Time, mystical time

Taylor Swift has consistently demonstrated her unmatched prowess in the music industry. Her ability to sell out football stadiums week after week, effortlessly filling them with her charisma, has made her an indomitable force. She even made a Chief’s jersey more famous than a Chief can. Although I have yet to experience the Eras Tour in person, I’ve been an avid Swifty for years. My children, who were born around the release of 1989, were dancing to Shake It Off when they still hadn’t shaken off diapers.

Recently, I had the opportunity to witness the tour recording in theaters, and a profound realization dawned on me as I heard these familiar songs seamlessly interwoven - a not-so-invisible string running through Taylor’s oeuvre began to unveil itself to me. Taylor, who has been in the spotlight since the age of 14 and has steadily climbed the ladder of fame, appears to have a fascination with age and how it is perceived, particularly in the context of her romantic relationships.

Lyrics about Age

I spent a lot of time looking for lyrics about age in Taylor’s songs. Here are some highlights:

What does it mean?

I think these lyrics generally can be grouped into categories:

Naivety (or perceived naivety)

Taylor’s lyrics frequently reveal a sense of self-criticism, perhaps too severe at times, as she evaluates her younger self through the lens of her now more mature perspective. The lyric “When you are young they assume you know nothing” encapsulates a common societal assumption about youth. The line “I’m only 17, I don’t know anything” from “betty” poignantly illustrates this disparity - not just an acknowledgment of her own youthful inexperience, but also an implicit commentary on how this naivety placed her at a different vantage point compared to her partners.

Relationship Age Gaps

Age differences in relationships often bring a unique set of dynamics and challenges. The line “Don’t you think I was too young to be messed with?” from “Dear John” touches on a core issue in age-disparate relationships: the imbalance of experience and power. This is further emphasized in lyrics like “You’re so much older and wiser and I / I wait by the door like I’m just a kid.”

There’s also a fascination and allure often associated with age differences. In lyrics such as “Younger than my exes, but he act like such a man, though” there’s an evident attraction towards maturity and experience. Being told “If we had been closer in age maybe it would have been fine” was clearly devastating enough to write a 10 minute song about it.

Growing Up

Taylor’s journey in the public eye has been a captivating narrative of growth and transformation. Her album “1989,” a nod to her birth year, is more than a title; it’s a declaration of her journey, symbolizing the evolution of an artist who has matured in the full glare of the spotlight. Swift’s trajectory challenges the typical narrative of early fame leading to a tragic downfall. Instead, her career is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

Don’t Call me Kid

In the dynamic tapestry of Taylor Swift’s career, each chapter has been a testament to her enduring spirit and remarkable ability to evolve. Her journey, marked by milestones and challenges, has been a unique blend of personal and artistic growth. Swift’s story is a powerful reminder that maturity and wisdom are not mere functions of age but are shaped by experiences, resilience, and the courage to embrace change. Her music, ever-evolving, resonates with audiences across generations, affirming that in the world of Taylor Swift, the phrase “Don’t call me kid” is not just a lyric—it’s a declaration of her journey from a talented young artist to a seasoned, influential force in the music industry…and the world stage.