Let’s talk about the classic Taylor Swift narrative (Taylor’s Version)– she dates a bunch of guys, they become her exes, and she tears them apart in her songs. It’s like John Mayer hides when he sees her pen coming. Joe Jonas got a double dose of songs on “Fearless” and “Speak Now,” and again in the “Taylor’s Version” albums years later. And now, with Travis Kelce in the picture (rolls eyes), people are already writing scripts about her love life being doomed.
But let’s get one thing straight as we celebrate the release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift isn’t actually as ruthless to her exes as the rumors suggest. “1989” is filled with songs about lost love, but none are dripping with bitterness and revenge as we’ve come to believe.
Most of the tracks on “1989” are thought to be about her time with Harry Styles around 2012. The standout is “Style,” but there’s also “Out of the Woods,” “All You Had To Do Was Stay,” “I Know Places,” and others linked to their relationship. Even when the subject of these songs is unclear, Swift isn’t cruel or mean in her lyrics.
“Wildest Dreams” is one of her most romantic and seductive songs, where she wishes her ex-lover would remember her fondly. “Out of the Woods” is about how fame’s anxiety damaged their relationship, and she saw herself as a burden, so she set her partner free. “I Wish You Would” has her taking some blame for their breakupnd wishing they’d come back. The “meanest” of the original “1989” tracks is probably “All You Had to Do Was Stay,” but it’s mostly about how she moved on after her partner messed up. On “1989,” heartbreak is mostly seen through a rosy, pop nostalgia lens, even when it’s happening. From a distance, it’s harder to point fingers.
Remember “Blank Space” from the same album? She sang as a fictional version of herself, desperate to fill that “blank space” next to her with a man, have a whirlwind romance full of “magic, madness, heaven, sin,” and then move on to the next one. The existence of this song should have busted the man-eater myth once and for all, but nope!
The re-recorded album also includes the vault songs, and some Harry Styles fans refuse to listen to his music now because of what Swift says about him in songs like “Is It Over Now?” and “Now That We Don’t Talk.” It’s baffling because these songs are not mean. “Is It Over Now?” hints at how they both quickly moved on to other people and could’ve handled it better, but it doesn’t feel like an attack. “Now That We Don’t Talk” is filled with grief about not being friends anymore.
But it’s not just “1989.” I don’t think any of Swift’s breakup songs are as cruel as they’re made out to be. “Last Kiss” from “Speak Now” is sad but doesn’t assign blame. “Back to December” places the fault on her. Tom Hiddleston inspired fun songs on “Reputation,” and Connor Kennedy sparked the line “Nothing safe is worth the drive.” Even “Mr. Perfectly Fine” from “Fearless” isn’t as harsh as people claim. It’s just about some guy. So much of Swift’s music, especially in the “Fearless” and “Speak Now” eras, is about not settling for just anyone.
Yes, there are songs that sound pointed, like the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” about her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s got some anger but doesn’t fit the vengeful narrative. “All Too Well” is Swift’s story and her way of addressing what happened. She’s searching for answers, not trying to settle scores.
Let’s not criticize a woman for writing about her life. When she released “You’re Losing Me” in May, she expressed her pain over the end of her relationship, and some questioned why anyone would date her if she’s going to sing about it like this. But this criticism seems to be aimed mostly at women. People don’t wonder the same about guys like Styles when they release breakup songs.
In her Eras Tour, Swift sings love songs about past relationships, even recent ones. That’s a level of openness most of us can’t fathom. She turns her pain into songs that millions listen to, long after that love has faded. Her music is like therapy, helping fans cope and heal. It’s about more than just the facts of a relationship – it’s community, healing, and art. 🎵❤️📝
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