From ‘Shake It Off’ to ‘All the Way’ and beyond, Taylor Swift’s iconic lyrics have taught us a thing or two about love. Her music has inspired fans to stand up for themselves, embrace their own individuality, and live life on their own terms. Her ability to relate to her audience is one of the reasons she continues to dominate pop culture, with a reach that transcends her musical output and has even extended to influence fashion, voting habits, and even professional football viewership through what’s known as the Taylor Effect.
Although Taylor’s story may be more dramatic than most, she isn’t immune to the struggles of young love and has shared countless songs about her personal experiences. Her first break through came after she performed at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe and caught the attention of Scott Borchetta, who later founded Big Machine Records. Swift’s first self-titled album was released in 2006 and topped the Billboard 200, selling over two million copies in the United States.
Throughout the album, she explores her own insecurities and reveals that she’s been hurt by people who thought they knew her best. She ends the song with a promise to be there for anyone who needs her, which is a perfect reminder that there’s more to someone than their superficial characteristics.
The piano ballad ‘Closure’ is another Taylor classic that speaks to the power of forgiveness, despite what some people may think. The track is often assumed to be about Jake Gyllenhaal, who was dating Taylor at the time. Regardless of the specifics, the lyrics are truly heart-wrenching and will leave you with a tear in your eye.
On ‘Better Than Revenge’, Taylor sings about how her exes have helped her grow into the person she is today. She’s learned how to trust herself and take her time in relationships, so when things don’t work out, she doesn’t hold on to the past or allow it to define her future. She is able to move on with confidence and find new love that’s worth waiting for.
For her sixth studio album, Red, Taylor shifted gears and explored deeper emotions through her lyrics. She also embraced a more bold pop sound, which made for her most successful record to date. The album’s first week sales were over a million, setting a record for female pop artists. ‘You Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ was the most popular single of her career and earned her her second Grammy award for best country solo performance.
The album itself was a return to the themes of young love and the complexities of sustaining long-term relationships. It was followed by 2020’s Folklore and 2024’s Midnights, which was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and is described as her most ruminative and intimate work to date.
