Taylor Swift isn’t just a pop icon; she’s a beacon of inspiration for young women everywhere. Braving the relentless media spotlight from a young age, Swift has clung to her values and owned her identity with zero regrets. She’s turned her spotlight into a sword, slicing through the music industry’s sexism and championing the rights of women and the underrepresented. Here, we spotlight six of Swift’s anthems that are less ‘shake it off’ and more ‘stand tall and proud.’
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” is one of Taylor Swift’s most direct songs. Released during her shift from country to pop, it marked a significant change in her musical expression. This lively pop anthem sees Swift addressing and dismissing the media’s rumors about her with a playful tone. Despite being in her early 20s and facing criticism for her talents, relationships, and musical direction, “Shake It Off” was Swift’s bold response to the negativity, declaring that it wouldn’t affect her spirit.
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22
Taylor Swift has always embraced her true self, even when labeled too youthful or unsophisticated. Her 2012 hit “22” is a peppy anthem that revels in the carefree spirit of youth. No other song in her catalog better represents what it’s like to be young and female. She’s candid about her blunders and the likelihood of more to come. Yet, while some might use this as ammunition for critique, Swift stands firm in her conviction that there’s no shame in being her authentic self. “22” might come off as just another catchy pop tune, but it’s a bold declaration of her value, undiminished by those who might underestimate her.
The Man
Taylor Swift has clapped back at those who dismiss her as just another girl singing about exes, highlighting the sexist undertones of such labels. She’s pointed out that her male counterparts, like Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars, don’t get the same flak for crooning over lost loves. With her 2019 hit “The Man,” Swift throws a spotlight on gender biases, singing about the relentless scrutiny women face at the top of their game. The tune serves as a catchy reality check on the absurd expectations placed on women and a reminder that, in the end, they’re just noise.
You Need to Calm Down
Taylor Swift’s 2019 anthem “You Need to Calm Down” is her playful clapback to the haters who just can’t seem to give it a rest. With zingers like “Control your urges to scream about all the people you hate / ‘Cause shade never made anybody less gay,” it’s a sassy send-up of homophobia and a high-five to self-empowerment. Swift tells the critics to take a seat, making it clear that their bitterness is their problem, not hers. They’re just another speed bump on her road to fabulousness.
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ME
In 2019, Taylor Swift and Brendan Urie of Panic! At the Disco joined forces to create “ME!”—a song critics called superficial and effervescent, which they were going for! It’s a tune that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance, proclaiming that everyone is special in their own way. The music video is a vibrant spectacle that snagged several MTV Video Music Awards. While it may not scream ‘female empowerment,’ it’s a shout-out to embracing your value.
Marjorie
Taylor Swift‘s grandma, Marjorie Finlay, was no stranger to the spotlight, belting out operatic tunes. They shared a special bond, and in 2020, Swift paid tribute with a song titled “marjorie.” The track is a heartfelt nod to Finlay’s wisdom, featuring snippets of her voice, and it’s evident that Finlay was a force to be reckoned with. She instilled in Swift the importance of embracing one’s strength and grace, a lesson encapsulated in the song’s lyrics, which serve as a gentle nudge to stay fierce yet kind—a mantra Swift embodies.
When women claim desire without apology, pop music becomes a site of power — a pattern explored throughout our Sex, Desire, and Power in Pop Music coverage.
