It resulted in my in-depth analysis of 11 of her most iconic lyrics to match her (then) 11 Grammy titles.
So in light of Swift’s eleventh studio album release (Midnights), but more so in honour of the start of her ‘Eras’ tour, I am going to do a further top six Swift lyrics to celebrate the sixth months of touring the Pennsylvania pioneer is about to undertake.
6. ‘Anti-hero’— Midnights (2022)
“Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism / Like some kind of congressman? (Tale as old as time)”
The wordplay is immaculate. There’s other lyrics in this song of deep self-reflection and imposter syndrome that are far more emotionally poignant, but this is just brilliant. Every word is both scathing and scintillating against an upbeat backing track to give listeners an easy in for heartfelt sing alongs.
And bonus points for this not-so-subtle dig at the political milieu of deceit and feigned care that we sadly live in today - viva Swift!
5. ‘The Best Day’ — Fearless (2008)
“I don't know why all the trees change in the fall / But I know you're not scared of anything at all”
This song is a gorgeous tribute to Swift’s father, and the entire piece is bursting at the seams with nostalgia. It calls to memory all the laughs and smiles that we have with our family, and makes you want to pick up the phone and tell the people you care about how much you love them.
It's a perfect autumnal listen and one of Swift's more sensory songs, you can almost feel the crunches of leaves and hear the giggles of the younger version of the artist in this four minute video.
The lyrics themselves put so simply how unconditional and easy love can be, and how everyone has an anchor in their lives who makes them feel like they can take on the world.
4. ‘Dancing With Our Hands Tied’ — Reputation (2017)
“I'd kiss you as the lights went out / Swaying as the room burned down / I’d hold you as the water rushes in / If I could dance with you again”
Skip to 2:24 in this song, close your eyes and just feel this lyrical river of emotion and compassion wash over you. It’s genuinely near-haunting, and captures how lovers feel like they're the only ones there no matter how crowded the room gets.
The whole world could be set alight, and it would only matter that your hand was in mine... it's a that type beat.
3. ‘illicit affairs’ — folklore (2020)
“You showed me colours / You know I can't see with anyone else […] You taught me a secret language / I can't speak with anyone else”
Are you seeing this?! This woman is insane.
The conviction and tone of the singer's voice at this point in the song says all you need to know about these lyrics. Love can be all-consuming, irrespective of its potentially amazing or potentially awful nature.
This song is all about being the spare part in someone's games, wrapped up in love and infatuation regardless of how much they've reduced you to a part-time hobby and full-time chess piece.
The person involved with these illicit affairs is strung along and plunged into an all-consuming world of colours and languages that they can only paint with and conjugate alongside the other. But to the instigator it's just another hue and another sentence that they will speak with anyone they decide to.
A soul-destroying set of lyrics.
2. ‘You’re On Your Own, Kid’ — Midnights (2022)
“From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes / I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this / I hosted parties and starved my body / Like I'd be saved by a perfect kiss”
If anyone’s ever experienced feelings of loneliness or like they just can't seem to fit in no matter how hard they try — this is the song for you.
The numerous versions of ourselves we mould and remould in the hopes of one person laughing at our joke, or another remembering our name when they see us in faded streetlights is at the centre of ‘You’re On Your Own, Kid’.
The lyrics are hypnotising and provide a snapshot into the singer's life of struggling with likability and a real sense of self, as this song acts as a sequel and counterpart to folklore's 'mirrorball'.
It's a realistic and vulnerable portrayal of how at some points in our lives we may never feel worthy of those around us, and can be 100 different shades of ourselves within the space of one evening just to feel accepted.
“One night he wakes / Strange look on his face / Pauses, then says / You’re my best friend”
Quite literally no words can testify to the beauty of this song. The slow, melodic, heart beat-wound instrumental alone is enough to reduce me to tears in any public space, and the lyrics vocalise that part of your chest that only one person could ever seem to touch.
You can feel the depths of night whispers and deep, longing, stares that you can see better at midnight in these lyrics.
The lyrics are so simple, and that is why they are so beautiful; love is the same way.
Taylor Swift, you are a legend.
