Top 3: Swift’s writing stands out in each genre

Josephine Wysocki, News Editor

October 28, 2024

Ronald S Woan

Taylor Swift’s talent spans across many genres.Taylor Swift Eras Tour – Arlington TX by Ronald Woan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Taylor Swift began her career as a musician at only 16 years old. Since then, she has become one of the most popular and influential musicians of the century.

With genres ranging anywhere from country to synth pop, Swift has created more than a few memorable songs. Here are a few of her most iconic songs so far:

Top 3: Swift’s writing stands out in each genre

“Our Song” is a testament to Swift’s talent, even at a very young age. Photo via Big Machine Records

"Our Song" (2006)

“I was ridin' shotgun with my hair undone / In the front seat of his car / He's got a one-hand feel on the steering wheel / The other on my heart.”

Swift’s “Our Song,” from her debut album, was one of her first big hits. The song follows a young couple’s relationship told through sounds: “Our song is the slamming screen door / Sneakin' out late, tapping on your window / When we're on the phone, and you talk real slow /'Cause it's late, and your mama don't know.”

After its release, “Our Song” quickly became popular with a teenage audience, as Swift was only 16 years old at the time of its release. She originally wrote and performed the song for a talent show in ninth grade.

It is from her self-titled debut, which is a country album that attracted a large country audience. This paved the way for her period as a country artist, during which she won multiple Country Music Awards and even performed with Tim McGraw -- the namesake of another popular Swift song.

Overall, “Our Song” is a testament to Swift’s talent, even at a very young age.
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” describes Swift remembering a past relationship. Photo via Republic Records

"All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" (2021)

“'Cause there we are again on that little town street / You almost ran the red 'cause you were lookin' over at me / Wind in my hair, I was there / I remember it all too well.”

This song is one that Swifties remember “all too well” for its autumnal energy and skillful lyricism. In November 2021, Taylor Swift rereleased her iconic fourth album, Red. With the album, she released a 10-minute version of her song “All Too Well."

The song’s unusual length made it an immediate standout. Its lyrics describe Swift remembering a past relationship: “'Cause there we are again in the middle of the night / We're dancing 'round the kitchen in the refrigerator light / Down the stairs, I was there / I remember it all too well, yeah.”

Along with the lengthened song, Swift released “All Too Well: The Short Film.” The film, starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien, portrays Swift’s troublesome relationship with an older man.

Ultimately, “All Too Well” is a lyrical masterpiece and a great fall anthem.
“You’re On Your Own, Kid” provides an insight into Swift’s childhood and the start of her career. Photo via Republic Records

“You’re On Your Own, Kid” (2022)

“ 'Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned / Everything you lose is a step you take.”

Swift’s most recent iconic release – “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” a song on her tenth album, Midnights -- began Swifties’ tradition of making and trading friendship bracelets. The lyric “so make the friendship bracelets” sparked this trend at her concerts.

Besides the trend, “You’re On Your Own, Kid” is a meaningful song about Swift’s journey as a singer. It expresses how hard she worked to get to where she is now: “From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes / I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this.”

The song provides an insight into her childhood and the start of her career: “Something different bloomed, writing in my room / I play my songs in the parking lot.”

“You’re on Your Own, Kid” demonstrates some of the best lyrical skills in Swift’s entire discography. It tells a candid, meaningful, and motivational narrative about perseverance.

About the Contributor

Josephine Wysocki, News Editor

News Editor Josephine Wysocki is a junior and a second-year Purbalite member. She can be found reading or listening to music.

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Top 3: Swift’s writing stands out in each genre

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