Whether you like it or not, you can’t avoid her; Taylor Swift is everywhere.
At 25, Swift has created an empire that most people twice her age could never dream of. She’s also a pretty polarizing figure. When “Bad Blood” comes on the radio, there’s usually only one of two reactions: squeals of glee or groans of agony. I, of course, am one of the squealers, but I understand that T-Sweezy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But, what I can’t comprehend is the relentless hate and criticism thrown at her.
Even if you cringed the first time you heard “Love Story,” or if the “Wildest Dreams” video makes your blood boil, let’s still give credit where credit is due. Swift is more than just a name on the top 40 charts. She’s a role model for young girls and a true poet.
Swift released her first album when she was 16 years old. I don’t know about you, but when I was 16, learning how to use makeup was the biggest thing I had going on. Debuting an album and launching a career at such a young age is no joke. In fact, many other stars who started their careers at a young age end up crashing during early adulthood. Look at Justin Beiber or Britney Spears, for example. We’ve yet to see a disaster from Swift. Instead, for much of her early career and, even today, she’s branded with a squeaky clean reputation.
That’s not to say that she hasn’t had bumps in the road or never made any mistakes—she has. Take a look at her love life, for example. Swift has had her fair share of heartbreaks, many of which were with some very high-profile men. It’s hard enough trying to navigate the land of love for a normal person, but Swift has to do it under the scrutiny of society. As an artist, she copes the best way she knows how: through her craft, which has caused accusations that she “uses” men in order to write hits. Of course, that isn’t true; her music addresses a wide array of topics. “The Best Day” is a song that pays homage to her mother, “Mean” is about standing up to bullying, “Never Grow Up” reflects on the desire to stay young, “Lucky One” chronicles being eaten away by fame, “Welcome To New York” is a shout out to the city that never sleeps, and “Ronan” was written for a boy who died of cancer.
Swift, like countless celebrities before her, is merely trying to thrive in a lifestyle most of us will never experience. The difference is that she owns up to her missteps and embraces her difficulties. Swift has apologized when offending others either through her work or through her words.
Take the argument she had with Nicki Minaj on Twitter in July. It was Swift who misunderstood and apologized. She’s also forgiven those who have wronged her. Her song “Innocent” addresses the Kanye West fiasco at the 2009 Video Music Awards. She has chosen to define herself rather than have others define her, a sentiment we see in songs like the satirical “Blank Space” and “Shake It Off.” In a society highlighting feuds and meltdowns, breeding judgment and insecurity, it’s refreshing for young people to have a figure who doesn’t necessarily fit that mold. Swift is able to show youth, especially girls, that they can make mistakes and still be successful. They can be different and still proud; they can be talked about and not be defined.
Having said this, it’s easy to see why Swift has such a fantastic fan base, and she doesn’t take that lightly. Swift is infamous for putting her fans first. “Sure,” you might say, “she should put them first. They’re the reason why she’s successful.” Yet, many celebrities don’t see it that way.
Let’s face it, stars are almost always going to have some form of loyal following, whether they acknowledge them or not. We’ve all heard of famous figures refusing photographs or standing up meet-and-greets, and that is well within their right. Swift, however, has approached fans, offering pictures, and even taking the time out to have conversations with people who listen to her music. She purposefully orchestrated a “behind-the-scenes” interactive for her video “Blank Space.” That goes far beyond mere appreciation.
Why does she do all this? Maybe it’s part of expanding her brand. Maybe these aren’t her ideas at all. Maybe this is all just an act, but I highly doubt it. Swift pays attention to her fans because she wants to, because she gains just as much joy from them as they do from her.
If all this weren’t true, I would still protest any shade thrown Swift’s way. Regardless of history, temperament or the type of music you prefer, Swift is one of the best lyricists in the business. As a secondary English education major, words matter to me. They shouldn’t just be thrown together lightly and set to a beat. Music is a form of poetry, after all. Even if she enlists help, Swift does write all her songs, and it’s evident that she labors at her craft. Songs like “All Too Well,” “Back To December” and “Clean,” to name a few, are perfect examples of her command of the English language. They’re lyrics that make you think and wonder while still hitting home. They’re lyrics I wish I had written. Anyone can and should appreciate that.
Swift didn’t just stumble into fame; she worked hard, honing her talents and earning a spot on top. You don’t have to run out and buy “1989.” You don’t have to go to her concerts. You don’t have to be a “Swiftie.” But she deserves the attention she gets, and she’s proven herself adaptable and graceful in a turbulent business. “Long Live” Taylor Swift.
