Challenging the Misogynistic View of Taylor Swift’s Music

By Caroline Stefanak

Whether you follow the music industry, listen to the radio, or are even remotely present on social media—you know who Taylor Swift is. So commonly, she is referred to as “the pop star who only writes songs about exes.” Although quite a few of Swift’s songs discuss topics of love and her past relationships, that is not her entire discography. Behind all of her songs about relationships that seem to be the biggest standouts in media, Taylor Swift writes songs that explore the themes of empowerment, resilience, self-discovery, and gender equality. 

A lot of people criticize Taylor Swift because of her accomplishments and the overconsumption of her music in the media. Even Jo Koy, host of the 2024 Golden Globes, jokes about her. “The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? At the Golden Globes, we have fewer shots of Taylor Swift,” he says. A lot of her critiques boil down to the simple fact that she is seen through a misogynistic lens in the music industry. Swift is an extremely successful woman in music and just recently landed a spot on Forbes’ Billionaire List. For years, she has been subjected to the unfair double standard within the media and public discourse. While so many male musicians are praised for writing songs about their personal experiences and relationships, Swift has faced criticism and been dismissed for doing just the same.

Swift’s music appeals to such a large and diverse audience of different genders, ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Despite touching the audience throughout all her studio albums, to many, Swift is still just the girl who writes breakup songs. The “Cruel Summer” bridge always heard on the radio that seems to define Swift has labeled her as just a heartbroken woman in music. By recognizing the other themes present in so many of Swift’s songs, we can challenge the misogynistic narrative that seems to define Swift and her career. Taylor Swift is more than just the “girl who writes songs about her exes.”

One of the most recognized songs in her fanbase is “You’re On Your Own, Kid” from her tenth studio album, Midnights. “You’re On Your Own, Kid” tells the story so many young girls and people know all too well—the struggle of growing up. This vulnerable song tackles the idea of self-reflection mixed with the search for friendship and maintaining the societal beauty standards in place. Lyrics like “I hosted parties and starved my body” and “‘Cause there were pages turned, with the bridges burned. / Everything you lose is a step you take” resonate deeply with her listeners. Hearing your favorite artist put such common feelings into words is key to the growth of Swift’s audience. “You’re On Your Own, Kid” is just one of the many songs that discuss topics that challenge the misogynistic perception of her songwriting and presence in the music industry. Another song of Swift’s that tackles the difficulty of growing up is “Never Grow Up” from her album Speak Now. “Never Grow Up” is a fan-favorite, as its nostalgic lyrics and melody remind listeners that they will always carry the younger versions of themselves even as they age. 

Alongside writing about being a younger girl, Taylor Swift writes a few songs about the struggle of being a successful woman in such a judgmental industry. Songs like “The Lucky One,” “The Man,” “Mad Woman,” and “Castles Crumbling” are from different albums in Swift’s discography, but all have a very similar feminist undertone. “The Lucky One” shares the story of the toxicity that arises with fame and her personal struggle with it. “The Man” is another song that stands out in Swift’s top songs, and fights the sexist double standards that exist both within society and the music industry. Taylor Swift released the song as a part of her 2019 album Lover, and it has been a staple in her The Eras Tour lineup ever since. Her lyrics, like “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can / Wonder if I’d get there quicker if I was a man,” are catchy yet tackle such an important topic. Swift writes from a perspective of imagining herself as a man and reflecting on how her career and life would be perceived differently. She nods to the fact that if she were a man in the music industry, she wonders if she would ‘reach the top faster.’ “The Man” even challenges gender stereotypes in her Eras Tour concert performances, as Swift wears a bejeweled blazer to represent the depiction of ‘manlier’ traits. Taylor Swift’s fanbase includes young girls of all ages, but such important lines as that one are key for female representation in music. 

“Mad Woman” switches the narrative ever so slightly and discusses gaslighting and the taboo of female anger. In a society that shames women for expressing their anger and brands them as ‘a bitch,’ “Mad Woman” is a powerful and introspective track on her 2020 album folklore that delves into these stereotypes. Women are so often labeled as ‘crazy’ and ‘hysterical’ when they express their emotions, and the song addresses the frustration felt by women when they are gaslit and marginalized by men and those above them. In most of Taylor Swift’s speeches and media presentations, she discusses the idea that as a woman, you will not always be validated for your success but rather torn down. 

In “Castles Crumbling” from her album Speak Now, Swift confronts the idea of not being accepted by others and being judged. Growing up, young girls battle with the feeling of not being ‘as liked’ as others in school, sports, and other social spaces. Swift’s lyrics in “Castles Crumbling” are thought-provoking: “Used to chant my name / Now they’re screaming that they hate me / Never wanted you to hate me.” Hearing that your favorite pop star also struggles with the same feelings of being an outsider and ‘hated’ can be relatable and reassuring for her audience. 

Another common theme in Swift’s discography is family life and loss. Her songs that concern her family and losing a loved one touch her audience in a way that many other songs don’t. “Ronan” is a song released by Swift in 2012 that is not featured on any of her studio albums but rather a charity single with all the proceeds going to cancer-related charities. “Ronan” is a tribute to Ronan Thompson, who tragically died from a form of childhood cancer at the age of four. Swift had come across this story after reading a blog by Ronan’s mother, Maya Thompson. She was inspired to write this deeply personal song to honor Ronan and raise awareness about childhood cancer. Despite “Ronan” not being featured on any of her albums, it is still one of the most significant songs that showcase her ability to use her platform for meaningful advocacy and portray raw emotion and experience. 

Also addressing the theme of loss is “Bigger Than the Whole Sky” on her Midnights album. The beautiful and emotionally raw ballad features lyrics that touch her listeners, expressing the anguish and sorrow felt by a major loss in life. Taylor Swift also released “Marjorie” in her ninth studio album, evermore, which was released in 2020. This song is a tribute to her grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, who passed away in 2003. She writes of the legacy and impacts her grandmother had on her, reflecting on memories and the lessons she learned from her. Swift sings about the comfort she finds in these memories and explores the theme of grief. “Marjorie” is a comforting song for those who have also experienced the loss of a family member, as Swift conveys feelings and writes reflective lyrics that are not just a tribute to her grandmother but also touching for her audience. Swift’s ability to write with such emotion is amazing in her songs about love and relationships, but it has an even greater impact on her songs about loss and family.

Two of Taylor Swift’s most popular songs are “The Archer” and “This Is Me Trying”, which both reflect on anxiety, insecurity, low self-esteem, regret, and accountability. “The Archer,” from her album Lover, represents themes of self-reflection and growth as she navigates to find herself despite her insecurities. This is considered one of Swift’s most relatable songs, as she writes lines like “Screaming, ‘Who could ever leave me darling? / But who could stay?” and “‘Cause they see right through me.” This song tells the story of the ‘back-and-forth’ that many young girls struggle with as they strive for self-improvement, then find themselves crippled with feelings of inadequacy and doubt. From her eighth studio album folklore is “This Is Me Trying”, another song that dives into these same themes. Throughout the song, Swift battles with self-doubt, yet she is determined to move forward and keep trying. The first line, “I’ve been having a hard time adjusting. / I had the shiniest wheels, now they’re rusting,” is a beautiful opening to a song that is so relatable to so many. “This Is Me Trying” captures the moments of fear of failing and self-doubt, and the turnaround of resilience. Swift’s rawness and emotion in both “This Is Me Trying” and “The Archer” convey a sense of vulnerability that draws her listeners into her personal journey of self-discovery.

Musically, Taylor Swift stands out as a pop artist who is climbing the charts with her catchy hits. Lyrically, she is a woman who writes for her diverse audience, creating lyrics that resonate deeply with her listeners. Like many artists, Taylor Swift’s music has evolved over her long career, reflecting her personal growth and changing perspectives as she ages. Instead of reducing her to the one-dimensional stereotype of “someone who only writes songs about her exes,” it’s important to recognize that Swift is a complex artist with a talent for storytelling. Although many of her bangers are about society-hated exes like Jake Gyllenhaal and John Mayer and less-hated stars like Harry Styles and Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift is a pop star who not only has made her mark but continues to do so daily.