The one and only, Taylor Swift, just released her 10th studio album, Midnights, after announcing it at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards on October 21st. It has 13 tracks that are “the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout [her] life.” From the release of the album to the chaotic surprise at 3 a.m, this new era has been a roller coaster and the Swifties are here for it. Many say that the incredible songwriter created this as a revenge album that subtly throws shade at the people that wronged her in the past and deals with her own insecurities. Here I have listed some of my favorite songs from the album, my thoughts on them, and what might be the inspiring story behind them.
2) Maroon:
“And how the blood rushed into my cheeks, so scarlet, it was
The mark you saw on my collarbone, the rust that grew between telephones
The lips I used to call home, so scarlet, it was maroon”
“Maroon” is about a relationship that someone jumps into so fast because of an instant connection and the aftermath of it when it falls apart. Red is such an important part of Taylor’s image from her constant references to the color; it is the title of her fourth studio album and one of her recorded albums. Maroon is a deeper, mature version of red and I believe that it has the same type of songwriting as songs on the Red album. This song is a form of story-telling about a short lived relationship and it is rumored to be about Tom Hiddleston from when the two dated in 2016 after meeting at the Met Gala.
3) Anti-hero:
“It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me
At tea time, everybody agrees
I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting, always rooting for the anti-hero”
“Anti-hero” is the magnificent single off this album. Swift writes about her insecurities and self-sabotage. “This song really is a guided tour throughout all of the things I tend to hate about myself” is how she describes her inspiration for the song. The whole song and video play on her insecurities and how she thinks everyone perceives her. She portrays herself as the problem and can accept anything but her own personal issues. In the video, she is shown running and eventually coming face to face with all of the things she dislikes about herself. This song is personally one of my favorite singles of hers because of how real it makes her seem. Who knew Taylor was insecure just like every other young woman?
4) Snow on the Beach:
“Flying in a dream, stars by the pocketful
You wanting me tonight feels impossible
But it’s coming down, no sound, it’s all around
Like snow on the beach”
“Snow on the Beach” featuring Lana Del Ray is about someone finally reciprocating your feelings and it is so surprising that something is actually working out that you can’t even comprehend it. The concept of snow on the beach seems so impossible, but there is a small chance that it can happen. Someone falling in love with you at the same time you are falling in love with them appears to be so unbelievable, but there is always that possibility that it can happen. Even though Lana is brushed aside in this song, it is still a great one!
5) You’re On Your Own, Kid:
“You’re On Your Own Kid” is my personal favorite of the album. This is the fifth track on the album and the fifth tracks have a reputation of being the saddest, most heartbreaking songs. The song starts out kind of sad, but I like how it ends in a complete circle. It is about a girl who wants a guy to notice her, but eventually gives up and starts to make music. She achieves fame and fortune but learns that she is on her own. The song goes through her life waiting for the boy and ends with the bridge saying:
“I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this
I hosted parties and starved my body
Like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss”
She worked so hard for fame, but it never treated her right. She lived for the hope of it all like someone would come and save her. The bridge ends on a happy note:
“Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned
Everything you lose is a step you take
So make the friendship bracelets
Take the moment and taste it
You’ve got no reason to be afraid”
No matter how hard it was to get there, you are there now, so you should enjoy the moments you have. You have always been on your own, so there is nothing to fear. Taylor actually teased this song in her honorary doctorate degree speech at NYU by saying, “The scary news is you’re on your own now, but the cool news is you’re on your own now.”
9) Bejeweled:
“Best believe I’m still bejeweled
When I walk in the room
I can still make the whole place shimmer (shimmer)
And when I meet the band
They ask, “Do you have a man?”
I can still say, “I don’t remember””
“Bejeweled” is the happy, party song of Midnights. It is about a woman in a relationship that is being used and taken for granted by their significant other. This woman knows that anyone would be lucky to be her date and her partner should feel lucky that he was chosen to be with her. By the end of the song, she learns that she is worth way more than how this guy is treating her and that she doesn’t need him to be important. Overall, this is such a fun, upbeat song that makes for a great time.
10) Labyrinth:
“Labyrinth” expresses a fear of falling in love again after having a tragic break up.
“Uh oh, I’m falling in love
Oh no, I’m falling in love again
Oh, I’m falling in love
I thought the plane was going down
How’d you turn it right around”
Above are the lyrics to the chorus. The first line is indicating a fear of falling in love and the third is conveying acceptance with it. This song captures the feelings of a new relationship after another ending poorly. Taylor reveals anxiety about falling in love with her current boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, but being delightfully surprised that it worked out for the better. It reminds you to feel optimistic even though you have been hurt in the past.
13) Mastermind:
“No one wanted to play with me as a little kid
So I’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since
To make them love me and make it seem effortless
This this the first time I’ve felt the need to confess
And I swear
I’m only cryptic and Machiavellian ’cause I care”
“Mastermind” is one of my many favorites off Midnights. The song is about how Taylor schemed her way into a relationship that seemed as if it happened by accident. She knew exactly how to get what she wanted and nothing that happened was accidental. Taylor has been depicted in the media as a master manipulator and in this song, she confirms that and explains how it stems from a place of anxiety.
A chaotic surprise at three a.m revealed an additional seven tracks! This was inspired by the vault tracks of her re-recorded albums, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version). Here is an analysis of my personal favorite!
19) Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve:
“If clarity’s in death, then why won’t this die?
Years of tearing down our banners, you and I
Living for the thrill of hitting you where it hurts
Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first”
The song, at a first listen, does not sound sad, but when you take into consideration the lyrics, this song is made out to be, in my opinion, one of her most serious, heart-wrenching songs. It is about being manipulated by an older man. There is speculation that this song is about John Mayer. When they were dating, Taylor was 19 and he was 32. The song describes Swift’s regrets in the relationship and how she wishes she could take back some of the moments that she gave him.
On the first of November, Taylor finally announced her tour! This tour is based on all of the eras of her musical career. As a fan of all her eras, I am so thrilled she decided to do this and that I will get the opportunity to see my favorite older songs played live! Her openers change every night and include Paramore, beabadoobee, Phoebe Bridgers, girl in red, GAYLE, Gracie Abrams, MUNA, HAIM, and OWENN. She has three shows at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, and many more in other parts of the United States, and some international dates that are to be announced soon. Get your tickets, if there’s still any up for grabs!
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