Taylor Swift is known for her love songs that have been sung by millions across the world. She is a small turn girl turned into global superstar. Despite her fame, what I most love about Taylor Swift is her lyrical mastery and duality to capture specific human emotions that are relatable for all but hard to compare in simple words. Specifically striking about her artistry is her new album: Red (Taylor’s Version). The re-recording of her fourth album ever released showed her ability to redefine her artistry from her perspective in life now that has grown up more
Nothing New is especially powerful to me through her lyrical choices which express romantic anxieties while uncovering some of the industries treatment of female artists. This song shows a more vulnerable side of Taylor Swift and the reality of her growing up in the public eye, and the pressure on female artists to stay relevant as they age. One line that expresses this sentiment is, “will you still want me when I’m nothing new?” Further, this song uncovers the growing pains of adulthood, and not knowing all the answers.
The first verse goes:
They tell you while you're young
"Girls, go out and have your fun"
Then they hunt and slay the ones who actually do it
Criticize the way you fly
When you're soaring through the sky
Shoot you down and then they sigh
And say, "She looks like she's been through it"
Lord, what will become of me
Once I've lost my novelty?
The first verse goes to explain the struggle of growing up in the public eye, especially as a somewhat modest artists who was known for being a “good girl.” She was told to go out and have fun while she was young, but also criticize young celebrities for partying. They also take down young celebrities when they are successful and try to diminish their accomplishments.
I've had (I've had) too much to drink tonight
But I wonder if they'll miss me once they drive me out
I wake up (wake up) in the middle of the night
And I can feel time moving
How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22?
These lyrics in the Chorus explain the anxieties of aging artists and the changes one faces as the emerge from a teenager at 18 to a 22 year-old out adult in the world after a break-up. To be alone is a scary reality when you think you have everything planned out at a young age and have been forced to grow up quickly because of the industry you work in.
Critics have commented upon Nothing New and touched upon the music industries obsession with young women and their love an ingenuine. This creates a hard-reality for aging artists and fetizishes young females instead of valuing them on their music and talent.
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