I remember being 14 years old in middle school when Taylor Swift’s album, Red, was first released. I sang the songs, bought the Taylor Swift Red Keds sneakers, and even tried out red lipstick一a look that was far too mature for me at that age. I appreciated my mom for pointing out how ridiculous the red lipstick looked on me as a middle schooler. Looking back at old photos of myself, I cannot help but laugh at the fact that I actually thought I killed the look! Red (Taylor’s Version) was recently released and speaks to me now more than ever. As silly as it is, the meanings behind the songs are clearer. Here are all the songs on the album that I have come to find a new meaning in (compared to my initial thoughts).
- “I Knew You Were Trouble”
14-year-old me: This is a fun song to sing! Especially when my friends go after the guy who I told them not to!
22-year-old me: This song is not meant to prove anyone wrong or be the “I told you so” anthem I always thought it was. This song speaks to how instincts impact your relationships and decisions. There are many times that people end up going against their instincts with someone who they had a bad feeling about and end up getting hurt. This doesn’t only apply to romantic relationships. In the past, people have entered my life despite my best judgments. It’s important to know what signs to look for and to stay strong throughout the entire relationship experience. I am grateful for everything that these experiences have given me, and now know what red flags to look for (no pun intended)!
- “Red”
14-year-old me: This song has a fun beat but is also kind of weak. I will listen to it if it comes on but will not enjoy it as much as other songs.
22-year-old me: This song describes perfectly what being in a relationship feels like. When you are happy and in love, you feel “red”: full of joy, hope, and energy. When you lose the person, you feel down in the dumps and “blue.”Missing them is the worst part of the entire process because it feels like it never ends. I love how Taylor described the missing phase as “dark grey all alone” because that really is the best way to communicate the feeling of missing someone who is no longer in your life. At times, the memories and loneliness can consume you, and you walk around with a dark cloud. In the end, these experiences and feelings will play a big part in shaping who you are. It’s important to come to terms with and embrace all stages of a relationship and breakup.
- “22”
14-year-old me: This song is fun to dance to! Maybe if I play it on Harry Styles’ 22nd birthday, it will mean something more to me.
22-year-old me: Taylor hit home with this one, especially coming out of a pandemic. Being back in school, things are happy, free, confusing, and lonely. This is also the emotional process I’m going through when completing my senior thesis project and preparing grad school applications. Some days, I’m happy and feeling accomplished like when I first submitted my 50-page thesis draft. Alternatively, some days I feel lonely and isolated by the amount of work I have, especially with regards to those thesis revisions. Confusion comes from learning how to socialize with people again after being in quarantine for so long and learning how to be a productive on-the-go person again. It’s a remarkably emotional process that teaches me a lot and has helped me to grow. I know this sensation is not limited to my 22nd year, but it especially hits home now.
- “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
14-year-old me: OMG, I love this music video! It’s so fun and this song is the best! I don’t have a boyfriend though, so I guess it kind of relates to me?
22-year-old me: While this song is fun, the deeper meaning is about the growth that comes from a relationship ending. When things don’t work out once, there is a good chance they will not work out again. It’s best to move on and grow rather than enter a cycle of breaking up and getting back together.
- “Everything Has Changed”
14-year-old me: OMG, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift in a song together? I’m not freaking out, you are!
22-year-old me: As you go through life, people cycle in and out, and you will begin to see them in new lights. The kid who lived down the street from you could now be your best friend or the love of your life. You never know how things will change in your life. You can find friendship and love from anywhere in your life.
6. “Stay Stay Stay”
14-year-old me: This song is so fun! I love it and the beat is amazing!
22-year-old me: This song still hits but now it has such a deeper meaning. Taylor is singing about how relationships though can be a lot of fun are also a lot of work. This can really apply to any good thing in life. It is important to decide whether or not it is worth it to “stay” or not. You should never stay in a relationship, friendship, job, etc. unless you have no choice but to “stay stay stay.”
7. “All Too Well”
14-year-old me: Ugh, great. Another slow breakup song. Boys just stink, we get it. Skip!
22-year-old me: Relationships come and go, and with them comes a wide range of emotions. It is important to cherish the good memories, and to not let the ending change the fact that you had fun while it lasted. No matter how the relationship ended, you will always remember the good and bad memories, and the experience is one of mutual growth. Never forget your previous relationships but also remember how they were good and bad.
Taylor, thank you so much for releasing this at such a great time in my life. This album has helped me get through some tough weeks and I’m happy to have gotten the chance to revisit some of your older music.