It’s no secret that Taylor Swift is one of, if not the most influential artist in today’s music industry, and honestly in the last 10 and some years too. Taylor has once again painted the world red with her recent re-release of her acclaimed album “Red,” but this time as “Red (Taylor’s Version),” and “Swifties” and fans alike are shook to their core. If there was ever a time that I fell out of my Taylor Swift phase, I am definitely deep back in it now.
For many people my age, Taylor Swift and her music have shaped both our childhood and young adulthood. We’ve grown up listening and relating to her lyrics and the stories she tells so beautifully through her incredible songwriting. As we’ve grown up, so has she, and we’ve all witnessed the many different eras that she has invented for herself. The different Taylor Swift eras heavily correlate with each of her nine albums. We’ve seen Taylor go through these different stages, so what does it really mean for you to be in a specific Taylor Swift era?
“Taylor Swift (Debut)”
If you are in your “Debut” era, you’re just learning about who you are! You’re optimistic, hopeful and maybe a little bit naive. This is a good thing, but don’t let toxic people stop you from becoming the person you want to be! You’re currently just trying to find “a place in this world” without any crazy expectations of what the world is supposed to be like. This is the time where you’re supposed to make mistakes and find out which path in life you want to take.
“Fearless”
Even though you are coming across to other people as someone who is “fearless,” you actually do have a lot of fears right now, and that’s okay. On the outside you look like you have it all together, but inside you are struggling. You probably feel like you have very little control over your life which seems to be moving way too fast right now, but this time of change can be a good thing! If you’re in your “Fearless” era right now, know that I believe in you.
“Speak Now”
Before now, you thought that you’d been in love before, but now you realize that that wasn’t true love. But you’ve felt it now, and you have also experienced real heartbreak. You’re hurting and you’re in pain, but you still see love as something magical and worth feeling again. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, there is still so much good out there for you that you haven’t even experienced yet! You might feel like something is missing in your life, but everything happens right when it is supposed to.
“Red”
Your “Red” era is a time of self-evaluation and expression. You’re in a state of remembrance and you are looking back on your past, but in a whole new light. You’ve grown and learned a lot, so you are now evaluating some of your life choices and experiences in a more mature, honest way. You’re coming of age and expressing yourself as you see fit.
“1989”
You are everything that “Red” is: emotional and fun, but now you’ve grown up. This era is defined by fun and confidence. You know that everyone may not always agree with you, and that’s okay. You are confident in yourself and you are right where you’re supposed to be.
“Reputation”
This time is all about you. The toxic people in your life have been messing with you for too long. You have finally realized that you deserve a lot better than what they’ve been giving you and you’re taking back control. This is your time to reinvent yourself and become who you’ve always wanted to be. There’s no more time for the haters.
“Lover”
Your “Lover” era is all about relearning what love should be like. You’ve been hurt, but you finally know what love is supposed to be like and it’s your turn to experience that with yourself—and maybe someone special too. You “used to think love would be burning red, but it’s golden.” You’re also starting to build up your confidence a lot more and you’re feeling happy for the first time in a while. You know exactly what you deserve and you’re pursuing it!
“Folklore” / ”Evermore”
This is a time of personal reflection and contentment for you. You’re grateful for where you are now and the people around you that helped you get here. You are finally at a place where you can look back at your life and be content with the decisions you made. You’ve spent time working on yourself and now it’s time to put forth that same effort for the people that matter most to you. Go get coffee with an old friend and hug your mom.