We love writing about music here on the Oracle, but I never thought I, of all people, would one day center a Top 10 around music. Why? I don’t consider myself to be an expert on music, dear readers. I like what I like (pop) and hardly venture past it, which is why I usually write about what I KNOW I’m knowledgeable in — movies. This Top 10 was originally going to be on the best Harry Potter characters. But I decided, why not venture out of my comfort zone?
Taylor Swift is my current number one, and I have a running list in my notes app of her top lyrics that have had an impact on me. But, I realized, I could never narrow it down to just ten lyrics that have had an impact on me. There are so many clever lines, heartbreaking analogies and words of comfort. Taylor is there when you’re feeling betrayed, admired or shy. I could go on and on, but I knew I had to narrow it more.
So, with Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought why not choose lyrics from her love songs? Which leads me to this Top 10: I present to you my Top 10 favorite Taylor Swift in love lyrics, and my interpretation of them.
Feel free to include them in your V-Day playlist.
10) “In the middle of the night, in my dreams / I know I’m gonna be with you” from “…Ready for it?”
I love these lines. I love the idea of escaping in your dreams, but these lyrics take that a step further. They signify someone who is confident in their dreams. As someone who has gotten into manifestation lately, I’ve heard that your dreams are what your subconscious is programmed to believe in. So, if I was to have a dream where I confidently had something I wanted, I would know it would soon manifest into my 3D reality. I like to think Taylor knows that, too.
9) “I only bought this dress so you could take it off” from “Dress”
This lyric is just so sexy and confident. It makes me want to buy dresses that can hang in my closet until someone takes them off. I have nothing else to say about it.
8) “I said no one has to know what we do / his hands are in my hair / his clothes are in my room” from “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)”
Okay, don’t be mad, but I also had to include these lyrics specifically for how hot they are. There is really something alluring about keeping a secret, and getting your hair played with while keeping that secret. These lyrics, and this song in general, represents a fantasy of getting swept off your feet, and going with it, without regard for the consequences. I’m generally a careful person, so maybe that’s why I love the fantasy of throwing caution into the wind and getting out of this town, driving out of the city, away from the crowds.
7) “Now this is an open-shut case / Guess I should’ve known from the look on your face” from “willow”
This lyric is poetic genius because earlier in the song she says “If it was an open-shut case / I never would’ve known from the look on your face.” I like the finality of it, and the reflection that it was there all along. She just didn’t know at the time, but looking back she should have. To me that feels like having faith in the process and trusting your destiny.
6) “I get mystified by how this city screams your name” from “Cornelia Street”
Of all the songs I’ve included here, this one blurs the line between being a love song and a heartbreak song, but this lyric in particular is touching. It really is shocking how much you can find a lover in intangible things, like cities and streets. It’s incredible, or heartbreaking, depending on how you see it.
5) “You can hear it in the silence” from “You Are In Love”
I love this line because I love the idea of hearing something in silence. So much can be said without actually saying anything at all. I also agree with Taylor, when you can sit comfortably in silence with someone without the pressure of communicating, that’s how you know you care about them. Silences don’t need to be awkward.
4) “I don’t wanna look at anything else now that I saw you / I don’t wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you” from “Daylight”
Wow, what an absolutely ethereal set of lyrics. Before we continue, just read that over again. Imagine feeling that way. Love is so powerful. I guess I’m exposing myself as a hopeless romantic here, but the way I view these lines is that once you find that person, nothing is more important to look at or think about. I know there is truth to these lines, and that is a really special thing.
3) “I’m yours to keep / And I’m yours to lose” from “So It Goes…”
These lyrics say that the cards are not in the speaker’s hands anymore. Their person gets to choose how the relationship plays out, whether they stay together or not. I find them impactful because to me these lines scream ‘surrender.’ Stop trying to figure out what’s going to happen. Just lay your cards on the table and whatever happens, happens. I don’t think it’s the best advice for every situation, but there is something romantic about boldly proclaiming your feelings for someone and putting fate into their hands.
2) “Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years? / Can I go where you go? / Can we always be this close?” from “Lover”
Did you think I’d exclude “Lover” from my Taylor Swift in love Top 10? In my opinion, the line “Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?” is something we should all strive for in our partners, or any other special relationship. To me, it means feeling so connected and close to someone that you could have the foundation of a 20 year relationship, yet you still learn and grow from them, so at times you feel like you just met them. I think it’s so important to be with someone that you trust and care for as if you’ve known them for decades, but they still keep you on your toes like it’s a new relationship. “Can I go where you go?” and “Can we always be this close?” are so beautiful, too. It’s true love, and I believe nothing is more precious.
1) “Is this the end of all the endings?” from “King of My Heart”
This is a beautiful lyric to end the Top 10. The end of all the endings. Taylor has been in many crappy situations that haven’t worked out, and left her brokenhearted, but she doesn’t have to face any more goodbyes. It makes me feel hopeful, and gives me something to look forward to.
