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“We’re Singing in the Car, Getting Lost Upstate:” My Favorite Taylor Swift Songs to Sing in the Car

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

I am a proud Swiftie — Taylor Swift is probably my favorite artist of all time, which isn’t a surprise considering she’s a true lyrical artist with amazing vocal and stylistic range. She does it all, from country love songs to pop hits to folksy ballads, and she does it well. It’ll be no surprise that my go-to driving playlist is full of Taylor Swift songs, which can turn even the most mundane ride to the grocery store into a mini concert. Keep reading for my favorite Taylor Swift songs to sing in the car!

“Hey Stephen (Taylor’s Version)” – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

This song is just so fun. It’s a classic Taylor Swift love song, and I can’t help but smile when I listen to it — who doesn’t love a little love! The relaxed beat gives this song a laid-back vibe, but I guarantee that you’ll still find yourself bobbing your head along. I get so happy thinking about driving down a backroad in the summer with the sun shining and this song playing! This is a super chill, sweet song that’s perfect for a relaxed drive around town.

“Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” – Single

This song might be one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs ever, car or no car, so when Taylor released her version of “Wildest Dreams,” I was all over it. I was driving around with my friends the weekend it came out, and I’m pretty sure we gave every car we passed a free concert. The build in this song is just beautiful, as are Taylor’s vocals. If any song on this list will make you feel like the main character, even if you’re just going to the store, it’s this one.

“Mean” – Speak Now

I cannot wait for a “Taylor’s Version” of this song! It’s one of my favorites — who hasn’t dealt with a mean person at some point or another? Of course, this song still hits hard even when you’re in the best of moods. I love old-school country Taylor, and this song definitely fits that bill. If you decide to put “Mean” on in the car, you can expect to be grooving in your seat and belting the lyrics like every person who’s ever wronged you is in the car ahead of you.

“The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” – Red (Taylor’s Version)

This is another song that’ll have you dancing at red lights! This song is so upbeat (even if the lyrics are a little bit of a bummer), and I’m so glad Taylor released it with her rerecording of Red. The song is about missing someone after a breakup, but the lively beat and pop-feel somehow make this song lighthearted and catchy. I definitely think “The Very First Night” deserves to be listened to with the windows down on your way to a fun weekend trip with friends.

“betty” – folklore

Okay, I know “betty” isn’t your typical windows down, scream-sing car jam, but we need something for rainy car rides, too! This song is one of my favorites from folklore — I love when Taylor tells stories with her lyrics, and this song is a beautiful musical-narrative mashup. I love the instrumentals on this track, too; the harmonica is a surprisingly perfect instrument to capture teenage heartache and regret. 10/10 recommend for a chill ride by yourself!

And there you have it, my favorite Taylor Swift songs to sing in the car — in no particular order, of course. If you’re looking to liven up your ride home from work or get in a good mood on your way to campus, these songs (or anything else by Taylor, really) are sure to help you out. So get out there, roll the windows down, and listen to some Taylor Swift!

Please drive responsibly!

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Emily Day

U Mass Amherst '24

Emily is a senior at UMass Amherst majoring in Business Management and Communication and pursuing a minor in Spanish. In her free time, she can be found hanging out with friends, dancing on the UMass Tap Team, or reading a new book.