Dear Taylor,
Drop Red (Taylor’s Version) now.
Just kidding.
Actually, I’m not but that isn’t the main purpose of this letter. You see, in recent years I have become what some would consider a “Swiftie”. Growing up listening to country music, I’ve always listened to and known all the lyrics to your songs and when you transitioned to pop, I just so happen to as well.
I think the first memory I have of listening to your music is when the “You Belong With Me” music video came on my TV in 2009. I was eight-years-old and distinctly remember telling my mom that when I was older, I wanted to wear the red dress that the “popular girl” (which was really just you with dark hair but apparently eight-year-old me was too dense to realize that) wore to prom. There were side cutouts and a low back. Needless to say, she said “hell no.”
Anyways, I never considered myself a true Swiftie before. Maybe it was because I didn’t know your birthday, or follow your love life or know the name of your cats or all of the other facts the typical fangirl would know.
Flash forward to high school and you release Reputation. Miss Taylor, something about this album just triggered the inner Swiftie button inside me that was waiting to be pressed. I bought the CD and religiously listened to only this album for months. I memorized all the lyrics and skipped to “Getaway Car” frequently. Then, my dad got me tickets to the Reputation Tour for my birthday. Truthfully, I hadn’t even considered seeing you in concert. No offense Taylor, but your tickets are hella expensive. I am eternally grateful for that gift though because it was the best concert I had ever been to. Dad’s money well-spent if I do say so myself.
That brings us to 2020. Dropping Folklore *and* Evermore in the middle of a pandemic? Okay sis, go off. I will officially claim the title of Swiftie now. The songs on Folklore and Evermore are a completely different style than what I typically listen to but it honestly felt like you crawled into my brain and created songs based on my inner thoughts. It’s been a year since Folklore released and I have not stopped listening to either album. “champagne problems?’ “tis’ the damn season?” “exile?” “AUGUST??” Taylor. I love you and I am forever indebted to you for gracing my ears with these songs.
Not only has your music taken over every single one of my playlists, but you have also served as a role model for probably millions of girls and women. When you discussed in Miss Americana the trial where you sued a man for a symbolic $1 after he groped you, you told women everywhere that their experiences matter. Opening up about your struggles with an eating disorder, you reaffirmed the fact that it is impossible to live up to society’s standards for beauty no matter what your size. Even speaking on political issues such as gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights and voter registration has shown the younger generation that their voice matters, they can make a difference and to keep fighting.
I would like to end this letter by saying thank you for using your voice for others who have none. Thank you for creating music that heals and entertains and soothes. Thank you for being a badass. Lastly, please drop Red (Taylor’s Version). I am begging. I cannot wait until November. In the meantime…”Alexa, play ‘Only the Young.'”
XOXO,
Newly-found Swiftie