I remember listening to Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” in the fifth grade lunch room, singing and laughing with all my friends. Now, I’m listening to the new rerecording of Red while driving down neighborhood streets with my friends. 

Red is considered the music era when Swift was attempting to discover her identity and her transition period from teenager to adult. I think that is why the album resonates with me and so many other 17-year-old girls. 

Many of us were only 8 or 9 when we first heard the album, innocent and with no true real world experiences. Now we are all 17 or 18, having a better understanding of life and relationships. Listening to Red (Taylor’s Version) evokes a whole new set of emotions: disappointment, happiness, sorrow, and peace. 

Specifically, the song “All Too Well” has taken on new meaning for me. As a child I considered “All Too Well” just another sad song; however, when I listen to it now, I have a better grasp of the pain Swift felt and the emotions that flow as people reflect on their past. 

Swift also included a 10-minute version of “All Too Well,” which has sent shock waves through her fanbase. 

In the long version, Swift reveals more details about her past relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. She highlights how their age difference was a big source of conflict in their relationship. 

This is also seen in her short film “All Too Well” featuring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien. Having the music aligned with a visual demonstration of the frustration and happiness Swift experienced throughout her relationship allows fans to get a better understanding of the head space Swift was in when she wrote the album. 

Additionally, new songs on the album like “Better Man,” “The Moment I Knew,” and “Forever Winter” discuss the feelings people experience when they realize that their relationship is not meant to be and they wish it could be different. 

Although Swift’s album is considered a break-up album, I feel that it is such an important piece of music to so many people because the music can be applied to any type of relationship, whether it be between friends, family, or a romance.

The album largely focuses on the emotions one feels after a breakup, but it also discusses the healing process and moving on. Songs like “Begin Again” and “Ronan” speak about growing from past experiences and allowing yourself to learn from them. 

Overall, Swift’s album represents a period of growth in one’s life, which is why it is so impactful for the girls who first heard Red as a kid. 

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