out the Slammer."

Swift opens the song by name-checking The Blue Nile's 1989 single " The Downtown Lights ." Not only was the song released during her birth year, but according to Healy, it served as an inspiration for The 1975's political anthem " Love It If We Made It ."

"Drowning in the Blue Nile / He sent me 'Downtown Lights' / I hadn't heard it in a while," she sings.

In this verse, it's clear that Swift is still in a committed relationship, though she admits, "My boredom's bone deep / This cage was once just fine." So instead, she dreams of "cracking locks," underscoring the song's connection to "Fresh Out the Slammer" ("Years of labor, locks and ceilings").

Swift ponders: "I'm seeing visions, am I bad? / Or mad? Or wise?"

The word "mad" is particularly loaded, appearing previously in two "Folklore" tracks: " The Last Great American Dynasty " ("There goes the maddest woman this town has ever seen") and, of course, " Mad Woman ."

In the chorus, Swift sketches out her private fantasies of another man: "What if he's written 'mine' on my upper thigh / Only in my mind?" Again, the word " Mine " carries weight as the title of a beloved "Speak Now" single.

In the second verse, Swift confesses, "I keep these longings locked / In lowercase inside a vault." This is a clear nod to her "Taylor's Version" series . These albums are rerecorded and rereleased with extra songs attached, labeled "from the vault," meaning they were cut from the original albums. The implication is that Swift has written songs about this person before, but chose not to release them at the time.

In the final verse, Swift portrays her desire as sacrilege ("What if the way you hold me / Is actually what's holy?"), much like she does in the "Lover" track " False God ."

"Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is a theatrical vignette of fame — and the toll it exacts.

" Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? " is almost certainly a reference to "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" — a 1962 play written by Edward Albee — which is itself a reference to the 1933 Disney song "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?"

According to Albee , the play's title is another way of saying, "Who's afraid of living life without false illusions?" Because Woolf made her name writing stream-of-consciousness poetry, the threat she poses is not one of violence, but vulnerability.

Ablee's dark comedy follows a dysfunctional couple who delude themselves, each other, and the audience in order to cope with their feelings of frustration and inadequacy. While everything unfolds onstage, it's never quite clear who's lying about what.

Swift toys with the same concept throughout "The Tortured Poets Department," blurring the line between truth and illusion . Her emotional reactions seem to eclipse the literal events, especially in "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?"

Swift uses dark, potentially violent images — gallows, asylums, bullets — to communicate the pain of stardom and scandal. Swift has been famous since she was a teenager and the constant public scrutiny has taken its toll. By the end of the song, public perception and personal reality seem to overlap.

"You caged me and then you called me crazy," she sings in the outro. "I am what I am 'cause you trained me."

For those keeping track, that's the third cage reference in this album (following "But Daddy I Love Him" and '"Guilty as Sin?") and the seventh in her overall discography (following " I Know Places ," " So It Goes… ", " This Is Me Trying ," and " Midnight Rain "). In the album's "Summary Poem," Swift also refers to herself as a "caged beast" who was driven to do "the most curious things."

But the song's many parallels don't end there. In the 1966 "Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf?" film adaptation, Elizabeth Burton stars as the boozy, bitter wife ("I'm always drunk on my tears," Swift sings, "Isn't that what they all say?") opposite Richard Burton's sad-sack husband.

Swift previously referenced these actors and their torrid real-life love affair in her "Reputation" single " …Ready For It? " ("You can be my jailer, Burton to this Taylor").

"I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)" portends the end of Swift's unruly relationship.

" I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) " concludes the album's outlaw trilogy. Swift begins to acknowledge issues with her lover's behavior, like him chain-smoking cigarettes and making "revolting" jokes.

"I can fix him, no, really, I can / And only I can," Swift pledges in the chorus, echoing the conspiratorial tone of the title track ("Who else decodes you?" "Who's gonna know you, if not me?")

In the bridge, Swift coaxes her partner in crime to behave: "I'll show you heaven / If you'll be an angel all night / Trust me, I can handle me a dangerous man."

Indeed, Swift has demonstrated an attraction to danger, as in " Treacherous " ("This hope is treacherous / I like it") and "New Romantics" ("We need love, but all we want is danger").

The final lines in the song are written thusly in the lyric booklet: "I can fix him / No, really, I can / WOAH - maybe I can't."

"Loml" is a complex study of commitment and honesty.

Just as "But Daddy I Love Him" is the spiritual successor to "Love Story," " Loml " is the spiritual successor to "The 1."

In both songs, Swift characterizes herself as a compulsive grave-digger , unable to stop reviving the past and rehashing hypotheticals. "Still alive killing time at the cemetery / Never quite buried," she sings in the chorus of "Loml," a clear callback to the "Folklore" opener ("In my defense I have none / For digging up the grave another time").

Another couplet, "You said I'm the love of your life / About a million times," may allude to the adulterous tale of "Illicit Affairs" ("They show their truth one single time / But they lie and they lie and they lie / A million little times").

Notably, "Loml" belongs to this album's anthology of imagined marriages: "You and I go from one kiss to getting married."

Swift seems to conflate the relationship's intensity with longevity, though she later undermines that very correlation: "It was legendary / It was momentary." It's possible that Swift has intentionally muddied the timeline of these events, in order to confuse real-life interpretations — or else it's a poetic device used to convey a non-linear healing process.

In the bridge, Swift sings, "You shit-talked me under the table / Talking rings and talking cradles / I wish I could unrecall how we almost had it all."

The "Folklore" gem "Peace," which Swift has said is "rooted in my personal life," uses strikingly similar language: "I talk shit with my friends, it's like I'm wasting your honor / And you know that I'd … Give you my wild, give you a child."

The bridge and final chorus include varied salutes. "I can't get out of bed 'cause something counterfeit's dead" could be connected to the "Midnights" deluxe track " Glitch " ("It must be counterfeit"), while "The coward claimed he was a lion" is probably a nod to "The Wizard of Oz." (Swift previously referenced the film in the "Karma" music video. )

"I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" is about performing through the pain, specifically during The Eras Tour.

The official lyric video for " I Can Do It With a Broken Heart " features clips of Swift on The Eras Tour, the blockbuster run of shows that boosted the US economy , inspired fervent devotion , and spawned a groundbreaking concert film , all before it was halfway done.

Behind the scenes, however, Swift didn't feel so triumphant. "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" digs into the chasm between her "glittering" onstage persona and her genuine emotional state, which takes a backseat to appease the demands of her fans.

"All the pieces of me shattered / As the crowd was chanting, 'MORE!'" Swift sings. "I was grinning like I'm winning / I was hitting my marks."

This brings to mind "Mirrorball," which paints a similar portrait of Swift as a fragile yet devoted performer: "I'll get you out on the floor / Shimmering beautiful / And when I break, it's in a million pieces."

In the chorus, Swift sarcastically intones, "I'm so depressed I act like it's my birthday / Every day."

Indeed, Swift has an iffy track record with birthdays, as evidenced by " The Moment I Knew " ("What do you say / When tears are streaming down your face / In front of everyone you know?") and the 10-minute version of " All Too Well " ("It's supposed to be fun turning 21").

The second verse deepens the connection with "All Too Well" — in particular, the fabled scarf that Swift left at her ex's sister's house .

"I keep finding his things in drawers / Crucial evidence I didn't imagine the whole thing," Swift pouts. A similar scene also occurs in "Hits Different" ("I find the artifacts, cry over a hat … I trace the evidence / Make it make some sense / Why the wound is still bleeding").

"The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" is the exact opposite of "Innocent."

The subject of " The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived " is vividly painted using physical details ("In your Jehovah's Witness suit ") and allusions to drug abuse ("You tried to buy some pills," "Sank in stoned oblivion") that seem to suggest the subject is Healy.

Swift revisits the theme of addiction in one of the album's deluxe tracks, " Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus " ("You needed me, but you needed drugs more").

Addiction is also a dominant theme in The 1975's discography. Healy has written about using cocaine (" Ugh! "), mixing pills with wine (" Playing On My Mind "), fighting an addiction to heroin (" It's Not Living ," " Medicine "), and eventually going to rehab (" Surrounded by Heads and Bodies ").

In the bridge, Swift poses a series of hypothetical questions, trying to understand her lover's rationale for leaving. She calls back to the pistol imagery from "I Can Fix Him" ("Did you sleep with a gun underneath our bed?") and draws a connection to "Fresh Out the Slammer" ("You deserve prison, but you won't get time").

"In plain sight you hid / But you are what you did," she concludes, flipping a line from " Innocent " ("Who you are is not what you did").

"The Alchemy" was likely inspired by Swift's fans, not Travis Kelce.

In the first verse of " The Alchemy ," Swift revisits the asylum imagery found elsewhere on the album: "What if I told you I'm back? / The hospital was a drag / Worst sleep that I ever had."

The chorus marks her triumphant return to reality: "Ditch the clowns, get the crown / Baby, I'm the one to beat / 'Cause the sign on your heart / Said it's still reserved for me."

These lyrics are intentionally vague, using generalized metaphors to illustrate her own dominance. "The Alchemy" could be read as a kind of " Mastermind " part two — a song that celebrates her own prowess while saluting fans for sticking by her side.

In the second verse, Swift declares, "That child's play back in school / Is forgiven under my rule."

This could be another reference to The Eras Tour, whose setlist includes songs like " Fearless " and " You Belong With Me " that Swift wrote as a high schooler.

Swift has been widely praised for allowing fans to reclaim their "girlhood" and creating a safe space for "cringe" at her concerts.

"Cringe is unavoidable over a lifetime," Swift said in 2022 during her NYU commencement address . "I had a phase where, for the entirety of 2012, I dressed like a 1950s housewife. But you know what? I was having fun. Trends and phases are fun. Looking back and laughing is fun."

Some fans have attempted to connect "The Alchemy" to Swift's current boyfriend, Travis Kelce , suggesting the bridge was written after he won the Super Bowl in February: "Where's the trophy? / He just comes running over to me."

However, according to the liner notes, "The Alchemy" was copyrighted in 2023, so this theory is implausible.

"Clara Bow" is a meta critique of the music industry.

Swift explained in the Amazon Music series that " Clara Bow " was inspired by real conversations she had with label executives as a child.

"They'd say, 'You know, you remind us of,' and then they'd name an artist, and then they'd kind of say something disparaging about her," Swift said. "That's how we teach women to see themselves, as like, 'You could be the new replacement for this woman who's done something great before you.'"

To illustrate her point, Swift creates characters who name-drop "It Girl" flapper Clara Bow and Stevie Nicks. (Nicks even wrote an introductory poem for this album, included in physical copies.)

At the end of the song, Swift adds her own name to this succession: "You look like Taylor Swift / In this light / We're loving it / You've got edge / She never did." Remember, in "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" we learn that Swift's handlers "took out all her teeth." Now, industry executives mock her for not having enough "edge."

Throughout the album, Swift seems to argue that public critique, at least at her level of superstardom, is a self-fulfilling prophecy. She's steeling herself for the day of reckoning, when she's outstripped by a younger, edgier starlet.

Swift previously expressed her fear of being discarded and replaced in the "Red" vault track " Nothing New " ("She'll know the way and then she'll say she got the map from me / I'll say I'm happy for her, then I'll cry myself to sleep").

Given the array of young stars who've already cited Swift as an influence , it's very possible the conversation she outlines in "Clara Bow" has already happened.

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