I don’t recall Taylor Swift getting an engineering degree, but she’s out here building the best bridges.
Related: 5 Heartwarming Moments from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
It’s true, Taylor Swift is one of the best lyricists out there. Somehow, she could describe whatever we’re feeling in the most poetic way possible. And when we’re moving on, scream-singing Taylor Swift in the shower, the car, or alone in your room on a random Tuesday is one way to heal a broken heart. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. I’ve even made a tracklist of my most-played songs for when I’m angry, sad, or missing someone I shouldn’t. So, if you’re nursing a broken heart or dealing with whatever BS life has thrown at you, check out these world-class bridges for a good scream.
All Too Well
“Well, maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much
But maybe this thing was a masterpiece ’til you tore it all up
Runnin’ scared, I was there
I remember it all too well
And you call me up again just to break me like a promise
So casually cruel in the name of bein’ honest
I’m a crumpled-up piece of paper lyin’ here
‘Cause I remember it all”
The narrative of a love that was unforgettable, yet undeniably toxic? Top tier. 10-minutes isn’t enough to scream-cry the pain of moving forward from someone you barely recognize. Then again, it’s not about the time you’ve spent together but the heart you’ve poured into something you thought would last.
August
“To live for the hope of it all
Cancel plans just in case you’d call
And say, ‘Meet me behind the mall‘
So much for summer love and saying ‘us’
‘Cause you weren’t mine to lose“
August is a short-lived summer romance and a part of Folklore‘s trilogy about a teenage love triangle. This track visualizes the view point of Inez, the other girl. If I’m being honest, we’ve all been Inez— reflecting on the time spent together but realizing he’s falling for someone else.
Back to December
“I miss your tanned skin, your sweet smile
So good to me, so right
And how you held me in your arms that September night
The first time you ever saw me cry
Maybe this is wishful thinkin’
Probably mindless dreaming
But if we loved again, I swear I’d love you right
I’d go back in time and change it, but I can’t
So, if the chain is on your door, I understand”
Imagine letting go of the good guy, pushing people away because you’re afraid, and being the red flag for once. While Taylor Swift was able to say sorry with Back to December, it doesn’t always work that way. Some stay wishing that they could take back what was said and done.
Cruel Summer
“I’m drunk in the back of the car
And I cried like a baby comin’ home from the bar (Oh)
Said, “I’m fine,” but it wasn’t true
I don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you
And I snuck in through the garden gate
Every night that summer just to seal my fate (Oh)
And I scream, “For whatever it’s worth
I love you, ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?”
After binge-watching The Summer I Turned Pretty, this track has been on repeat. I mean, who isn’t dreaming of a summer romance? Ironic enough, here’s what I learned from the show and Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer: maintaining a romantic relationship isn’t easy, especially when it isn’t yours to begin with; it’s like yearning for something that’s out of reach.
Death by a Thousand Cuts
“My time, my wine, my spirit, my trust
Tryna find a part of me you didn’t take up
Gave you too much, but it wasn’t enough
But I’ll be alright, it’s just a thousand cuts”
Moving forward doesn’t mean you’re fully healed. There’s always this one heartbreak that’s painfully slow— and will hurt everything within. And the truth is, there’s no winning with this one.
Enchanted
“This is me praying that
This was the very first page
Not where the storyline ends
My thoughts will echo your name
Until I see you again“
If infatuation were to be described as a song, Enchanted is the one. While infatuation and love have different dynamics, who wouldn’t feel heartbreak from realizing you can’t be with someone after a life-changing chance encounter?
Fifteen
“When all you wanted was to be wanted
Wish you could go back and tell yourself what you know now
Back then, I swore I was gonna marry him someday
But I realized some bigger dreams of mine“
As a 15-year-old listening to Fifteen, it felt like every word was actually written for me. I recall freshman year of high school — finding your first love and then they use you, but wouldn’t love you back. Now that I’m far from being fifteen, I actually have so much more appreciation for this song. I mean, if only I could go back to tell myself what I know now.
Getaway Car
“We were jet-set, Bonnie and Clyde (Oh-oh)
Until I switched to the other side, to the other side
It’s no surprise I turned you in (Oh-oh)
‘Cause us traitors never win“
I agree, nothing good starts with a getaway car. After a difficult breakup, we often make the mistake of getting into a rebound relationship. At first, we’re blinded by the thrill of running away, but take notes from Taylor— it’s a circus ain’t a love story.
Hits Different
“I find the artifacts, cried over a hat
Cursed the space that I needed
I trace the evidence, make it make some sense
Why the wound is still bleedin'”
As past relationships recede into the rear view, we sometimes find ourselves thinking about our exes— often remembering them through random things, places, and moments. Who knew, Taylor Swift is just like us when we’re moving on.
I Bet You Think About Me
“Oh, block it all out
The voices so loud, sayin’
“Why did you let her go?”
Does it make you feel sad
That the love that you’re lookin’ for
Is the love that you had?”
In time, a broken heart heals. By then, you’ll find yourself laughing at your ex for letting go of someone so good, only to find themselves in their feelings afterwards.
If This Was A Movie
“If you’re out there, if you’re somewhere, if you’re moving on
I’ve been waiting for you every day since you’ve been gone
I just want it back the way it was before
And I just wanna see you back at my front door”
This Taylor Swift song was written for every love story that didn’t have a happy ending. When we’re imagining a scene straight from the movie, in reality, we’re left with ‘what if‘ and a broken heart.
Illicit Affairs
“Look at this godforsaken mess that you made me
You showed me colors you know I can’t see with anyone else
Don’t call me “kid,” don’t call me “baby”
Look at this idiotic fool that you made me
You taught me a secret language I can’t speak with anyone else“
Illicit Affairs is the tenth track on Taylor Swift’s 2020 album, ” title=””>Cardigan, ” title=””>August, this track is different kind of heartbreak. Whether it’s an adulterous relationship or a friends-with-benefits situationship, the song captures a narrative that wouldn’t end well. After all, that is the thing about illicit affairs.
The Way I Loved You
“He can’t see the smile I’m faking
And my heart’s not breaking
‘Cause I’m not feeling anything at all
And you were wild and crazy
Just so frustrating, intoxicating, complicated
Got away by some mistake and now”
If I’m being honest, The Way I Loved You is seriously underrated. It’s all about that perfect-on-paper relationship being compared to a “sweet and steady rush” of the past. This Taylor Swift song captures the struggle of trying to move on from someone who was so bad, but so good that you can’t forget.
Continue Reading: This Pinoy TikToker Had A Bejeweled Moment With Taylor Swift
