If there’s been one person who has been with me from the dawn of my middle school days to my transition into adulthood, it has been T-Swift. Her songs were always my shoulder to cry on, whether it was from leaving for school or my ~dramatic~ seventh grade heartbreaks. But just like how all of us college girls have matured since the awkward years, so has she. So let’s take a look at how Swift has gone from shedding teardrops on her guitar to shedding some bad blood.
Phase 1: Cold As You
Our first dose of good ole’ Swifty stems from her signature heartbreaking lyrics of desperation. We may look back at it now and think that she was a little over the top, but hey, the girl can make you cry with just a few lines.
Favorite lyric: “And I know you wouldn’t have told nobody if I died, died for you, died for you”
Phase 2: Tell Me Why
It didn’t take that long from Taylor to go from being the victim to seeing right through the bull. From complete despair to widespread anger, it’s no secret that she is the queen of emotions.
Favorite lyric: “I’m sick and tired of your attitude, I’m feeling like I don’t know you, you tell me that you love me then, cut me down”
Phase 3: Mean
To all the bullies out there, I’d think twice about putting Swift on your hit list. Her third album sparks the beginning of her new-found confidence, and this song definitely exhibits it. Instead of sulking in questions and confusion, she’s armed and ready for battle.
Favorite lyric: “And I can see you years from now in a bar talking over a football game, with that same big loud opinion but nobody’s listening”
Phase 4: I Almost Do
Just like we’ve moved on from past loves and high school sweethearts, so has our favorite singer-songwriter. Taylor has almost reached maximum maturity here, resisting the urge to go back to her ex love (which we all know can be highly difficult).
Favorite lyric: “I wish I could run to you and I hope you know that every time I don’t, I almost do”
Phase 5: Clean
I guess they really do save the best for last when it comes to this song on Taylor’s newest album. Through all the breakups, bullies and emotional experiences, sometimes it’s necessary to start a clean slate. No matter what you’re trying to prove or whom you’re trying to prove it to, there’s no better feeling than letting it all go and focusing on yourself. Life lesson: if Taylor Swift can let bygones be bygones with her mistakes, so can we! So thanks Taylor, for being a rock in all of our milestones.
Favorite lyric: “Rain came pouring down when I was drowning, that’s when I could finally breathe”
