The best Taylor Swift songs about writing

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

In the realm of pop culture, Taylor Swift stands out as a force to be reckoned with. Over the past decade and a half, she has skillfully transcended genres, navigated public scrutiny, and crafted a discography that not only encapsulates the zeitgeist of modern music but also serves as a masterclass in songwriting. This article takes a closer look at Swift's discography, specifically focusing on seven songs that shine a spotlight on her narrative prowess, her ability to weave intricate storylines, and her knack for using writing as a metaphor for emotional exploration.

II. 'the last great american dynasty' from "Folklore"

The track 'the last great american dynasty' from Swift's 2020 album "Folklore" illustrates her ability to turn real-life narratives into lyrical masterpieces. The song recounts the story of Rebekah Harkness, the controversial socialite who once owned Swift's Rhode Island home. Swift tells Harkness's story with such intricate detail and nuance that one might mistake it for a short story. Consider the lyrics, "Rebekah rode up on the afternoon train, it was sunny/Her saltbox house on the coast took her mind off St. Louis/Bill was the heir to the Standard Oil name and money/And the town said, 'How did a middle-class divorcée do it?'" Swift takes the listener on a journey, painting a vivid picture of Rebekah's life with the same skill as an accomplished novelist.

III. 'exile' from "Folklore"

'Exile', another standout track from "Folklore", is a compelling demonstration of Swift's aptitude for narrative storytelling. This song, which features Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, employs perspective-switching and dialogue—tools more commonly associated with written narratives than song lyrics. The song is a conversation between two ex-lovers, and Swift uses alternating verses to allow each character to share their side of the story. The lyrics, "I think I've seen this film before/And I didn't like the ending/You're not my homeland anymore/So what am I defending now?" highlight this dialogue and perspective-switching. It's a testament to Swift's narrative songwriting capabilities that she uses such sophisticated storytelling techniques in her work.

IV. 'Blank Space' from "1989"

Moving back in Swift's discography, we arrive at 'Blank Space', a key track from her pop breakthrough album "1989". Here, Swift uses writing as a metaphor to explore her reputation for having turbulent relationships, a narrative that was often exaggerated by media outlets. Swift takes control of this narrative, casting herself as a woman who goes through lovers so quickly that she's got a "blank space" ready for the next one. The lyrics, "Got a long list of ex-lovers/They'll tell you I'm insane/But I've got a blank space, baby/And I'll write your name" are tongue-in-cheek and self-aware, demonstrating Swift's ability to use writing as a metaphor to control her narrative. This song shows Swift not just as a songwriter, but as a clever wordsmith capable of flipping the script on her critics.

V. "All Too Well" from "Red"

Often cited as one of Taylor Swift's most heart-wrenching songs, a vivid narrative that delves deep into the emotional aftermath of a relationship. Although Swift has never confirmed it, fans and critics widely speculate that the song is about her relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. The extended 10-minute version of "All Too Well" released in 2021 only added fuel to this theory. The song is an exemplar of Swift's storytelling prowess, painting detailed scenes from a past relationship that allow listeners to feel her nostalgia and heartbreak. The lyrics "And I know it's long gone, / And there was nothing else I could do / And I forget about you long enough / To forget why I needed to" perfectly encapsulate the longing and sadness that often accompany the end of a significant relationship.

VI. "Love Story" from "Fearless"

One of Swift's early hits and showcases her ability to reimagine classic narratives. The song is a reimagining of the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet, but Swift flips the script by giving the story a happy ending. This clever reinterpretation highlights Swift as a writer who can take familiar stories and imbue them with a fresh, personal twist. Lyrics like "Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone / I'll be waiting, all that's left to do is run" demonstrate how Swift reshapes the classic tale to fit her modern love story narrative.

VII. "Dear John" from "Speak Now"

Written like a letter, tying the song closely to the theme of writing. The song is rumored to be about Swift's relationship with John Mayer, although Swift has never confirmed this. The letter-writing format of the song serves as a direct and intimate form of communication with the song's subject, making the listener feel as though they're reading a personal letter. Lyrics like "Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone / Don't you think I was too young / To be messed with?" emphasize the personal and confessional nature of the song.

VIII. "I Almost Do" from "Red"

Showcases Swift's use of internal monologue, a common writing technique, to convey the struggle of wanting to reach out to an ex. The song is a poignant depiction of the internal conflict that often accompanies a breakup, with Swift expressing a desire to reconnect while also acknowledging the reasons they broke up in the first place. Lyrics like "And I just want to tell you / It takes everything in me not to call you / And I wish I could run to you / And I hope you know that every time I don't / I almost do" highlight this internal struggle and the restraint needed to avoid falling back into a broken relationship.