It has become a social media tradition to post “Feeling 22,” from Taylor Swift’s hit song “22,” on your twenty second birthday. I am guilty of being one of the millions of Swifties that made the status. Before you turn twenty two, you think your twenties will be a wonderful time of figuring out your place in this world and finding love. After you turn twenty two, you realize it is not as glamorous as you once thought.
I cannot speak for Taylor Swift, but I’m pretty sure she had a much different experience as a twenty two year old then the average person. By the time she had turned twenty two, Swift had numerous awards, a few hit albums and songs, dated cute celebrities, had a few film roles, and made more money than the average twenty two year old. Swift may have experienced more than most people by the age of twenty two, but there is a reason her songs resonate with so many people; even though she is famous, she still has the same emotions and similar experiences as her fans. Both, Swift and her fans, go through life, love and heart ache, but Swift always experiences milestones on a grander scale.
When Swift writes, “We're happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time, it's miserable and magical,” fans can relate to the mixed emotions of being twenty two. On the one hand, you are an adult free to do what you wish; however, on the other hand, you are confused about what your purpose is in life and stressed over college or a job. Swift goes on to say, “Tonight's the night when we forget about the deadlines.” As a twenty two year old, your life is full of senior year, resume or job deadlines; either way there are deadlines always lurking. Every once in a while, it is nice to take a night off and not stress about impending deadlines; Swift must know this better than anyone.
Swift goes on to sing in the chorus, “I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22. Everything will be alright if you keep me next to you. You don't know about me, but I'll bet you want to. Everything will be alright (alright) if we just keep dancing like we're 22.” Swift has a magical talent of putting the feeling of infinite into her music. She is able to clearly depict how it feels to desire being young and free, dancing the night away.
Ultimately, “Feeling 22” is about recognizing you have responsibilities, but stepping away every once in a while to enjoy your youth and everything that comes with it- the perks and the downsides. Swift may experience life’s greatest milestones on a grander scale, but she is correct when she sings, “[22] it's miserable and magical.”
