Regardless of whether you identify as a Swifty or not, you have to admit that she is a songwriter of note. While songwriting does involve some musical ability, penning down the lyrics takes some real writing skills. Taylor Swift knows a few things about writing impactful lyrics — so, we took the time to identify the main writing tip in each Taylor Swift era.
Here's the thing: When you listen to just about any of her songs, you will not question Miss Taylor Allison Swift's capability to write something moving.
When you sit down to watch the All Too Well short film, you will be convinced of her storytelling prowess.
That is why there is more to gain from listening to her music than just experiencing some deep emotions and having a cathartic moment. You can learn a lot by looking at her lyrics — and I am not just talking about relationship advice.
Are you ready for it? Alrika Möller from media update is in her writing tips era.
Taylor Swift (Debut) — Be True to You
Swift released her first album in America in 2006 and internationally in 2008. The album is honest and true and, because of that, it built her an ever-growing fanbase. She stuck to who she was and what she wanted to write about, even when it meant waiting two years to get the album released globally.
Each writer has their own voice that makes them unique. It can often be easy to get caught up in what you think will sell the best or will be the most popular. Your voice is important. If you stay true to who you are as a writer and what your style is, your audience or clients will find you.
Fearless (Taylor's Version) — Be Bold and Vulnerable
The original album was released in 2008, but she released her version in April 2021.
This album was really bold. She was also even more vulnerable than in her first album. Since then, we really got to know Taylor as a writer who shares her experiences and emotions through her music.
Vulnerability and boldness often go hand in hand when you are writing. It is bold to be vulnerable, but it is also powerful. It lends true emotion to your writing because you are pulling from what you know.
Whether you are writing a novel, or copywriting for an ad, you will instantly pull people in when you use your real-life experiences and emotions as inspiration.
Speak Now (Taylor's Version) — Be Intentional With Your Message
The original Speak Now was released in 2010. By then, Taylor Swift had made quite a name for herself and grew a pretty big fan base. Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) came out in July of 2023.
This album has a clear intention. It had a clear goal of showing more of who she is and how far she has come. Every line and every word was used for a specific reason.
Regardless of what you are writing, the project has to have a purpose and message. Keep asking yourself if the words or phrases you use will contribute to the purpose. Does the imagery fit with the message? She is incredibly intentional with her writing — are you?
Red (Taylor's Version) — Storytelling Matters
When this album came out in 2012, many people were surprised to see her leaning deeper into a more pop vibe. She then released her version of Red in 2021.
From the very beginning, she explained the album as telling the story of the many emotions you go through during a relationship. The song All Too Well, along with the overarching narrative of the album, shows us how storytelling can impact writing.
Storytelling conveys the message and makes the emotions of any writing feel so much more real and powerful. People connect with stories, and if you tell them a story rather than just convey information, they will come back for more.
1989 (Taylor's Version) — Embrace Change
In 2014, Taylor spoiled us with the release of 1989. In 2023, we were spoiled once more with her version of the album. The album came after she experienced many changes in her life — like her big move to New York.
Change is inevitable. As a writer, you need to be able to adjust and embrace the changes that come about, whether it is a change in assignment and brief or the many changes in technology.
Change shouldn't make the creative or writing process harder — it just makes it different and sometimes more exciting.
Reputation — Have Brave Conversations
Taylor Swift released Reputation in 2017. We are anxiously — but definitely not patiently — waiting for the release of her version. This album is a complicated one. It came out after a not-so-private beef with another celebrity.
While you don't have to go the snakes and zombie makeup route, you should take the same attitude when it comes to your writing. There are many controversial topics out there. As a writer, you cannot be afraid to address any controversial or unpleasant topic and you shouldn't tip-toe around them.
Write about the controversial topics in a way that is the most honest and true for you.
Lover — Positivity Is Powerful
Lover came out in 2019 to celebrate the happiness in her life and her newfound self-love. The joyful pastel colour scheme adds to the positive vibe of the album. All of this is in stark contrast to the album right before it.
This might sound cliché, but it is important to have some positivity in your writing. This can mean not letting writer's block get you down or finding at least one positive thing to say in an article. This will leave your readers with something positive that will have them coming back and wanting more.
Folklore — Channel Creative Energy
During the 2020 global pandemic, Taylor Swift had a lot of time and decided to channel the creative energy she was feeling into something positive. That is why she released Folklore.
The album is proof that inspiration can strike during even the strangest of times and that creative energy cannot be bottled and saved for a more convenient time.
Use the inspiration when it comes and harness the creativity you have. You might find yourself writing something truly inspired, like a whole album with a sister…
Evermore — Explore Various Perspectives
The COVID-19 pandemic was an interesting time for our girl. She was in such a role with Folklore, that she decided to write its sister album in Evermore. The album is a collection of little stories and scenarios that she made up. It explores the perspectives of these characters.
This was new for Taylor as she usually writes about her own experiences and emotions.
There are so many different perspectives out there. Give yourself the freedom to explore those perspectives and see things from a different angle. It will ensure that your writing speaks to a wider audience — and you might find yourself learning something different or having a different take on a situation.
Midnights — Be Self Aware
In 2022, she was in the middle of her recordings when Swift decided to shock everyone by announcing the release of Midnights, a whole new album. In this album, she unpacks a lot of different experiences and mistakes and even goes as far as calling herself the Anti-Hero.
That level of self-awareness comes with time, but when it hits, it creates gold. Don't be afraid to be honest with yourself; that way, you can address your shortcomings or get help where you need it. Being human and imperfect will also make your audience relate to you on a much deeper level.
The Tortured Poets Department — Poetry Adds Value
At the beginning of 2024, everyone was awaiting the rerecording of Reputation (still waiting) when Swift decided to announce a two-part, 30-song album called The Tortured Poets Department. Not only does the album's name refer to poetry, but many of the songs have poetic devices or just a poetic feel altogether.
Poetry and poetic devices are not just for war poets; they can add flavour and colour to any piece of writing and impact the rhythm with which people read your piece. Don't be afraid to play around with a little bit of poetry when you write, as it will definitely be memorable and draw your readers in.
Every era has its own wisdom, and every writer has something to learn. Don't be afraid to start your experimentation era and try a few new writing tips and tricks.
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*Image courtesy of Taylor Swift's Instagram