What's Taylor's Age Again?

Taylor Swift has consistently demonstrated her unmatched prowess in the music industry. Her ability to sell out football stadiums week after week, effortlessly filling them with her charisma, has made her an indomitable force. She even made a Chief’s jersey more famous than a Chief can. Although I have yet to experience the Eras Tour in person, I've been an avid Swifty for years. My children, who were born around the release of 1989 were dancing to Shake It Off when they still hadn’t shaken off diapers. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to witness the tour recording in theaters, and a profound realization dawned on me as I heard these familiar songs seamlessly interwoven - a not-so-invisible string running through Taylor's oeuvre began to unveil itself to me. Taylor, who has been in the spotlight since the age of 14 and has steadily climbed the ladder of fame, appears to have a fascination with age and how it is perceived, particularly in the context of her romantic relationships. This theme is not new, as tabloids and writers have long discussed the age gaps between Taylor and her partners. However, I find myself pondering how these age disparities and her early rise to stardom have left their mark on her.

To be clear, I cannot claim to know Taylor personally, and it would be unfair to make assumptions about her character based solely on her songs. My ethics prohibit me from drawing conclusions about her as an individual. Sorry about that. However, with increasing certainty, I can confirm that these experiences have undeniably influenced her artistry, manifesting in both subtle and overt ways.

Lyrics about Age

I spent a lot of time looking for lyrics about age in Taylor’s songs, and ended up with this table below. I don’t even think this is probably an exhaustive list, and I’m hopeful other Swifties can help supplement this list.

What does it mean?

I think these lyrics generally can be grouped into one of these categories: 

• Naivety
• Relationship Age Gaps
• Growing Up

Naivety (or perceived naivety)

Taylor Swift's discography often serves as a reflective journey, contrasting her current understanding with the perceptions she held in her younger years, especially within the context of her past relationships. Her lyrics frequently reveal a sense of self-criticism, perhaps too severe at times, as she evaluates her younger self through the lens of her now more mature and experienced perspective. This introspection is evident in lines like "I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser," suggesting a continuous struggle to learn from past experiences despite aging. The lyric "When you are young they assume you know nothing" encapsulates a common societal assumption about youth, implying a lack of wisdom or experience purely based on age.

However, this theme of naivety is not one-dimensional. Swift often juxtaposes her youthful innocence with the relative maturity of her partners. The lyric "I'm only 17, I don't know anything" from "betty" poignantly illustrates this disparity. It's not just an acknowledgment of her own youthful inexperience, but also an implicit commentary on how this naivety placed her at a different vantage point compared to her partners. 

Lyrics in this category include things like:

• "I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser"
• "When you are young they assume you know nothing"
• "I'm only 17, I don't know anything"

This contrast between her youth and her partners' relative maturity sets the stage for the exploration of age gaps in relationships. Swift's lyrics, therefore, weave a complex narrative where naivety is not just a function of youth, but also a factor influenced by the dynamics of who she was with – a theme that seamlessly transitions into the intricacies of age differences in romantic relationships. Her songwriting skillfully navigates the nuances of these experiences, offering a rich tapestry of emotional growth and the evolution of self-awareness.

Relationship Age Gaps

Age differences in relationships often bring a unique set of dynamics and challenges, and that’s the category where it is maybe easiest to find Taylor lyrics. The line "Don't you think I was too young to be messed with?" from "Dear John" touches on a core issue in age-disparate relationships: the imbalance of experience and power. When one partner is significantly younger, it can lead to a feeling of being overpowered or manipulated, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with youth. This is further emphasized in lyrics like "You're so much older and wiser and I / I wait by the door like I'm just a kid," where there's a clear acknowledgment of the power dynamic skewed by age. The younger individual is often portrayed as waiting, possibly for validation or direction, from their older, more experienced counterpart. But is that actually what was true for Taylor…or did it only feel like that? 

There's also a fascination and allure often associated with age differences. In lyrics such as "Younger than my exes, but he act like such a man, though" and "And I got a boyfriend, he's older than us" there's an evident attraction towards maturity and experience, which is perceived to come with age. This attraction often stems from a desire for stability, wisdom, or the simple allure of the unknown and the experienced. However, it's not without its complications. 

Being told "If we had been closer in age maybe it would have been fine" was clearly devastating enough to write a 10 minute song about it. Moreover, the plea "Don't call me kid. / Don't call me baby" from "illicit affairs" speaks to a desire for equality and respect in the relationship, which can be compromised by significant age differences - and a power dynamic that might not be justified. These lyrics collectively underline a common thread in relationships with age gaps: the negotiation between admiration for experience and the quest for balanced partnership.

Lyrics in this category include things like:

• “Don't you think I was too young to be messed with?”
• “If we had been closer in age maybe it would have been fine”
• “Younger than my exes but he act like such a man, so”
• "And I got a boyfriend, he's older than us"
• "Don't call me kid. / Don't call me baby"
• "You're so much older and wiser and I / I wait by the door like I'm just a kid"

Growing Up

Taylor Swift's journey in the public eye has been a captivating narrative of growth and transformation. Her album "1989," a nod to her birth year, is more than a title; it's a declaration of her journey, symbolizing the evolution of an artist who has matured in the full glare of the spotlight. Her introduction during her tour, "My name is Taylor, and I was born in 1989," is not just an introduction but a reminder of her journey from a young country singer to a global pop sensation. Swift's trajectory challenges the typical narrative of early fame leading to a tragic downfall. Instead, her career is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

Swift's ability to navigate and thrive through various challenges sets her apart from the conventional "child star" narrative. Her career did not falter during challenging periods; rather, it flourished. The period before the release of "Reputation" is often referred to as her "dark year," yet it became a pivotal point in her career, showcasing her capacity to reinvent herself and emerge stronger. Similarly, during the global upheaval caused by COVID-19, Swift demonstrated remarkable creativity and resilience. She utilized this time to expand her artistic horizons, resulting in critically acclaimed albums that showcased her growth as a songwriter and solidified her position as a versatile and enduring artist. 

Lyrics in this category include things like:

• "You're on your own kid / Always have been"
• "No one wanted to play with me as a little kid / So I've been scheming like a criminal ever since"
• "Fell behind all my classmates and I ended up here"
• "And I damn sure never would've danced with the devil / At nineteen"

Don’t Call me Kid

In the dynamic tapestry of Taylor Swift's career, each chapter has been a testament to her enduring spirit and remarkable ability to evolve. Her journey, marked by milestones and challenges, has been a unique blend of personal and artistic growth. Swift's story is a powerful reminder that maturity and wisdom are not mere functions of age but are shaped by experiences, resilience, and the courage to embrace change. As she continues to navigate the complexities of life and art, her narrative stands as an inspiring example of what it means to grow, not just in years, but in depth and impact. Her music, ever-evolving, resonates with audiences across generations, affirming that in the world of Taylor Swift, the phrase "Don't call me kid" is not just a lyric—it's a declaration of her journey from a talented young artist to a seasoned, influential force in the music industry…and the world stage.