Swiftionary

Hidden Messages for 1989

2014-10-27T20:41:00.002-07:00

In each of her album booklets Taylor has included hidden messages utilizing randomly capitalized letters to spell out words within the printed lyrics. Each secret message reveals something pertaining to the subject of that particular track. Tay has kept up the tradition for her first pop album and this time has given us not just random clues, but the whole story.

1989

Welcome To New York: We begin our story in New York
Blank Space: There once was a girl known by every one and no one
Style: Her heart belonged to someone who couldn't stay
Out of the Woods: They loved each other recklessly
All You Had To Do Was Stay: They paid the price
Shake It Off: She danced to forget him
I Wish You Would: He drove past her street each night
Bad Blood: She made friends and enemies
Wildest Dreams: He only saw her in his dreams
How You Get The Girl: Then one day he came back
This Love: Timing is a funny thing
I Know Places: And every one was watching
Clean: She lost him but found herself and somehow that was everything

Source: 1

Welcome to Pop (Culture)

2014-10-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's a new soundtrack to the East Coast-West Coast rivalry.

Remember when Taylor told Rolling Stone that a new track called “Bad Blood” is about a "straight-up enemy?" Majority opinion quickly singled out Katy Perry as the lucky recipient of Swift's "angriest" new tune. The frenemies used to maintain polite communication over Twitter and would even hug at award shows, but everything has changed since three dancers allegedly bailed from the Red tour last year to join Katy's world tour. Swift also told Rolling Stone that “there might have been a personal element to the conflict," which would make sense considering both have dated John Mayer. After the article hit the internet Katy tweeted: “Watch out for the Regina George in sheep’s clothing.” Katy also had dinner with Harry Styles in September raising the stakes to an all out cat (lovers) fight.

Additionally, Taylor appears to have high hopes for her first entirely pop album. Katy's 2010 album Teenage Dream was the second album in history to have five number one singles from one album, the first by a female artist, and I for one think Tay is playing for keeps. After her first single "Shake It Off" debuted at No. 1 she was very clear that "Out of The Woods" was NOT her second single. She notably did not take the same precautions with "Welcome to New York," an anthem that calls to mind Perry's lead single "California Gurls."

Regardless of the fact that I will forever hate the word forevermore Taylor's latest single "Welcome to New York" has become an instant hit. However, Swift's strength has always rested in her lyrical ability to relate to where we are through her portrayal of detail and emotion, if not exact experiences. If we are to believe that this track portrays her life in NYC then we can conclude that all she has been up to is a string of vague generalities and definitely has not taken the subway. On the bright side, while 1989 (out Oct. 27) may not be "boycentric" it appears that the subjects behind the songs will be as pointed as ever.

R.I.P. 2Pac and Biggie.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Hella Good Hair..ry Styles?

2014-10-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

Taylor's playing us.

While she has frequently complained of "mixed signals" from suitors throughout her romantic endeavors, she seems to have no issue giving us whiplash. In her September Rolling Stone interview, she names six tracks, one of which she plans to release on the 13th. While she initially claims that 1989 will not be as "boycentric" as her past albums (which, I admit, would be challenging not to be), four (!) of the six songs mentioned in the article are not only about boys but specifically ex Harry Styles. In fact, one song is even called "Style."

All that aside, to clarify regarding the upcoming release of "Out of the Woods," she tweeted it would be "a new song that I think best represents #1989." Interestingly enough, this "new song" that "best represents 1989" is -- no shock here -- about a boy.

If Taylor is trying to convince us that her new album will take a more mature, realistic, adult approach to relationships or that she does not sound as crazy as usual (a la "The Moment I Knew"), she needn't deny the inclusion of her favorite topic altogether. I mean, I think we would all hope that her philosophy on love has evolved by now.

Nevertheless, the song -- inspired by a snowmobile accident with Styles that somehow the world never found out about -- is co-written by Bleachers's Jack Antonoff and describes a relationship where "every day was a struggle. Forget making plans for life – we were just trying to make it to next week."

The song comes out tomorrow at midnight -- just in time to celebrate Swiftionary's FOURTH ANNIVERSARY!

Thanks for thinking of us, Tay.

Note: The angst in this article stems from bitterness over not being invited to the secret sessions. YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU SCOURED THE INTERNET FOR MONTHS AND DIDN'T FIND US!?!

Sources: 1

Elevator Buttons (and Morning Air)

2014-08-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

A clue! A clue!

While Tay has yet to announce a release date, or title, for her fifth studio album she has made it clear that something is definitely on the way. Speculation is raging since she posted an Instagram video with the caption "So, here's your first clue..."

So, here's your first clue...

What does it mean?
A release date of October 18 (or Tuesday, November 18)? 18 tracks on the new album? 18 days? A new single?

A single on the 18th of this month would make an easy choice for her performance at the VMAs less than a week later...
She will also be performing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival September 19 and 20, where it is said she will be performing "new songs."

Tay also pushes the button a noticeable (but possibly not notable) six times, and we all know when it comes to dropping hints T Swift can be anything but unintentional.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Taylor Teases 2014 Tracks

2013-12-22T22:34:00.001-08:00

2013 has been a big year for Swift and one that she says she is almost reluctant to say goodbye to. Even so Taylor is looking ahead and recently took the opportunity at the American Music Awards to disclose some information about her upcoming album. While she did not specify a date Swift stated that it would be fair to expect something by late 2014, no surprise considering the timed releases of her previous albums. She did, however, emphasize her excitement about the rapid progress on the yet untitled and "ahead of schedule" album having completed seven or eight of the songs that will be included. Swift also expressed that this album would offer a new and different sound that she hopes will be well rounded.

Sources: 1, 2

Everything Has Changed... Again

2013-07-25T13:01:00.001-07:00

Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, currently on tour together, have released a super cute music video for their duet Everything Has Changed and a remix! The video follows two school children's developing friendship who, surprisingly enough, closely resemble younger versions of the two singers. Watch and see what happens!

The new version of the song features an upbeat radio mix similar to the original track and more vocals from Ed. Available on iTunes now!

Sources: 1, 2, 3

WANEGBT With a "Harry" Twist

2013-02-10T23:00:00.000-08:00

Taylor opened the 55th annual Grammy Awards with a theatrical performance of We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together dressed as a ring leader commanding a buzzing circus themed stage. The real buzz, however, came when Tay gave a not so subtle nod to recent ex-boyfriend Harry Styles with her faux British accent. Miss Swift even walked away with an award this year for her work on Safe and Sound and we expect to see a lot more of her next year as her fourth album Red hits the 2014 Grammy Awards.

Sources: 1

Taylor's New Tune

2013-01-29T15:49:00.004-08:00

Since her relatively rapid rise to fame began Taylor Swift has penned plenty of love songs about boyfriends, friends and even some strangers. She has also, however, been the inspiration behind more than one song herself.

After her very public breakup with Joe Jonas in 2008 and the release of her song about the failed relationship (Forever and Always), Joe quickly responded with Jonas brothers song Much Better.

Taylor also released the song Hey Stephen in 2008, written about Stephen Barker Liles of Love and Theft. He had also written a song about Swift called Try and Make it Anyway that was not included on the duo's second album but the band has performed it live.

YouTube star Tyler Ward recorded a song about his love for Tay titled Tyler Swift declaring his love for our favorite country crooner.

Adam Young of Owl City re-recorded Swift's own song Enchanted, with some lyrical modifications, and released on Valentine's day 2011.

Parachute singer Will Anderson released the song White Dress on the band's 2011 album (also including a song called Forever and Always, coincidence?) saying it was written for a "good friend" who was also a "famous singer" after it had been speculated that the two were dating.

There has also been rumors that John Mayer may have responded to Dear John on his latest album in a song called Shadow Days (it also includes a song called Speak For Me, a bit reminiscent of Tay's title for Speak Now.)

Most recently Swift has inspired The Ready Set to write the song For The Better inspired by Tay's tumultuous love life. Including a plethora of references to Taylor's most recent exploits referencing everything from little interruptions (Kanye) to recent heartbreak (Harry.)
Listen to it here

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Haylor's Demise

2013-01-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

It seems Taylor Swift's relationship with Harry Styles has ended just as quickly as it began. After just two months the couple has called it quits upon returning from their most recent vacation to the British Virgin Islands. Speculation began after Taylor ominously tweeted "...'til you put down." on Saturday, quoting lyrics from her latest smash hit IKYWT which fans have speculated may have been written about her first encounter with the One Direction star. The media has blamed the breakup on the musicians busy schedules and an alleged argument last Friday night.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Taylor and Harry's Romantic Holiday

2013-01-01T19:58:00.001-08:00

Swift and her latest boyfriend Harry Styles have been inseparable for almost a month setting off on several romantic getaways together.

Most recently the pair created quite the buzz with their PDA in Times Square after Taylor's performance on Dick Clark’s’ New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest. The couple was photographed kissing and hugging after the ball dropped. One Direction did not perform but Harry made a special trip to the U.S. to support Taylor and even had to reschedule his flight after forgetting his passport when leaving London on December 29. The couple allegedly had special plans to ring in 2013, a year which Taylor has said she is especially excited for.

The couple also spent time skiing at a resort in Utah just days before Christmas with Taylor's best friend Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber.

Taylor and Harry were also spotted together in Los Angeles where Taylor stood by her man while he got a new tattoo, his 25th! Harry and his band performed on the finale of The X-factor and he also took some time off to meet Taylor's mom. Taylor also accompanied Harry to England and spent the week of her 23rd birthday with him there in early December and met his family.

The couple will be able to spend a bit more time together before kicking off their respective tours later this spring.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Red Tour Dates

2012-11-13T08:59:00.003-08:00

Taylor Swift has announced dates for the 2013 Red tour. Her good friend and collaborator Ed Sheeran will also be a part of the tour. There are 58 shows in the U.S. and Canada scheduled so far.

See them all

Tickets go on sale November 16

Hidden Messages for Red

2012-10-22T12:15:00.001-07:00

The hidden messages from the lyric booklet for Red are up!

See them here

Let us know if Tay's clues have changed your minds about the meanings behind any of her new songs

Red in Review

2012-10-17T22:11:00.001-07:00

You can add Taylor Swift before wine and cheese to the list of things that get better with age.

We could try to pretend this is an unbiased review, but in all honesty, we just want to talk about how much we love Red. Click the links for the secrets in the songs!

She opens with State of Grace - a risky move for a song so virtually different than anything she has ever written before. Although the sound is not as instantly addictive as her typical style, she introduces us to a more mature side that proves she will be around for a long time. We can't wait to hear it live!

Although the title track Red lacks lyrical consistency at times, it captures the heart of the album in its sound and theme. It is catchy and recognizably Taylor in nature.

Treacherous is sweet both lyrically and melodically. We li-i-i-ike it.

Taylor goes hard in I Knew You Were Trouble. Her new experiments with her sound on this album are transformational. It's absolutely impossible not to dance (which seems to be a common theme on Red).

All Too Well provides a necessary biography of what really happened between Taylor and Jake. Now all we want to see is a picture of that scarf.

Haters gonna hate. But you know you love 22.

I Almost Do not like this song. Although it is not a favorite, we're sure it will grow on us.

There have been mixed reviews on We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together for months, but if you don't love it by now, at least admit it is undeniably catchy.

Stay Stay Stay is reminiscent of Ours in the best of ways. We wish Taylor wrote more songs like one! All we're missing is the boy it's about.

Snow Patrol basically defines The Last Time. Although it is very different from typical Taylor, it is gorgeous and emotionally charged.

Taylor does her best speed-singing on Holy Ground. The sad-reminicing-of-a-broken-relationship-but-still-dancey-tune screams The Story of Us.

On Sad Beautiful Tragic, Taylor provides us with the perfect song to sob to after the worst of break-ups. We'll add this one to our "Slitting Our Wrists With Swift" playlist.

The Lucky One sums up Taylor's biggest fears. We hope she doesn't worry too much - she's definitely here to stay stay stay.

Ed Sheeran and Swift's sounds mix perfectly on Everything Has Changed, forming the A-Team of songwriting. How Taylor makes stalker-crushes sound so wonderful is beyond us.

Starlight captures sweet young romance through the Kennedy's love story (written before Taylor even had her own). Her voice is magical and certainly enchants us.

Ending the album with Begin Again, Taylor seems to be requesting that we have a second listen...or more. That shouldn't be a problem after such a lovely first date song.

Share your thoughts below!

New Album Leaks

2012-10-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

We are so sorry Taylor!

Red has officially hit the internet and Swifties everywhere are torn between a sense of outrage and anticipation. While we are disappointed to see Taylor's ideal vision for her latest project not come to completion it will continue to be our goal to bring her and our fans the most up to date and accurate information.

"Everything Has Changed" Leaked

2012-10-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Uh oh! Looks like some people just couldn't wait until October 22 to hear Taylor's highly anticipated fourth studio album Red. While it has been reported that the entire album has leaked onto the internet, the song Everything Has Changed, a duet with British singer Ed Sheeran, has spread the fastest. The two wrote the song together and the track has the sound like a friendly acoustic jam session which contrasts with many of Swift's highly polished singles that have already been released off the album. The duet does not disappoint and many fans have been quick to voice their approval of the beautiful, if not expected sound of the first Red collaboration.

"State of Grace" on iTunes now!

2012-10-15T20:47:00.002-07:00

Read our preview post about the song and analyze the lyrics below:

I’m walking fast through the traffic lightsBusy streets and busy livesAnd all we know is touch and goWe are alone with our changing mindsWe fall in love till it hurts or bleeds or fades in time

And I never saw you comingAnd I’ll never be the same

You come around and the armor fallsPierce the room like a cannonballNow all we know... is don't let goWe are alone just you and meUp in your room, and our slates are clean
Just twin fire signs, four blue eyes

So you were never a saintAnd I’ve loved in shades of wrongWe learn to live with the painMosaic broken heartsBut this love is brave and wild

And I never saw you comingAnd I’ll never be the same

This is a state of graceThis is the worthwhile fightLove is a ruthless gameUnless you play it good and rightThese are the hands of fateYou're my Achilles heelThis is the golden age of something good and right and real

And I never saw you comingAnd I’ll never be the sameAnd I never saw you comingAnd I’ll never be the same

This is a state of graceThis is the worthwhile fightLove is a ruthless gameUnless you play it good and right

New Singles Secrets Revealed

2012-10-14T14:45:00.001-07:00

With only one more day before the last Red promotional single, we wanted to announce what we've discovered with the last few songs. Click the links for further explanation!

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Begin Again
I Knew You Were Trouble

We're still working on Red, though we're leaning towards Jake in the John/Jake debate - what do you think?

First "Red" Release

2012-08-13T16:33:00.001-07:00

Taylor's new single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is out today! Buy it on iTunes and be ready for further investigation. :)

Taylor Swift Live Web Chat

2012-08-13T14:48:00.001-07:00

Miss Swift herself just announced via Viddy that she will be playing her first single off the new album during today's highly anticipated YouTube web chat at 7pm ET. Don't miss it!

Clean (1989)

2010-10-13T00:00:00.121-07:00

Hidden Message: She lost him but found herself and somehow that was everything

I Know Places (1989)

2010-10-13T00:00:00.120-07:00

Hidden Message: And everyone was watching

This Love (1989)

2010-10-13T00:00:00.119-07:00

Hidden Message: Timing is a funny thing

How You Get The Girl (1989)

2010-10-13T00:00:00.118-07:00

Hidden Message: Then one day he came back

Wildest Dreams (1989)

2010-10-13T00:00:00.117-07:00

Hidden Message: He only saw her in his dreams

I Wish You Would (1989)

2010-10-13T00:00:00.116-07:00

Hidden Message: He drove past her street each night