What I’m doing—listening to all of Taylor Swift’s albums in chronological order for the first time. My deadline is October 2nd so I can experience her new album on the 3rd with the rest of her fandom.
I just finished listening to “Fearless” and I can definitely tell the transition to a more pop sound is happening. I could instantly recognize the songs that were big radio singles. Overall, I noticed the lyrics are starting to be a little less literal and are beginning to be more poetic and literary. I recently bought a book about the stories behind each of her songs. I’ll go back and read it for this album tomorrow. I’m sure a lot of my questions will be answered by it.
Here are my thoughts and reflections on each song that I wrote down as I was listening to them:
1. Fearless: Already sounds less country. Trying to resist, giving in, getting lost in the moment. Lighthearted and carefree. Really captured what it’s like right at the beginning of a relationship, that all-consuming love kind of feeling. Sweet song.
2. Fifteen: Let me preface this song by saying I got so excited as I listened because this song perfectly captures what it has been like for me going back through 30 years of my journals and reading what I was thinking and feeling around the time I started high school.
1st day of school? Ah, starting high school. Yep, heard this before. I love that line! “This is life before you know who you’re gonna be.” That’s how we all were in high school. Didn’t know our future. High school loves felt so serious and forever. I legit thought I was going to marry name edited. “Makes your head spin ‘round”. Yeah, that’s those teenage hormones, lol! “In your life you’ll do things greater than dating the boy of the football team.” Yes! This is talking to your younger self like I feel I’m doing by reading my old journals! “Wish you could go back and tell yourself what you know now”. She’s singing at her young age what I’m realizing and doing at 43. Is there a story about the name Abigail?
*She wrote this one by herself.
3. Love Story: definitely from the radio. Really listening to it now. Parallel with Romeo & Juliet. Smart! She was a scarlet letter, Wow! Double literary reference. Juliet’s pleading with Romeo, was it reversed in the actual play? Romeo & Juliet with a happy ending! Love the changed ending!
*Only writer on this one too.
4. Hey Stephen: Feels very casual, telling him how she feels ,very positive, if only it was that easy. Is there a real Stephen? She’s praising him too (“never seen nobody shine the way you do”), deeper than just looking like an angel. Dimming the street lights, the whole song she says he shines…nice. “Would they write a song for you?” I smiled and laughed a little at that line and she did too. Aw! She’s adorable!
Why Taylor Swift vs. Taylor Alison Swift on the ones where she’s a solo writer?
5. White Horse: Is she talking to herself? Not a good relationship. Realized the truth about a guy. Very melodic, calm song for her message to him. I’d have more attitude in my delivery, she’s very calm about it. Putting it behind her.
6. You Belong With Me: Definitely know this one. What girl doesn’t think this about a boy at some point? I thought that about name edited and name edited. I was on the bleachers too. I can understand why this was a radio hit. Catchy tune. Very pop-ish and teen angsty, but in a sweet, not-annoying way.
7. Breathe (with Colbie Caillat): What happened? Why is it killing her? Definitely heartbreak. A necessary heartbreak it sounds like. Sounds like she ended it. Like she’s trying to console him and give her perspective. Ok I really need the story for this one. What happened?!
8. Tell Me Why: Oh gosh! It’s so upbeat and happy sounding for telling someone off! “I’m sick and tired…” Yes! But get angry, lol! Don’t be too nice! Man, what a horrible guy!
“Put down my dreams…”
“Make me feel small”
“Your temper”
“I remember what you said”
I like the end. “Now you know”. Drop the mic!
9. You’re Not Sorry: Already with the violins…you know it’s serious. I like the rhythm of the words (“And you can tell me that you’re sorry”). She’s not putting up with anything or anyone on this album. You tell ‘em! Feel like she’s learning lessons about people and who they really are in these songs.
10. The Way I Loved You: Sounds like a mellow 90s song in the beginning before the lyrics. Interesting. She prefers the intense moments. Why was it intense? Why was she cursing his name if all these other things about him are perfect? Complicated relationship.
11. Forever & Always: Another song with heartbreak. I like the rhythm of the chorus. Interesting lyric, “It rains in your bedroom.” What does that mean? She’s standing her ground. “Back up”, “Did you forget everything?”
12. The Best Day: Lighthearted. Love this! Another growing up song! Is this about her dad or mom? Sibling? Maybe it’s about her whole family? Feels like a poem set to music. So sweet!
13. Change: Inspirational. Is the “us” her and her friends? Their time is coming. What are they fighting for? “It was the night things changed.” What happened? Powerful words, doesn’t feel intense enough.
Favorite songs from this album: Fifteen and You Belong With Me (which is ironic, given that this whole journey started because I felt kind of ‘blah’ about the songs of hers they play on the radio and this was one of them. Maybe because back then they played it SO much that it turned into background noise after a while? Now it has a different meaning as I’m really paying attention to it).
On to the next…
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