When Taylor Swift comes out with a new album, you can expect the music to be about one of two things: songs about love or songs about heart break. This album doesn’t break that pattern, but the breakdown of love songs to songs about heart break is definitely different. Instead of a vast majority of the tracks being about love, they are about heart break and getting over it. Despite this change, Taylor doesn’t disappoint her fans.
Taylor Swift has gotten older, and now her songs have followed her. Since she is the same age as most college students, girls on campus can easily relate to the lyrics easily. Instead of sing about being a high school freshman and getting your heart broke, like in Fifteen, she conveys the dilemma of being at a wedding, where the groom is marrying the wrong woman. While many people in college haven’t gotten married yet, it is bound to start happening soon. How would you feel, if you decided to stand up when the priest said, “Speak Now, or forever hold your peace?” The more adult topics discussed will draw in an older crowd; but this is not the only audience Taylor Swift is speaking to.
Two songs off this new album seem to be targeted at the younger audience, yet her older audience can still relate to what she is saying. These songs are “Mean” and “Better than Revenge.” The lyrics include child-like saying that we can remember from childhood. For instance, in “Mean” the chorus says, “Someday I’ll be living in a big ole city and all you’re ever going to be is mean.” Remember calling someone a big Meany, and being so proud of yourself? “Better than Revenge” also has a hint of child-like lyrics, but is more on the adult side of Taylor Swift. It is about stealing someone’s significant other, yet she says, “Soon she’s going to realize that stealing other people’s toys on the playground won’t make you many friends.” These childish lyrics give you the air that Taylor is still growing up; that is what makes her fans love her. She’s easy to relate to.
Besides songs about love and heartbreak, Taylor Swift hits upon something that she never has really addressed before: childhood and growing up. Yes, she’s talked about it before, but not while looking at someone else. In “Never Grow Up,” she seems to be talking to someone else that is still a baby in her eyes. She says “Oh darling, never grow up, it could stay this simple.” For once, she is addressing someone who isn’t a love interest, but instead someone that she cares about.
This album is definitely something that any country, or even pop fan, should pick up. Taylor Swift surely doesn’t disappoint her fans, and she’s beginning to target an older audience. If you’ve ever been in love, or have had your heart broken, you will understand where she is coming from.
