In honor of her upcoming tenth studio album Midnights (release date: October 21st), I wanted to rank my personal favorite bridges constructed by the lyric maestro herself. The songs aren’t in any particular order, because I couldn’t make that kind of decision. My bias towards tracks from her Folklore album seems to come out since it is my favorite album of hers. However, I aimed to objectively examine the lyricism and musicality within her 200+ songs discography.
- Out of the Woods
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As an absolute masterpiece of a song, track four of her 1989 album combines incredible lyrics and an energizing beat. I loved the descriptive storytelling that threw you into the world of the song.
Favorite Lyrics: Remember when we couldn’t take the heat? I walked out, I said, “I’m setting you free” / But the monsters turned out to be just trees
- Champagne Problems
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As a lengthy bridge filled with metaphors and fascinating references, the bridge becomes a core component of this song. The song follows a fictional relationship that didn’t go as planned. You get a complete picture through the lyrics, and it easily becomes something to therapeutically belt every once in a while.
Favorite Lyrics: One for the money, two for the show / I never was ready so I watch you go
- Cruel Summer
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As an absolute “bop,” this bridge will make you want to dance around with your friends while screaming these lyrics. It gives summer vibes while driving on a highway with the windows down (if that makes sense to you). The bridge functions as an energetic climax that keeps the song going.
Favorite Lyrics: Said, “I’m fine,” but it wasn’t true / I don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you
- Enchanted
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As a Speak Now lover, I felt that this song must make this list, especially because of its upbeat fairytale style. The lyrics beautifully represent the feelings of having a crush on someone that seems unlikely to become anything more. The pleading nature of the bridge makes the song feel more real and relatable in some ways.
Favorite Lyrics: My thoughts will echo your name / Until I see you again
- Daylight
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As the closer for Lover, the airy tone of the bridge delivers a melodic feeling of daydreaming. The background echoing lyrics also wonderfully accompany the bridge’s loving energy.
Favorite Lyrics: And I can still see it all (In my mind) / All of you, all of me (Intertwined)
- Exile (ft. Bon Iver)
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The beautiful duet with Taylor Swift and Bon Iver details the miscommunication between two exes while both sides get their time to share. Their voices mesh incredibly well while they essentially argue about the relationship. The bridge has both artists going back and forth in a way that works perfectly.
Favorite Lyrics: We always walked a very thin line / You didn’t even hear me out (You didn’t even hear me out) / You never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)
- Tolerate It
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The bridge’s lyrics feel like a true stab through the heart. The words are eloquently strung together in a culmination of the heartache expressed throughout the song thus far.
Favorite Lyrics: I made you my temple, my mural, my sky / Now I’m begging for footnotes in the story of your life
- Death by A Thousand Cuts
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As a song that is meant to be powerfully sung into a hairbrush, this anthem of heartbreak and betrayal bleeds emotions throughout the long bridge. The ranty bridge uses numerous references and callbacks to her own songs to illustrate intense emotions in a song signifying the death of a relationship.
Favorite Lyrics: My time, my wine, my spirit, my trust / Tryna find a part of me you didn’t take up
- This is me trying
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As a Folklore lover, I had to include this shorter bridge’s heartfelt journey of detailing the feeling of remorse towards a failing relationship. The lyrics amazingly illustrate complex emotions in a clear manner.
Favorite Lyrics: (the entire bridge) And it’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound / It’s hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you / You’re a flashback in a film reel on the one screen in my town
- the Last time (ft. Gary Lightbody)
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Once again, an incredible duet with Taylor Swift and Gary Lightbody from the Snow Patrol creates an excellent dramatic song. The bridge’s back-and-forth lyrics force the song’s tempo to increase which builds into the song’s conclusion with both voices.
Favorite Lyrics: This is the last time you tell me I’ve got it wrong / This is the last time I say it’s been you along
Honorable Mentions:
‘Tis the Dam Season (Evermore), Cardigan (Folklore), Lover (Lover), Ivy (Evermore), Getaway Car (Reputation), Illicit Affairs (Folklore), Dear John (Speak Now), August (Folklore), All Too Well (Red), Wildest Dreams (1989), Right Where You Left Me (Evermore), My Tears Ricochet (Folklore), Mirrorball (Folklore)