VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
October 2023
Embracing Autumn with Taylor Swift
By: Akshaya Ramasamy
Autumn, with its cool and crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the promise of change, has a unique way of captivating our emotions and thoughts like no other season. Who better to provide the perfect soundtrack for the nostalgic feeling of leaves turning fiery shades of maroon and gold than the world-renowned artist, Taylor Swift?
While scouring through all ten of Swift’s albums, I set out to find at least one song per album that embodies the emotions that come with fall. Although some are a bit of a reach, these songs should definitely be in your “Taylor Takes on Fall” playlist.
Starting with the debut album (Taylor Swift), “Teardrops on my Guitar” delves into the theme of unrequited love and longing which can align with the autumn mood.
Next, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) had multiple songs for the fall season, such as “White Horse.” Music often evokes emotions and personal feelings, and for some, “White Horse’s” theme of heartbreak and wistfulness may resonate with the pensive atmosphere of autumn. Another song, “Forever & Always,” has the catchiest melody and is a year-round listen, but any Taylor Swift playlist is empty without it. Another, lesser-known song, “We Were Happy,” also explores themes of heartbreak, but is reminiscent of an autumn state fair.
Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) also has a few songs that fit the autumn vibe, including “Haunted,” “Castles Crumbling,” and “Foolish One.” “Haunted” simply sounds like Halloween, and not just because the song is titled “Haunted.” The melody has a spooky rhythm paired with an eerie tone that aligns with the October mood. “Castles Crumbling” ft. Hayley Williams reminds me of wearing comfy sweaters and drinking pumpkin lattes on a cool Sunday evening, and Williams’ beautiful voice just adds to the feeling. Swift’s voice in the outro of “Foolish One” encapsulates the autumn mood in an inexplicable way, which is why the song is in this list.
Now for the album you all have been waiting for. Red (Taylor’s Version) has some of the most autumnal songs of any album including, “State of Grace,” “Sad Beautiful Tragic,” “Everything Has Changed” (ft. Ed Sheeran), "Better Man,” “I Bet You Think About Me,” (ft. Chris Stapleton), “Run” (ft. Ed Sheeran) and “All Too Well (Ten Minute Version).” I can almost feel the crisp autumn air when listening to these.
I scoured 1989 for an autumn-vibes song, and landed on “Out of the Woods” for its ability to relate to all the change that occurs in fall, whether it’s in school or the natural environment. Reputation is another decidedly not-so-fall-appropriate album, but I have decided to include “Delicate” because of its theme of new beginnings, manifested in fresh, exciting relationships, which is quite common with Homecoming season nearly upon us . For Lover, I chose “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince '' because the lyrics about high school and the challenges that come along with it connect to the events that come during back to school times.
Next, Folklore had a few autumn songs, specifically, “cardigan,” “this is me trying,” and “the lakes.” “cardigan” exudes a cozy and reflective atmosphere that parallels fall. The song “this is me trying” has a melancholic tone and a self-reflective theme, both of which are associated with the season. “the lakes,” which is a bonus track, has introspective lyrics—as many of Swift’s songs do—which is evocative of the emotions many feel during the months of autumn.
Evermore wins with the most autumn songs, including, “willow,” “champagne problems,” “gold rush,” “tolerate it,” “happiness,” “ivy,” “cowboy like me,” and “right where you left me.” The entire album of Evermore is fall, but those songs were the most “autumn-y.”
Lastly, Midnights has “Maroon,” “Snow On The Beach” (ft. Lana Del Ray), “You’re On Your Own Kid,” “Sweet Nothing,” and “Mastermind.” Since this album came out last October, I automatically match this entire album with the season.
In Taylor Swift’s journey as an artist, she has brought a picture of emotions, memories, and moments to each of her songs. Scouring through her discography to provide an autumnal musical journey, I have discovered how Swift’s songs morph to embrace the essence of fall. From “Teardrops on My Guitar” in her debut album to the introspection of “the lakes,” Taylor has created beautiful melodies that encapsulate the spirit of autumn.