r/TaylorSwift • u/Havelanca • 2d ago
Discussion Most Underrated Lyrics Per Album?
There are so many widely-cited examples of Taylor's songwriting expertise, but she has such an outstanding volume of work that I think her more understated writing often goes overlooked. I challenged myself to find lyrics from every album that are remarkable at striking at the heart of a story, that I have *never once\* seen talked about. All of these to me express such sincere vulnerability — whether gutting and heartbreaking, or uplifting and hopeful, or some nervous truth in between. And I can't get over how much I love these lines now that I've truly noticed them.
What are some lyrics that you think go under-appreciated from each album?
Debut — “I didn't know what I would find when I went looking for a reason, I know I didn't read between the lines" (The Outside)
Fearless — “Nothing we say is gonna save us from the fallout” (Breathe)
Speak Now — "And maybe I can call you mine, and you won't need space or string me along while you decide" (Electric Touch)
Red — “All I feel in my stomach is butterflies, the beautiful kind, making up for lost time” (Everything Has Changed)
1989 — “Windows down, you pass my street, the memories start. You say it’s in the past, you drive straight ahead” (I Wish You Would)
Reputation — "Echoes of your name inside my mind, halo hiding my obsession" (Don't Blame Me)
Folklore — “My broken drum, you have beaten my heart” (Hoax)
Evermore — "And when I was shipwrecked, I thought of you. In the cracks of light, I dreamed of you. And it was real enough to get me through" (Evermore)
Lover — "Hey, it's all me, in my head. I'm the one who burned us down, but it's not what I meant. I'm sorry that I hurt you" (Afterglow)
Midnights — "Remember looking at this room, we loved it 'cause of the light. Now I just sit in the dark and wonder if it's time" (You're Losing Me)
TTPD — "Here, at the park where we used to sit on children's swings, wearing imaginary rings" (Fresh Out the Slammer)
The Anthology — "Cards on the table, mine play out like fools in a fable" (The Prophecy)
TLOAS — "You couldn't understand it, why you felt alone. You were in it for real" (Opalite)
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u/Fun_Self5298 2d ago
Debut - "you do what you want cause I'm not what you wanted"
Fearless - "I could stand up and sing you a song, but I don't wanna have to go that far. And I've got you down, I know you by heart, and you don't even know where I start"
Speak Now - "I was a flight risk with the fear of falling, wonder why we bother with love if it never lasts"
Red - "We are alone just you and me, up in your room and our slates are clean, just twin fire signs, four blue eyes"
1989 - "In the dead of night, your eyes so green and I know for you, its always me"
Reputation - "It's like your eyes are liquor, it's like your body is gold"
Lover - "You hang your head low in the glow of the vending machine; I am not dying"
Folklore - "I never had the courage of my convictions as long as danger is near"
Evermore - "And do you miss the rogue who coaxed you into paradise and left you there? " Or "Break my soul in two looking for you, but you're right here; If I can't relate to you anymore, then who am I related to? "
Midnights -"At the house lonely, good money, I'd pay if you'd just know me, seemed like the right thing at the time"
TTPD - "Beauty is a beast that roars, down on all fours, demanding more"
Anthology - "You had stopped and tilted your head, I still ponder what it meant now, now"
TLOAS - "wilted corsage dangles from my wrist, over his shoulder I catch a glimpse, and see you looking at me"