Who is Taylor Swift’s “Style” about?
In "Style", Taylor Swift deploys an assortment of sharp, vivid symbols to create an evocative narrative. The song, taken from her 2014 album "1989", features characters so distinctive that they've spurred much debate amongst fans and critics alike. These characters can be seen as a product of various influences – from Swift's own life experiences, to wider pop culture, literary, and historical inspirations.
Starting with Swift's personal life, it's no secret that the singer often draws on her past relationships to fuel her songwriting. Fans have speculated – and Swift herself has given weight to these theories – that "Style" is about her relationship with Harry Styles of One Direction fame. This interpretation is largely based on the titular pun on Styles' surname and several pointed references that seem to fit their known history. The mention of a "white t-shirt" could be linked to Styles' fashion, while the "long hair, slicked back" image is reminiscent of his distinctive look at the time. It's worth noting, however, that Swift never names her muses explicitly, inviting listeners to apply their own interpretations and experiences to her narratives.
Diving into the world of pop culture, the male protagonist is depicted with a "James Dean daydream look." Here, Swift pulls from the American cultural canon to imbue her character with a rebellious allure. James Dean, who embodied the brooding, charismatic "bad boy" in Hollywood's Golden Age, is a powerful symbol of romantic danger and heartbreak – echoing the tempestuous relationship detailed in the song.
The female protagonist – presumably Swift herself – is described in equally rich terms, with symbols like "red lip classic thing" and "good girl faith." These might be seen as Swift's self-aware nods to her own public image and how it evolved from her early country career into her pop era.
However, the world of "Style" isn't just made up of real-life figures and pop culture icons. Literary and historical symbols also abound. The continuous cycle of breaking up and reuniting may recall the star-crossed lovers of countless tales, while the "long drive" that "could end in burning flames or paradise" has echoes of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" – the notion of a journey with an uncertain end.
In the final analysis, the characters in "Style" are a complex blend of Swift's personal experiences, cultural references, and time-honored narrative tropes. They may draw from real people in Swift's life, but they extend beyond these specifics, embodying the universal experiences of love, heartbreak, and the compelling allure of what might not be good for us. As ever with Swift's music, it's the emotional resonance of her storytelling that truly defines the song and its characters.
