This past weekend, global pop sensation Taylor Swift kicked off her sixth headlining tour in Glendale, Arizona. This opening day was highly anticipated among “Swifties” and thousands of fans flew from across the globe to attend the very first date of the tour. So much so that the Mayor of Glendale held a press conference on March 13 and announced that the city would be temporarily renamed “Swift City” to celebrate Swift hosting her first and second tour nights there.
Swift performed a total of 44 songs at the show, equating to around three hours of performances with little to no breaks between, and 16 costume changes as the concert progressed. Although the setlist for the show is near perfect, here are a few songs I wish had been included in each era.
“Teardrops on My Guitar”
On the opening night of the tour, Swift performed her song “Tim McGraw” off this same album, but it was later revealed that it was one of the surprise songs she would be performing throughout the tour. “Teardrops on My Guitar” is a country classic and was one of her very first hits when Swift became a recording artist, so I feel like this song would’ve added a nostalgic factor to the show, had it been on the setlist.
“Sparks Fly”
The fans following the concert on social media, myself included, went crazy when they found out that Swift would only be playing one song from her hit album Speak Now on this tour. Some were speculating that it was because she may be releasing her version of the album soon, but nothing is confirmed. “Sparks Fly” is a favorite of mine because of how happy and reminiscent is makes me feel. It reminds me of young love that is pure and hasn’t been stained by heartache just yet, which is incredibly comforting. Additionally, the production for this song on the Speak Now World Tour was insane and I never got to experience that, so I would’ve liked to hear it live at least once in my life.
“The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version)”
Red got what she deserved during her semi-long segment of the tour, but the songs Swift performed were mostly the hits of the album, along with the extremely loved and anticipated “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” that left fans shocked and satisfied. However, “The Lucky One” would have fit perfectly into the theme of overwhelming fame, something Swift has experienced for the past decade that has been intensified in recent years.
“Out of The Woods”
Some fans may not agree with this, but I truly think “Out of the Woods” is one of Taylor’s best songs of all time. This song was also one of the highlights of her 1989 Tour performances, and I really thought she would perform it this time around. The bridge and the high notes were something I believe everyone was expecting but sadly didn’t get.
“Dancing With Our Hands Tied”
Since the Reputation Stadium Tour, this song has kind of been put on the backburner by Taylor, as it wasn’t even on the official setlist and she played it acoustically at every other show (alternating with “So It Goes…”), but it’s one of my favorite songs from reputation and I would’ve loved to see a full-blown production for it on The Eras Tour.
“Death By A Thousand Cuts”
Lover has a whopping six songs on the setlist, which is more than half of the other eras, but Taylor definitely could have made it seven and added this one. “DBATC” is both a lyrical and productional masterpiece and since Lover Fest was canceled due to COVID-19, this song never got the tour performance it so heavily deserved.
“Ivy”
Listen, I’m happier than anyone else in the world that Taylor finally acknowledged evermore’s existence and gave it 5 songs on the setlist, including my favorite and highly relatable deep cut “’tis the damn season,” but “Ivy” has an addictive chorus and storyline. It would’ve been perfect to perform acoustically with the wooden guitar. It has had a special place in my heart since the moment evermore was released, so I hope she performs it as a surprise song on the tour at some point.
“right where you left me”
This track has become increasingly popular since going viral on TikTok recently, so I really thought it would make the setlist. It’s a heartbreaking story hidden by a repetitive upbeat tone and is just lyrical perfection. I have a strong feeling that Taylor will perform this as a surprise song soon.
“The Great War”
The Midnights era has a 7-song duration, which is more than most of the other eras, likely because it is her most recent release. “The Great War” is one of Taylor’s best tracks to date, with the lyrics reflecting a battle that she appears to be facing with herself whilst in a relationship, making up scenarios in her head and imagining the worst.
“Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve”
I would be lying if I said I expected this song to be on the setlist. Considered to be a “Dear John” sequel, I think Taylor believed it to be too personal and gut-wrenching to perform on this tour. I can’t say I blame her, because I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this song without crying; however, it is so close to my heart and relatable that I wish I had the chance to scream the lyrics with her.
All in all, I think the Eras Tour setlist is amazing—nearly perfect, if you will—and Taylor did a phenomenal job of planning the production, visuals, costumes and songs she would sing, so I know this concert will be an unforgettable experience for her fans.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!