By: Caitlyn Bailey and Maeve McCann | Treasurer and Secretary
What keeps you up at midnight? Taylor Swift wakes up the world for the release of her new album, Midnights. She creates a world where what keeps you up at night turns into a beautiful compilation of songs that explores those thoughts. She has really enjoyed playing around with this album and teasing her fans with content leading up to its release.
Fans have been patiently awaiting new music from Taylor since she has been re-recording her past albums. As the queen of reinventing herself and being incredibly versed in songwriting, whatever that genre may be, it is always exciting to see what version of Taylor we are going to see next. Not only did she release the Midnights album in full, another 7 songs were added to the album 3 hours later at 3AM. Like the creative mastermind she is, she’s always thinking ten steps ahead. Now that the album is out, let’s see what keeps Taylor up at night…
Track 1: Lavender Haze
The first track to an album sets the mood or ‘vibe’ for the rest of the music to follow. Choosing such an important track can be a stressor, but Taylor has managed to outdo herself once again. The first lyric to the song is “meet me at midnight”, introducing the listeners to the album. This song happens to be one of my favorites on the album. It’s a simple but upbeat song. This song, along with a few more of the tracks, are explicit which is new for Taylor. There have been many different theories as to what this so-called ‘lavender haze’ is referring to. Many believe that it is in reference to her relationships, but I believe it represents the feeling of being in love.
Track 2: Maroon
Taylor Swift remains an amazing songwriter because of the amount of detail she includes in her songs. This song I believe really shows off her amazing songwriting. She is able to describe moments and feelings like no one else. The color maroon she is relating to the wine they drank and the color of her cheeks and lips. Many fans have related this song to her album Red, basically saying that this song is also describing love and heartbreak, but in a more mature light. The song does have a similar vibe to Red in the way that it is describing feelings with incredible detail. Her songs have a way of describing feelings and almost personifying them.
Track 3: Anti-Hero
With the release of Midnights, Taylor also released a new music video. The video was for this song, “Anti-Hero.” This song has been popular on the radio and remains the most popular song on the album since its release. The song’s lyrics are relatable and I believe is the reason this song stands out among the others. “It’s me, Hi, I’m the problem, it’s me”, is the lyric that has taken TikTok by storm and for good reason. I really enjoy this song because Taylor is being vulnerable and opening up about her struggles with depression and getting older while also being in the spotlight. She mentions how she feels like she isn’t getting wiser which is relatable to her fans. It reminds me of the song, “Nothing New,” from Red (Taylor’s Version) where she is really opening up about struggling with what other people think of her, her music and her age.
Track 4: Snow On The Beach (feat. Lana Del Ray)
Fans were buzzing over the fact that Lana Del Rey would be featured in one of Taylor’s songs. Lana has a very specific style of music so there was a lot of curiosity surrounding this song. The best way to describe this song is light and airy. It describes how seeing snow on the beach is such an unusual concept but for some reason it is so
beautiful and eye-catching. If you are someone who has ever seen snow on the beach it truly is amazing. It is a confusing concept but so magical, kind of like love. The harmonies between Lana and Taylor are so whimsical. Although fans, including myself, were disappointed with the lack of Lana’s solo vocals, the song was beautiful
nonetheless.
Track 5: You’re On Your Own, Kid
In this song, Taylor talks about all of the things she has learned throughout her years and what mistakes she may have made that led her to where she is now. This song has a powerful build up which is what I find is the best quality about this song. This song has been one of my go-to walking to class songs since it came out. I feel like every time I listen to it again I hear something new I didn’t hear before. She mentions her love life, her friendships and her struggles with body image. I find this song incredibly relatable and vulnerable. I love how she has been writing more insightful music and taking us with her as she is looking back on all the things that may have influenced her in any facet of her life.
Track 6: Midnight Rain
When thinking of midnight rain, it is cozy and it is safe. That is exactly what this song feels like. It is almost impossible to understand how Taylor is able to put these feelings or ‘vibes’ into a piece of music. The beginning of this song is very different for Taylor, but I like how she is experimenting with her music more with this album. In this song, she is referring to herself being the midnight rain while this other person was sunshine. This song encapsulates how love can be confusing but intriguing. I like this song because it is slow and it is nothing like Taylor has ever put out before. This song is another one of my favorites from this album.
Track 7: Question…?
This song has fans questioning whether or not Taylor may be alluding to her sexuality. Many believe that the song explains in detail that she may have kissed a friend and is now remembering those details. Others believe it is just a song based on her past experiences. This is yet again another song I find incredibly relatable. “Have you ever had someone kiss you in a crowded room?” This is the main question of the song. When you listen to it she describes everything that happens, as it happens. It is almost like watching a movie because as you listen, you can picture what is happening as it is being described to you.
Track 8: Vigilante Sh*t
This song shocked me the most out of them all. As we all know, Miss Taylor lives for revenge. “Better Than Revenge” from Speak Now is one of my favorites by her. Her Reputation album also included songs based around getting revenge. Fans love when Taylor makes a statement and goes outside of the box, however, this one may have missed the mark. Fans and listeners have been comparing this song to “ME!” and other songs from her past albums that were simply not the best. I think the lyrics to this song are great, but the song itself just did not satisfy me. It also seems now that she is older, she feels more inclined to use curse words within her music, which is great. But, it could be done the wrong way, and I think this song is a great example of that.
Track 9: Bejeweled
Taylor Swift is stunning. But even the most beautiful of people have their struggles with self-image. This song talks about how being with someone may cause someone to lose their “sparkle”, but they can bounce back. The main chorus goes, “Best believe I’m still bejeweled, When I walk in the room, I can still make the whole place shimmer.” I love these lyrics because to me, it represents stepping out and being confident in yourself and embracing being an individual. This song also got a music video shortly after the release of the album, which fans loved. This song has also taken off on TikTok with a dance, which is cool to see
Track 10: Labyrinth
This song perfectly describes how falling in love can be confusing, like a labyrinth. To me, this song is validating how we can get so in our heads and convince ourselves that one thing is happening, when in reality, it could be the complete opposite of what is actually happening. “I thought the plane was going down, How’d you turn it right around”, this lyric is part of the chorus and is my favorite lyric of the whole song. It is such a powerful visual and I think it perfectly encapsulates what love can feel like. Relationships can be very hot and cold, and Taylor perfectly describes her experience being in this position in her life.
Track 11: Karma
Longtime fans of Taylor have been long-awaiting a track named “Karma“, hoping that it would bring further information into the debacle that went down between Swift and Kanye West. As Karma’s pop-like instrumental begins, listeners may find themselves shocked to hear such a fun and upbeat song, rather than something darker. As the song progresses, it can be heard through both the vocals and the steady drum how much fun Taylor had in its production. Flush with metaphors and slights towards foes such as Scooter Braun and Kanye West, Swift finds a way to put down her enemies with class while joyfully boasting about how karma always finds itself on her side. Sweetly, Swift also infers towards her long-time beau, Joe Alwyn, stating that “karma is the boy on the screen, coming straight home to [her]”. Through listening to this track, fans will realize that, even with all she has been through, Taylor would do it all again to keep karma on her side.
Track 12: Sweet Nothing
Perhaps the most tender song on the album, Swift laments on the peacefulness of finding a lover that does not care about what the public and general media care about her. Likely referencing long-time boyfriend Joe Alwyn, Taylor touches upon the appreciation that Alwyn has for her work, as well as the safe space that she finds in his “sweet nothings.” This song, more than any other, paints a picture of the peaceful life that she is able to enjoy with her partner. She has found someone with whom she can be truthful and herself with, something that she had been long looking for. Many listeners compare “Sweet Nothing” to “Peace” from her 2020 album, Folklore, as both highlight the pop star’s hope for peace– something that it seems she has found.
Track 13: Mastermind
Track thirteen is portrayed as a conversation between Swift and her partner, where she admits that she had plans in place the entire time for them to love her. She goes through her methods of thinking, showing that she has an eye for planning in order to get what she wants. None of what she has done is done in bad faith, as she admits that her lonely childhood is what drives her to scheme to make the people around her love and appreciate her. As the song begins to draw to a close, it is revealed that Swift’s partner knew the entire time that Swift had laid the groundwork and willingly fell right into her hands.
Track 14: The Great War
Using metaphors of intense battle and conflict, Taylor Swift compares a relationship-altering fight with that of a war. She reflects on this battle, clarifying that even throughout this fight, or war, all that her lover wanted to do was have her in the end. Regardless, Swift recalls how she closed herself off instead of working with her partner to fix their issues. Her past hurt is what is leading her to distrust the person she loved. Even though they did not actually do what Swift feared– whether it be string her along, cheat on her, or something else is unclear. Finally, she sings that her partner looked up at her with “honor and truth,” leading her to finally give them the trust that they needed in order to save the relationship. This song is undoubtedly one of Swift’s strongest when it comes to matters of imagery and story-telling. For example, she remarks that she will place a poppy in her hair after the fight has drawn to a close. Poppies are a sign of hope for a peaceful future, adding a further layer of description that shows Swift’s symbolic abilities. As the first of the 7 songs that Swift added to the album, the “3am Edition” of Midnights starts off strong.
Track 15: Bigger Than The Whole Sky
After first listening to this song, long-time fans may be brought back to a song on the deluxe edition of Swift’s Red, “Ronan”. “Ronan” was a track that highlighted the immense sadness and desperation of losing a child young. While much less on the nose, the song “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” seems to be about the difficulties of a miscarriage, carefully conveying the pining that comes with the tragedy without exactly voicing what Taylor is talking about. She likes to live a life of privacy, so whether this is something Swift has personally experienced or rather something she wanted to bring more attention to is unknown. Regardless, it is difficult to not be moved by such a yearning song.
Track 16: Paris
A love song, “Paris” utilizes Swift’s story-telling abilities to set the scene of a relationship that is going so well that they find themselves separated from all the mundane drama of normal life. The namesake city is labeled as the romance capital of the world, fitting for the giddy lyrics of the track that presents itself as a fun and upbeat
declaration of love. As long as Swift is with her lover, she has no care for what else is going on in her social circle. She is able to lounge in the peaceful shade created by their relationship rather than fixate on all the drama that she is pulled into, showing the personal growth that she has found within herself.
Track 17: High Infidelity
In track seventeen, Swift offers a surprising look into a relationship where she was the bad guy and cheated on her partner. She recounts the anger and regrets that her partner has towards her, while also explaining why she did what she did. Admittingly, she croons that she did not love her partner enough, leading her to find another man to “dance” with. She claims that her partner is not blameless either, implying that the “picket fence” relationship was not as perfect as it seemed with her partner keeping count of the seemingly wrong things she did. “High Infidelity” gives an interesting perspective of a woman who cheats, but does not necessarily feel guilty about it.
Track 18: Glitch
As its title implies, “Glitch” uses musical distortion in order for Swift to express that happy accident that turned into her loving relationship. She sings that what is found between them is completely unexpected, but something unforgettably different from her past relationships where she found herself uncared for. The shortest song on the album, it is able to tell a simply sweet story that seems to be a study into Swift’s current day relationship.
Track 19: Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve
Full of raw emotion, “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve” is arguably the most emotionally intense song on the album. Theorized to be about John Mayer, Swift reflects on a relationship she had at 19 that was not only scrutinized in the media, but also harbored a drastic age gap. She implies that she felt used as someone who was too naive to know any better. It is the longest song on the album, and one cannot help but feel heartbroken for Swift’s deep emotions on the relationships as she looks back on it. She says that “she regrets [the relationship] all the time,” even going as far as begging to have her girlhood back as she faces the nightmares that the relationship gave to her. A lyrical masterpiece, this is a deeply personal song that listeners cannot miss.
Track 20: Dear Reader
Closing out the album, “Dear Reader” seems to be a word of warning that Swift wants to send to those who are like her. She looks back on her life’s struggles with friends, as well as offers advice that has served her well in her countless years of fame. She urges listeners to keep their secrets, but also do what they can in order to keep their friends instead of living a life of loneliness. Even while speaking her truths, she remarks that if listeners knew the true her, they would not be listening to her words of wisdom. The closing track seems almost like self-deprecation on Swift’s part, giving the album a sad note to close out on.
Dubbed an “instant classic” by Rolling Stone Magazine, Taylor Swift does it again with Midnights. She tells illuminating stories that shed light on both the darkest and the brightest points of her life. The stories she cryptically tells allows audiences to feel closer to Swift, even without truly knowing any actual details about her life. The pop star further cements her already guaranteed legacy with another smash hit. With her upcoming tour shaking up the next concert season, fans of Swift, or “Swifties”, are anxiously awaiting her next move.
Cover photo from unsplash.com
